Medicinal Plants

by zoe100675, posted in Horticulture

Nearly all plants have some healing properties as they do dangerous. At some point in time, all plants have been used to mend, soothe, emit a sap that will sanitise a sting, burn or irritation.

Chamomile (antitoxidant, antibacterial), rose hip (osteoarthritis, source of vitamin C) and ginger (anti -inflammatory, digestive) all used in teas too and said to have calming affects. Dock leaves (skin disorders), lemon balm (sleep disorders) equally to having soothing qualities. These plants are obvious choices so to give perhaps a mention to other plants often overlooked.

Borago officianlis – borage – an ancient plant but recently been used in ointments amongst other ingredients for the treatment of itchy and irritant skin. A mediterranean herb, it provides pink, blue and white flowers in the summertime. An annual herb, its longevitiy is by self seeding star shaped flowers. It can cope with no maintenance and is self sufficient. Moving the plant is unecessary since it will seed of its own accord other than where it was originally planted. It does prefer more sun than shade but can tolerate partial light. An informal addition to any perennial bed, be mindful that the soil is well drained and air circulating since it is susceptible to fungal infections. This is linked to lack of air and humidity.

Calendula officinalis – a marigold – the flower said to ease swelling from an insect bite or bruising from a fall. It has even been used to relieve fever, throat infections and ulcers. The plant usually flowers late summer through to early autumn. It is hardy but it is an annual and will die after it has flowered. Marigolds need sun but are relatively straightforward with most conditions. The plant might come back randomly if conditions were of neither extreme. Unfortunately, these beautiful shows are usually annihilated by snails, slugs and wet weather.

Tanacetum parthernium – Feverfew has positive neurological qualities. It will ease headaches and more seriously migraines and can provide treatment on a continual basis for sufferers. A summer flowering perennial offers flowers like daisies through this period. However, it is not good with too much moisture, problems can arise if incorrectly planted. The drainage must be improved, as humidity can cause problems. Other planting combinations can help with this.

Achillea millefolium – Yarrow can cause allergic reactions when in contact with skin, moisture and other organic material. It is toxic to a number of animals too. However, it was used as a method to treat open wounds since astringent properties would cause the skin to contract. It induces perspiration too but I don’t why that’s a good thing! A wildflower, supporting beneficial insects, a good informal shrub. However, a mindful eye is needed since it has a tendency to self seed in unwanted places. A full sun aspect is preferred but will tolerate partial shade.

Angelica archangelica – Angelica has digestive properties and used commonly in treatments for women with gynaecological problems. However, strictly speaking not for pregnant women but for hormonal balancing. This plant is good with beneficial insects too. It can be classed as a biennial (after two years) but worth the wait! It does prefer a slightly more shaded aspect though.

Echinacea purpurea – Coneflower has anti-inflammatory properties and used as a treatment for cold symptoms. It improves the bodies immunity to fight the infection and has antitoxidants to protect the body from further stress. It prefers a full bodied, humus rich soil. it will not tolerate a free draining and sandy soil. It does like its moisture.

Marginal Plants

by zoe100675, posted in Flowers, Foliage, Horticulture, Houseplants

We have suggested the notion that most plants don’t like being saturated or sitting in moisture which is true although there are a handful who do. These plants were intended for water and need to be submerged in it. Often known as oxygenating plants, these plants keep unhealthy algae and weeds in abeyance. Certain plants are equally effective in improving the aesthetics of eyesores and providing habitat for aquatic / insect life.

There are cultivated plants you would expect from irises to water lillies although there wild, native (UK) varieties that deserve a mention. Marsh marigolds (Caltha palustris) are clump forming, providing yellow cup shaped flowers from spring to summer. The plant provides a food source to beneficial insects encouraging bio diversity. The plant likes sun but can be found in woodland areas so tolerates partial shade.

Creeping jenny (Lysimachia nummularia “Aurea”) – although this is a ground cover plant it grows on land and in water. Low growing dense foliage providing shelter and coveting undesirable edging. It flowers from June to September providing pollen to bees. It copes very well in moist soil and marsh-like conditions. The plant will filter the water as it floats. It can be invasive but is straighforward to keep under control. The unwanted growth simply pulled out.

Marsh woundwort (Stachys palustris) – a perennial that flowers usually in June to August providing an essential food source. This marginal plant has attractive pink purple flowers that encourage birds and aquatic life too. Its roots sit just under the surface of the water as opposed to being submerged but resilient from damage if disturbed. It usually does well on low, damp ground.

Water hyacinths (Eichhornia crassipes “Lillianes”) are not native to the UK. The plant can be found in C. America/Southern climes and effectively used to purify the water. The resilience to adverse conditions of Ph, temperature and nutrients are why the plant is used. This and attractive flowers and foliage. However, what it is also known for is being particluarly invasive in more ways than one. Above the surface is a impressive show of flowers and foliage. Underwater, the roots are said to damage pumps, liners, filters and potentially wipe out other neighbouring species including wildlife – insect or aquatic. A pause of caution then.

