Periwinkle is a magic violet. Planting and care, types. Medicinal properties. Photo
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Periwinkle (Vinca) is a perennial plant. The roots and leaves of the plant are very stable and unpretentious, which allows it to remain green even under the snow. This plant has long been considered a special, mysterious flower, so it is shrouded in many mysterious legends and stories.
Periwinkle: photo of flowers
Periwinkle: a description of the "mystical" plant
Numerous confirmations have come down to our time that the periwinkle was used in magical rituals and ceremonies. So, for example, Austrian and German brides used periwinkle wreaths to guess their betrothed, and the Celts in ancient times used this plant to perform magic rituals.
Periwinkle in the flowerbed was widely used by our ancestors. According to legend, if the periwinkle flowers were cut off between the two great church holidays of the Assumption and Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos (by dates - between August 28 and September 21), then the wreaths of such flowers had protective properties - the periwinkles were hung in front of the entrance to the house, in the hallway. Even the very name "periwinkle" is translated from Ukrainian as "beautiful wreath".
Periwinkle: photo of flowers
During the Inquisition, this plant was a kind of "detector". With the help of it, the connection of the accused with witchcraft was determined.
The famous philosopher Rousseau had a great love for periwinkle. Since the glory of J.J. Rousseau was distributed throughout enlightened Europe, then the popularity of this flower also increased many times over. Everyone wanted to go in search of the plant to see the writer's favorite flower with their own eyes. Grateful descendants planted his favorite plants in front of the Rousseau monument in Geneva.
The "magical" properties of periwinkle were not attributed in vain, because this plant can survive no matter what. You can check this by conducting an experiment. It's simple, you just need to put a bouquet of flowers in a container of water. The plant will not wither, even if the water is no longer added to the vase. If, after that, he is planted in open ground, then he will easily seize on this opportunity and take root.
Periwinkle: planting and care in the open field, types of flower
Photo of periwinkle flowers
In total, there are 6 species of this perennial plant. Periwinkle, with green-glossy, opposite leaves, herbaceous plant. Single flowers are located at the base of the leaves.
- Periwinkle large... It reaches a height of no more than 30 cm, homeland is Asia and North Africa. The leaves are fleshy, large, about 5 cm long. The flowering is blue. The plant is hardy, but still worth covering for the winter.
- Periwinkle. This species is more resistant to Russian frosts, native to Asia Minor. The leaves are elongated, rich green hue. They do not disappear in winter. Blooms from May to June. Blossoming is blue. An excellent option for creating rockeries, not afraid to be trampled, does not form bald spots.
- Hairy look. It is found in the forests of the Caucasus, it can bloom for a long time, for a month.
- Herb periwinkle. This species can be found in the Crimea and the Caucasus. He is taller than his fellows, 1 m in height. Does not form a dense coating. The flowers are blue.
Periwinkles are very resistant to adverse conditions, although he himself comes from warm countries. They prefer shade and partial shade, but if they are planted in the open sun, they can easily transfer it.
Planting periwinkle in open ground does not require thorough soil preparation, but it is still better to grow it on nutritious, moist soils.The neighborhood with fruit trees has a beneficial effect. Despite its unpretentiousness, it will not be superfluous to feed periwinkle with various types of fertilizers, for example, compost. The periwinkle plant is resistant to cold winter temperatures, but young shoots can be defeated by early spring frosts. Therefore, it is recommended to cover plants in the first year of life for the winter.
The plant can propagate both by cuttings and by leaves. The ideal time for planting is late summer - early fall. The distance between landings is no more than 30 cm.
The use of periwinkle in landscape design
Periwinkle: photo of flowers in landscape design
Perennial periwinkles are very widely used in the development of a garden landscape. Indeed, this plant can be used in curbs and rockeries.
The grass of variegated periwinkle perfectly covers the ground, not giving way to weeds or other plants. But if periwinkle for design is planted as a finishing touch to conifers or shrubs, then it will not interfere with the development of neighbors at all, it will smoothly bypass them and create an effective coating. Flowers with variegated foliage can serve as an unusual accent in a flower garden, or can create a wonderful background.
Periwinkle: medicinal properties
Photo of periwinkle flowers
The Periwinkle flower came under the scrutiny of official medicine back in the 30s of the 20th century. Academician Orekhov was able to find in periwinkle substances called alkaloids, which, in turn, are able to lower the pressure of blood vessels. In other species of periwinkle, rutin and alkaloids have been found to fight tumors. Until today, a small herbaceous plant is a vital medicine.
Long before scientific medicine, periwinkle received widespread popular use. Most often, periwinkle flowers were used as a hemostatic agent, as well as a medicine for high blood pressure.
