At present, probably, there is no such summer resident who would not grow various shrubs or trees on his plot. Some of them are planted just for beauty, but, as a rule, many have useful properties. Viburnum is one of the most common garden plants, which is valued for the healing properties of its berries. In spring, viburnum pleases the eye with beautiful white flowers, and in autumn it is covered with small red berries.
Since ancient times, viburnum (a tree or shrub is a plant, we will learn a little further) was used in folk medicine to treat various diseases. At the same time, not only berries have healing properties, but also bark and leaves. But most of all active phytonutrients are found in edible fruits.
general information
Today, many people are interested in the question of what kind of plant is viburnum, tree or shrub? Kalina belongs to shrubs that are well adapted to the climatic conditions of our country. Berries are a good source of vitamins, especially in winter, and also have excellent healing properties.
Berry ripening occurs in mid-autumn, when other garden crops no longer produce crops. Berries are best eaten when the first frosts come, as they do not become so bitter.
Viburnum red, the beneficial medicinal properties of which have been known for a very long time, has a powerful and branched root system. In the immediate vicinity of the soil surface, a continuous sod forms over time, due to which the bush prevents soil erosion.
The shrub is unpretentious in leaving, so growing it is quite simple, but at the same time you need to have an idea of a few tricks, and also take into account some features. For example, viburnum takes root in moist places, but it is better to plant the plant on dry soils where there is no groundwater.
Viburnum hedge
In rural areas, gardeners plant viburnum around the perimeter of their land. This planting creates a hedge, which during flowering and ripening of berries pleases with its beauty. Therefore, if you want viburnum to grow in your dacha (this is a tree or shrub, we already have an idea), you can use a similar principle of planting.
It is worth noting that viburnum, regardless of the variety, goes well with other garden plants, so with its help you can perfectly decorate your personal plot.
Viburnum vulgaris: general information and useful properties
The berries of this amazing shrub are used in folk medicine to treat various ailments. They are a good source of vitamin C, which is much more in viburnum than in lemons. Eating only 100 grams of these small red berries every day, you will provide yourself with the necessary amount of vitamins and will be much less sick.
In addition, viburnum (a tree or shrub, it is no longer in doubt) contributes to the improvement of the circulatory system. Berries are rich in vitamins C, E, P and K, as well as carotene, so they help strengthen the immune system.
Shrub bark is also widely used in folk medicine. It contains ether-like oils, which, when infused in boiling water, are converted into organic acids and chemical compounds with healing properties.
The use of viburnum contributes to:
- normalization of blood cholesterol;
- stimulates expectoration with bronchitis;
- normalizes blood pressure in various diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- accelerates the treatment of certain diseases of the skin;
- increases the production of bile;
- improves the tone of the uterine muscles;
- improves the general condition for diabetes;
- normalizes the functioning of the digestive system;
- improves the well-being of women during menstruation;
- helps to reduce swelling of the heart and kidneys;
- normalizes blood pressure.
Despite the fact that viburnum (a tree or shrub, we already know) has an impressive amount of healing properties, nevertheless, it is not recommended to use it for people who have low blood pressure, hypercoagulation or individual intolerance to berries.
What varieties exist?
In nature, there are about 200 varieties of this
berry shrub, among which there are those in which the berries may not be red, but another, for example, black. Thanks to the efforts of breeders, today there are varieties with large berries, high yields and excellent healing properties. Let's look at the most common varieties that the vast majority of gardeners grow in their gardens.
Complaint
One of the best varieties that have gained great popularity. Berries have a great taste and unique aroma, and are also rich in a large number of useful elements. From one bush per season, you can collect up to six kilograms of the crop.
Vigorovskaya
Vigorovskaya viburnum, ornamental trees and shrubs will look great on a personal plot. It has a yield of about ten kilograms of fruit. The berries have a bright red color and a perfect round shape. Shrubs will grow up to three meters in height. The berries have a bitter aftertaste, which after processing becomes less pronounced.
Ulgen
This variety differs from the rest in that the ripening period of the berries begins later. The berries are sweet with a slight bitter aftertaste. One bush is able to bring up to eight kilograms of fruit per season, which can be stored for a long period of time.
Taiga rubies
This variety is highly resistant to severe frosts, so it can be grown in regions with harsh climates. Berries have a deep red color. Productivity is at the level of eight kilograms.
Zarnitsa
Another representative of winter-hardy varieties, with a stable yield, which persists for 20 years. The fruits are bright red. During the season, one bush will allow you to collect up to six kilograms of berries.
Pride
Kalina Gordovina (ornamental shrubs and trees and can be used in landscape design) is a widespread variety. Berries have black color and unique taste, for which many gardeners appreciate this variety. In shape, the berries are very similar to common viburnum. The crown of the bush is lush and has the correct shape. The plant can grow up to six meters in height. The flowering period begins in late spring and lasts for several weeks.
Features of planting and care
Any of the above varieties is great for growing in our country, even in regions with a harsh climate. Many varieties with high frost resistance are suitable for cultivation in Siberia.
So, we grow a bush (and not a tree) viburnum in our personal plot. The best time for planting a plant is spring or autumn. In this case, no matter what period you choose, landing is carried out on a similar basis. But in order for the bush to settle down normally in your garden, it is very important to choose a quality planting material. To do this, inspect the shrub for any defects. When buying planting material, it is better to give preference to seedlings aged 2-3 years. If you want to plant several shrubs in the garden, then planting should be done according to the standard principle.
Wells for planting should be about 50 centimeters wide and about 40 cm deep. There is one important nuance here. Only those seedlings should be planted, on the handle of which there are at least three developed buds. Such a plant will quickly take root, and also begin to grow and develop. The bush will begin to bear fruit in about the third year after planting.
Shrub viburnum red (a review of the varieties and description was discussed above) is very easy to care for. Before the onset of winter, it is recommended to feed the plant with manure. If you cannot get it, then you can also use potato peelings, banana skins or used tea leaves. Despite the fact that these are very simple elements, nevertheless they will saturate the earth with mineral substances that are necessary for the normal growth and development of the bush. The use of chemicals is not recommended, since the berries will not be environmentally friendly.
As for watering, given the characteristics of the climate and the average amount of rainfall, the plant feels great without them. But if the summer is too sultry and without rain, then it is still necessary to water it.
Cultivation of viburnum
What is viburnum, shrub or tree, we already know, and also have an idea about the features of planting and caring for this wonderful plant. But how to propagate this shrub? You can do this in several ways, but we will consider the most common of them. To implement it, you will need to tilt the lower branch of the bush, bend it and dig it. If you do this in the spring, then by the fall a root system will form, and the branch can be separated from the main bush and transplanted to a new place.
Harvesting, storage and harvesting
Different varieties ripen in different ways, so you need to start harvesting based on the ripening period of the berries of a particular variety of viburnum. Most often, the berries are completely ready for collection in early or mid-autumn. Brushes with berries are trimmed with garden shears and stored in a freezer. Berries are great for making jam or juice, which have a unique taste and aroma. In addition, the berries can be grated with sugar, placed in airtight containers and used in winter for the preparation of healing tea.
Conclusion
Viburnum (a tree or shrub is a plant, does not have any fundamental significance) is a very common garden crop, which is valued for the high benefit of berries. If we compare viburnum with other fruit and berry plants, then by its useful properties it is almost in first place. Therefore, if you have free space in the garden for planting, then be sure to plant at least one bush of viburnum. It will be not only a good decoration for your personal plot, delighting your eyes with its beauty, but also provide you with a useful crop that will help to overcome many diseases.