Water lillies (Nymphaea) – although the roots sit underwater, the plant usually requires some growing medium in a submerged basket as opposed to rooting wherever it can. The leaves are built to resist damage and the waxy surface to ensure they’re not over doused in water. A tip is to adhere to the depth requirements as varieties differ and can strongly determine the plants success. These plants will need to be divided at some point. Lillies do have a tendency to become congested in time. An indication can often be if the flower protrudes from the surface.

Irises are a perennial that can survive and thrive in boggy/marsh-like conditions. Others can be semi-aquatic. The Blue flag (Iris versicolour) is an aquatic variety, the Yellow (Iris pseudacorus) can be found near water although will cope with drier conditions. Iris sibirica, a purple variety provides long lasting blooms but usually are found on harder terrain. The plant still needs moisture but not so much wetlands. Flowering times of irises are spring to early summer with beardless ones usually slightly later. All Irises will benefit from division. It will improve the plants performance and health. In flower, do deadhead the plant since this will prolong the blooming period giving it a show for longer.

The Umbrella plant seems to fuse its purpose to both the garden and house. It is used as a pond plant and some care is needed as the plant is developing its roots system, but when established can withstand moist and wet conditions. It can be immersed in water and grown in soil. Cyperus alternifolius, a grass like perennial providing interesting foliage which will die back in winter. It’s not frost hardy, so in a pot needs protection from the elements. It likes a sheltered position, but does need some natural light too. An ideal soil would be wet and humus rich. It can equally be grown indoors as long as these conditions of medium, moisture, space and temperature are adhered to.

Fallen and Unfavoured.

by zoe100675, posted in Horticulture

Gracie Fields’s song “The Biggest Aspidistra in the world” seems to denote the plants vigour and robustness, but this plant has hugely fallen out of favour. Like fashion, trends/sales can differ year to year and peoples attitudes to plants can change and without warning. In the 70’s, Pampas grasses were in full “swing” quite literally, the association to key swapping parties might have contributed to its downfall. Sales plummeted and other ornamental grasses as Miscanthus sought approval and started getting more recognition. In addition to this though, it may have been that someone might have preferred a number of plants other than one, very difficult deviant dominating the whole frontage.

Aspidistra’s were a solid choice in the 19th century. The evergreen is largely a singular green colour although there is a variegated cultivar. A. elatior ‘variegata’ has more about it, though not as common and not sourced as easily. The lighting requirements of it differ aswell to its green relation. The plant can be kept outside but more often it had been used as an indoor plant. The plant copes with low light, if anything it prefers it and can suffer from leaf bleaching from direct exposure. It will tolerate a sudden change in temperature, be resilient to no care, maintenance, irregular watering so it really is quite tough.

Perhaps the plant could be regarded as a bit non-descript or insipid but in Victorian homes it was a feature of any hallway or salon. It can cope in a shaded area and deals quite well with polluted/poor air. The flowers are uncommon and usually not significant enough. They appear at the base and don’t appear very often. The plant that can produce a flower are usually very mature and found in optimum conditions. It is a slow growing plant and will only produce a number of new leaves each year which is why to get an established specimen takes some time. In the unlikely event the plant is too big, too quickly, division will be the method to propagate it. Or if you inherit one, this is the course of action.

Poinsettia is part of the Spurge family, Euphorbia too. The plants couldn’t be more different. One is synonymous with Christmas, the common one generally self seeds everywhere and has to be controlled. One is only popular at Christmas, the other accepted at all times of the year. The reality is Poinsettia are cultivated at Christmas but, with the right care and maintenance they can continue to perform as an effective houseplant the following year. it is a good idea not to over water and the plant is not over-keen on extreme temperature changes. Very hot or very cold. Since they are grown in controlled conditions, it seems when they need to adapt to varying climates i.e. people’s homes, they are not very good at coping with this change. Allow adequate drainage as this will always alleviate overwatering and minimise the risk of root rot. Keep it out of a drafty/exposed spot and ensure it gets plenty of sunlight. It will need some respite in darkness – almost half of the day of natural light and half the latter.

Alchemilla mollis is only unpopular because it seeds and spreads so quickly. Lady’s mantle is a perennial that provides foliage and flowers. Cut them back and possibly achieve another swath. This will also procure new young growth. This plant performs in shade where others wouldn’t. The biggest drawback is that it self seeds and does need dead-heading to control it. It is, however hardy, effective at filling gaps in beds and cracks, so a good choice for ground cover in poor soil.

Ivy is so very invasive. It does provide ground cover and can hide a multitude of sins. There are 12-15 species, some cultivars, so not all wild. However, it is the decimation of other neighbouring plants nearby which puts it into bad repute. It has a devastating effect on unsound brickwork and can compound problems already in situ. Similarly, Hypericum Calycinum (St John wort) won’t behave. It acts as great ground cover but doesn’t stop where it should. Its root system is highly developed and very difficult to eliminate once established. Cotoneaster, an upright and ground cover shrub that is highly resilient, it provides berries, habitat and foliage all year round but can too be seen as a nuisance. Its habit seems to need to be controlled too. Unfortunately, the more virulent the growth of a plant, it seems the more it will waiver in and out of popularity. We want the growth, we just don’t want it all!

