Veronica spikelet or, as it is called spikelet, is widespread in the circle of gardeners. Seeing this plant in someone in the flower garden, immediately there is a desire to plant the same flower in yourself. But how to grow it, what places on the flower beds does he prefer and what is known about him?
Plant description
Veronica spikelet is a perennial and, depending on the variety, can grow from 15 to 60 cm. The stem of the plant is strong, straight and unbranched. It is densely dotted with flowers. At the same time, the roots of Veronica are thin and grow horizontally. The size of the leaflets depends on their location on the stem, the length is from 1.5 - 8.5 cm, and the width is 0.3 - 3 cm. The edges are serrated and serrated.
It blooms with a thick brush, which is narrowed to the top. Its length can be from 5 to 30 cm. Small flowers keep on short, shaggy pedicels. The calyx consists of four oblong lobes of different lengths. Most often, blue or bright blue flowers are found. But the whisk is purple, pink or white.
After flowering, Veronica spica forms rounded capsules with glandular hairs. Smooth, flat-convex ovoid seeds ripen in them. Their length is 0.75 mm and their width is 0.5 mm.
Flowering begins after the 10th of June and lasts about 35 days.
Popular Names
As an ornamental
plant, Veronica spikelet is widespread, therefore, in the people, in different places, it received many names. Often it is called field lamb, field sage, snake grass, St. Andrew’s grass, hanuska, dome, boots, blue.
Decorative qualities
Veronica is a flower that was used in culture back in 1570. Today it is a good decoration in mixborders. But often it is planted like a single flower.
Also in rocky gardens and near the hills Veronica looks good. The flower will bloom magnificently if it is allocated a sunny area. If you want to combine with other plants, then it harmonizes with cloves, saxifrages, Dalmatian geraniums, stonecrops.
Veronica spiky: planting and caring for the plant
You can plant this flower on your site with the help of cuttings or by dividing the bush. Also, the plant grows well from seeds. It is worth noting that the flower can give self-seeding. In open ground, seeds are sown in early autumn, when the earth's temperature is about 15 0 C to a depth of 0.5 cm. Already in the second week there are sprouts. For a plant to ascend and take root, it needs light soil of medium humidity. But many gardeners say that Veronica is not so demanding on the land in which it grows.
A plant grown from seeds can be transplanted to its permanent place, next year in late summer or early September. It is good if it will be a sunny patch or partial shade. A distance of 30-50 cm is recommended between each seedling. Veronica spikelet blooms in the second year after sowing. The overgrown bush can be divided.
The plant does not need winter shelter, because it calmly tolerates frosts in central Russia. Veronica is also drought-resistant, although if rainy days are issued, it tolerates this as well. In spring, the flower is watered only if it is dry outside. Well, if you spend a little mulching near the bushes. Veronica is spiky, varieties above 60 cm need to be tied to a support.
The plant may die from severe waterlogging in winter.
Use in traditional medicine
Veronica spiny is not only a beautiful decorative flower. It has medicinal properties and is popularly used during colds, tuberculosis, bronchitis, diseases of the liver, kidneys, stomach and bladder. Also, this plant relieves rheumatism, menopause, if there are internal bleeding, neurosis, insomnia or with severe fatigue. Some use this variety of veronica for rashes and eczema.
This herb helps during these ailments, as it has anti-inflammatory, wound healing and hemostatic effects. To some extent, spikelet veronica has an antibacterial property.
Collection and harvesting of raw materials
For health reasons, only the aboveground part of the plant is used. You can start harvesting raw materials in July, the collection continues until September. The plant needs to be cut with ground scissors or a sickle. Before drying, the prepared material is removed. Separate yellowed parts and damaged stems. Fresh grass is laid out on a spacious area with a non-thick layer, so that the drying is uniform for both the lower and upper stems.
To prevent decay, plants and fungus to appear, it is recommended to turn the raw materials every day. Fold well dried grass into fabric or paper bags without tamping. The medicinal plant retains its properties for 24 months, after which it loses its value.
Veronica application
On the basis of this plant, you can prepare useful decoctions and infusions. Here are some recipes:
- Take this infusion ½ cup three times a day. For cooking, you need two tablespoons of crushed dry raw materials. Add two cups of steep var (400 ml) and wait two hours. The medicine is ready.
- To make a decoction in an enameled dish, pour a glass of boiling water and put the herb (20 g). This medicine comes in a water bath for 15 minutes. Filter the already cooled drink. But this tool can be used not only internally. If there are rashes, itching, or other skin problems, baths or rinses are done.
Medicinal herbs really can help, but before you start independent phytotherapy it is better to consult a family doctor.