We grow a miraculous plant witch hazel in a summer cottage
In the winter, when most of the plants are dormant, the witch hazel plant puts on a floral outfit. Bare branches are decorated with bright, fiery yellow buds. Against the background of white snow, the shrub resembles a magic fairy from a fairy kingdom. Who would refuse to plant a fascinating natural phenomenon on their site? In addition, it has a number of useful properties that are used in folk medicine. Let's take a closer look at the mysterious culture. But first, let's find out what witch hazel is and how it looks from the outside.
Dazzling Princess Mystery Outfit
The witch hazel plant is also called "witch hazel", "winter flower", "magic nut".
The maximum height of the culture reaches 12 m. The crown is formed by graceful branches covered with green foliage of a dark green color. Plates are up to 15 cm long and 8-9 cm wide. The edges are serrated, the surface is slightly pubescent. They keep on dense petioles. By the beginning of autumn, they acquire a golden hue and gradually fall off. It is during this period that the most interesting phenomenon begins.
On the bare branches, many buds appear, painted in bright yellow. Inside there are purple stamens surrounded by 4 petals. They are shaped like narrow stripes. The maximum length of each plate is about 2 cm. From the side, the flower resembles shaggy insects that have lurked on the dense branches of the plant.
Despite its delicate appearance, the buds perfectly tolerate temperatures as low as -12 ° C. At such moments, the petals twist into a graceful spiral, heading towards the purple stamens. When the weather changes and a thaw sets in, they come back to life again.
The flowering shrub lasts about 2-3 weeks. For this plant is called the king of winter flowers.
The bright colors are being replaced by miniature egg-shaped fruits. They ripen only after 6 months. Full maturity occurs around the beginning of June next year. Inside the nuts are black seeds, which the plant "shoots" in different directions. Some specimens fly away at a distance of 10 m from the bush.
Popular decorative varieties
There are four main types of witch hazel in nature. Later, breeders bred many garden forms that successfully take root in the middle latitudes.
Let's get acquainted with the most popular representatives of culture:
- Diana. An ornamental variety for 20 years grows only up to 3 m. Its buds are of such tones: red, purple, yellow. Matte leaf plates are painted in a deep green color. In autumn, it turns orange or scarlet, which gives the plant a majestic appearance. When the foliage falls, the branches are decorated with colorful garlands of flowers.
- Virginiana. Every year, the variety is decorated with many fragrant bright yellow buds. The shrub grows very slowly. Sometimes the crown of the virgin walnut resembles an elegant tree up to 5 m high.
- Spring.The decorative variety is distinguished by bright yellow inflorescences that hang pompously from the branches of the culture. Its height reaches 4 m. The leaf plates gradually change their color. From a rich green tone, they smoothly turn into orange or red. As a result, the shrub never loses its decorative effect.
- Helena. The variety is one of the most popular garden options. The buds appear in January or February. Refined petals are colored orange. In autumn, the leaf plates briefly turn red. Then they fall, spinning in a farewell waltz to the sound of a gentle breeze.
Witch hazel plant: planting and proper care
In order for a "magic fairy" with bright winter flowers to appear in the garden, you need to take seriously the rules of growing a culture. Let's consider each of them in detail.
A place
The shrub grows wonderfully in spacious and sunny areas. They should be sheltered from the northerly winds, which often blow in the winter. To do this, use outbuildings or a high fence. Ornamental shrub witch hazel is planted next to birch trees to create a light shade. However, sunlight should be able to reach the plant without hindrance all year round.
Priming
Witch hazel prefers a neutral soil that is good for oxygen and moisture.
If there is clay soil on the site, it is fertilized with the following components:
- humus;
- wood ash;
- peat.
Often, the plant is grown in containers that are placed on the territory of the country garden. For the case, use a universal substrate from the store or prepare it yourself. At the bottom of the pot, drainage holes must be made to remove excess liquid.
Landing
The procedure begins with the preparation of the funnel. The classic sizes are suitable, which are used for ornamental shrubs. Fertilizers are added to the soil if necessary. Gravel is laid at the bottom of the pit as drainage. The seedling is carefully placed in a prepared funnel and covered with earth. The top layer is tamped, watered and covered with needles mulch.
Professional care
Competent planting of witch hazel and caring for it make it possible to grow an amazingly beautiful plant in the country.
There are a few simple rules:
- regular moderate watering;
- pruning dry and diseased branches;
- top dressing.
In regions where there are severe winters, witch hazel is made a shelter. To do this, use burlap, which is wrapped around the stem of the culture. When the danger is over, the fabric is removed and you enjoy the amazing flowering of the Virginia walnut.
Young specimens can be attached to a horizontal support or lattice wall after removing the basal trunk. As a result, the plant will begin to curl, which looks very impressive.
Useful properties of "magic" culture
Witch hazel has long been used in folk medicine and cosmetology. For the preparation of potions they took:
- sheet plates;
- branches;
- buds;
- bark.
It is in these "ingredients" that the maximum of useful components is contained. Among other things, they are rich:
- organic acids;
- tannins;
- minerals;
- vitamins;
- essential oils.
The valuable properties of witch hazel directly depend on its chemical composition. The presence of flavonoids helps to strengthen blood vessels. Bioactive compounds promote rapid wound healing. Organic acids and a set of vitamins have a beneficial effect on the immune system.
Traditional healers prepare medicinal potions from the components of the plant. A “drink” consisting of water and witch hazel bark helps with intestinal upset. For 1 liter of liquid, you will need 2 tablespoons of raw materials. Cook it for about 15-20 minutes over medium heat. The cooled "medicine" is filtered through gauze. Drink before meals for 200 g. For external purposes, use a liquid extract of witch's nut, mixed with olive oil.The drug is applied to the affected areas and kept for about 6-8 hours.
With varicose veins, a simple decoction is prepared: a tablespoon of the crushed bark of the plant is poured into a thermos. Pour boiling water over. Insist for about an hour. Strain gently. Moisten gauze and apply to problem areas in the morning and before bedtime.
Inflammatory processes are treated with a decoction made from components:
- dry foliage;
- buds;
- boiling water.
The crushed components are taken one teaspoon at a time. Pour boiling water (1 l). Insist 15 minutes (in a thermos). The resulting liquid is filtered. Divide into 3 parts. Drink before every meal.
Witch hazel plant in cosmetology
The use of witch hazel in cosmetology opened the way to healthy skin and curls. The plant is used in the preparation of shampoo, lotion, tonic cream. The essential oil is used to combat dandruff.
Laboratory-obtained virgin walnut extract is used for such purposes:
- cleansing the skin of the face and neck;
- getting rid of wrinkles;
- treatment of purulent rash;
- neutralizing oily skin.
The amazing witch hazel plant captivated fans of exotic from all over the world with its beauty. Its bloom is pleasing to the eye when the earth rests under a snow cover. A variety of species allows you to create original compositions on the site. Easy planting and care will appeal to even inexperienced gardeners. Medicinal drinks are prepared from the components of witch hazel.