Bathroom Plants

by zoe100675, posted in Foliage, Horticulture, Houseplants, Succulents

House plants generally cope with a rise or flunctuation in temperature. Plants recover from excessive heat, lack of light often and can tolerate a week or two of absence/TLC. What they may not be able to tolerate is a constant source of steam, condensation and excessive moisture in the atmosphere. This is why perhaps there are certain plants are suited to the Bathroom and others not.

Often if you replicate the atmosphere of the plants natural environment you can’t go wrong. Plants of a tropical nature obviously prefer a more humid environment. Succulents, fleshy thick stemmed plants that retain water like Houseleeks or Cacti will tolerate some moisture, but tend to rot if over saturated.

Ferns are an ideal choice. The plants within this genus tolerate shade, almost no maintenance and very little care. The humidity has no detrimental effect and more often than not these plants can get soaked on a daily basis.

Platycerium spp (Staghorn fern, Antelope fern). Leathery flat leaves that often droop and hang dependent on the species. Ferns differ from other plants, they multiply by their spores not seeds. Due to the variety of textures that can be had, the lack of flowers is no shortfall. The foliage offers the desired effect. The Staghorn fern will adapt and often thrive with almost no light and moderate moisture. The soil, however, is important and needs to be humus rich. It needs a generous amount of nutrients.

The (Maidenhair fern) Adiantum Spp. is also commonly used because of these characteristics. Unlike the Staghorn it has very delicate fine leaves but copes well in a shady and highly humid location. It does like sun but will show signs of scorching if over faced with direct sunlight. It seems to adapt well in rising or falling tempertaures but not an extreme shift. It will not thank if exposed to a chilly corner or one where its battered by drying winds.

Chlorophytum comosum (Spider Plants) are popular too since they largely suffer no major problems and are generally disease free. There are green/variegated kinds, both are straightforward, require almost no care and are reliable assets in the bathroom. They can cope with over watering but on a sporadic basis. The plant will not thank if too wet, the roots can easily rot.

There are plants that can improve the air quality and absorb certain chemicals in the atmosphere. As a rule, succulents can get over saturated in these conditions. Aloe Vera, however, is one that can be used since they can tolerate humidity and are so easy to look after. The plants demise can often be root rot so don’t over water as a rule and treat rather like a cactus. It will source its own water if needed. Aloe Vera need a substantial amount of light and will only tolerate light and infrequent shade.

Aphelandra Spp. (Zebra Plant) a silver veined plant, tropical in orgin, it prefers a warm moist environment. It will not tolerate going below 20 degrees so can be quite a challenge. It also demands full sunlight and so not suited to a typical bathroom that may not have a window. If its demands are met it will provide the most striking of foliage and blooms yearly. A. aurantiaca – a red flower. A squarrosa – a yellow.

Another plant used that purifies the atmosphere is Sansevieria trifasciata (Mother in Laws Tongue) which will tolerate partial sunlight. It’s habit will ensure it doesn’t encroach on space since its leaves are upright. It has attractive yellow edged leaves. Again, do not overwater. Less is more.

Bromeliads, a number of plants that absorb moisture from the atmosphere and not the soil. The plants can cope with humidity but still need the air to circulate. Bromeliads remove toxins too, but at night time, so combining it with a standard foliage plant will provide your home with 24 hour purification.

Trail/Ground/Creeping Plants

by zoe100675, posted in Flowers, Horticulture, Perennial, Shrubs

Aubretia are small and low growing but their colour makes up for it. A spring flowering trailer. It can also be incorporated in a rockery. It prefers drier conditions so drought tolerant. It is attractive to beneficial insects as a bonus too.

Lobelia is usually a summer flowering annual but they are perennial varieties. These will need some maintenance to prevent them from becoming leggy. The upright type L. ‘Starship scarlett’ will need to be cut back and divided to rejuvenate the plant. The bedding trailier will provide you with a cascade of colour until the 1st frost.

Phlox can be mat forming and upright. A hardy perennial that can be divided or propagated from cuttings. P. paniculata is the most common variety with many cultivars ranging from Oranges, Reds, Pinks and Blues. P. subulata is the variety for ground cover/trailing. The plant flowers from different times of the year. Some early summer through to autumn.

Erodium (Storksbill – related to the Geranium) A hardy variety that provides flowers and distinct foliage, very robust and will offer resilient cover. Erodium x variabile ‘Roseum’/ ‘Bishops form’ – a small alpine on its own, it is clump forming but a cluster of them will create a carpet of colour from the beginning of summer to the end.

Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis) offers pink white flowers in early spring. This plant does prefer a good nutritious base so a humus rich soil is ideal. The whole structure should have some substance. Take note where it is positioned though, its root system being underground but close to the surface. Its storage organ is a Rhizome – it only slightly protrudes. It will not be visible until it resurfaces so digging up can be so easy.

The Serbian Bellflower is excellent cover for the ground, walls and rockeries. C. poscharskyana ‘Blue waterfall’ will provide a trail of colour from early summer to late. It needs little attention and highly effective in encouraging beneficial insects.