Kupena is an unusually spectacular plant that surprises everyone who sees it for the first time. The elongated oval glossy leaves resemble hosta, the delicate white flowers resemble bells, and the dense thickets of kupena look almost the same as fields of lily of the valley. Thanks to its expressive appearance and unpretentiousness, this forest beauty has firmly settled in our gardens, becoming the favorite of many gardeners.

The plant looks unusually good in flower beds and decorates shady corners of the garden. Snow-white flowers appearing in early summer stand out against the rich greenery. The dark blue berries, which ripen in August, are also attractive.

Among the people, the purchase is often called the seal of King Solomon or simply the Solomon seal. Where this name, which refers to a biblical ruler, came from is not known exactly. According to one version, the thickenings on the roots of the plant resemble a seal; according to another, the cut roots are shaped like the Hebrew alphabet. The official name of the flower is derived from two Greek words translated as “many” and “knee,” which refers to the structure of a long rhizome consisting of a large number of knees or joints.

In Russian provinces, kupena was called differently: wolf's eyes, crow's eyes, raven, wolf's berry, magpie's eyes, gladysh, crane's eye, hellebore, etc.

Kupena is known not only for its beauty. It is both a medicinal and an edible plant.

A mixture of varieties of kupena is used in traditional Chinese medicine to restore energy, increase vitality, and relieve stress. In 1930, German pharmacologist Hedwig Langecker discovered that the plant helps treat diabetes. In Ayurveda, one type of kupena is considered an aphrodisiac and is also used to treat pain, fever, inflammation, allergies and weakness.

The kupena has found even greater use in cooking:

In China and Korea, the leaves, stems and rhizomes are used raw or cooked and served as a side dish for meat or as an accompaniment to rice. The rhizomes are used to make tea and flavor alcoholic beverages. Roots fried with sugar and honey serve as dessert.
In India, kupena is considered a vegetable, and its leaves and young shoots are eaten. Raw sprouts taste similar to asparagus.
Native Americans ground the root of the plant and added it to flour or ate it boiled. Due to its high starch content, kupena root is slightly reminiscent of potatoes.

[!] All parts of the plant, including the fruits, are poisonous. Eating them uncontrollably and raw is prohibited, and treatment must be carried out under the supervision of a doctor.

It is now difficult to name the homeland of the kupena - the culture has spread throughout the world and is found on almost all continents. Most often the plant can be seen in Europe and most of Asia, as well as in the Americas. In Russia, the kupena settled in Siberia, the Far East, the European part and the Caucasus.

Botany classifies the genus Kupena (lat. Polygonatum) to the extensive family of asparagus (lat. Asparagaceae), the subfamily nolinaceae (lat. Nolinoideae). The closest relatives in the plant world are aspidistra, lily of the valley, nolina, butcher's broom and, widely known in indoor floriculture, sansevieria. Previously, the genus was assigned to the abolished family of lilies of the valley and lilies.

The genus includes several species of herbaceous perennials, united by common characteristics: a long horizontal rhizome with traces of dead stems similar to seals, dense erect or drooping shoots, glossy ovate or oval-elliptic leaves and flowers appearing in the axils of the leaves. The flowers can be single or collected in loose inflorescences, and their color is usually snow-white. After flowering, fruits appear in the form of red or blue-black berries containing several seeds.

One of the features of kupena is the presence of rhizomes, horizontal root-like creeping shoots that serve for asexual reproduction of the perennial. The development cycle of a rhizome differs in duration:

Initially, the stem grows underground in a horizontal position. At its end, an apical bud is formed.
After about six months, by mid-summer, the bud turns vertically, but does not germinate.
In the spring of next year, a bud appears on the surface of the earth and a young shoot grows from it. At the same time, a new shoot with an apical bud is formed underground, repeating the entire path.
In autumn, the above-ground part of the kupena dies off, but the underground part remains, providing a new development cycle for the next year.

Types and varieties of kupena

According to the latest data, the genus includes at least 75 species, some of them are used in ornamental gardening.

Kupena two-flowered(lat. Polygonatum biflorum) is sometimes called smooth or magnificent and is confused with the similar-looking Smilacina bony. This species is most often found in the forests of North America.

The plant is distinguished by strong, slightly bending stems of medium height (about 30-40 cm). In the upper part of the shoot there are large glossy leaves of an oval shape with a sharp end. In late spring or early summer, flower stalks with one or more often two white bell-shaped flowers appear from the leaf axils.

Kupena multiflorum(lat. Polygonatum multiflorum), unlike the previous species, is found mainly in the forests of Eurasia. The flower is especially widespread in Great Britain, the countries of northern and central Europe, Russia and Belarus.

This is a fairly large (on average 50 cm, maximum size 90 cm) crop with slightly drooping, leafless stems at the bottom, large elliptical leaves of bright green above and grayish below, and white inflorescences. The inflorescences appear in late spring and consist of several flowers, which is how the species got its name.

K. biflora, K. multiflorum

Kupena fragrant, aromatic, pharmaceutical or medicinal (lat. Polygonatum odoratum) is found in many regions and countries: Great Britain, Russia, Japan, China, etc. This is a tall (up to 85 cm) herbaceous perennial with large alternately arranged leaves and inflorescences collected from 1-3 bell-shaped flowers. The color of the flowers is slightly different - the tips of the petals have a delicate greenish tint.

There are several varieties of fragrant kupena:

Maksimovich (var. maximowiczii) – Japan, Far East.
Fragrant (var. odoratum) – Portugal. Great Britain, Japan, Kamchatka.
Multi-flowered (var. pluriflorum) – Japan, Korea.
Thunberg (var. thunbergii) – Japan, Korea.

This type is most often used in folk medicine.

Kupena Hooker(lat. Polygonatum hookeri) differs from others in its very beautiful soft purple hue of flowers that appear in spring, elongated linear leaves and miniature size. This plant can be seen in the mountains and foothills, in rocky alpine meadows. Bright blooming curtains look unusually decorative against the backdrop of lush greenery.

Bought low or squat (lat. Polygonatum humile) is another representative of compact species. It is found mainly in Siberia, the Far East, as well as China and Japan.

This is a low (up to 30 cm) herbaceous perennial with erect or slightly bending stems, along the entire length of which there are large, rounded and glossy leaves. In late spring or early summer, a peduncle with a single snow-white flower at the end appears from the bases of the middle and lower leaves.

K. fragrant, K. low

Kupena whorled(lat. Polygonatum verticillatum) is a medium-tall (about 45 cm) plant with a strong, straight stem and elongated, pointed at the ends, bright green leaves. Flowering time is early or mid-summer. After flowering, fruits are formed in the form of berries of a rich red hue, which contrast beautifully with the greenery of the leaves and shoots.

Kupena hairy or pubescent (lat. Polygonatum hirtum) is a perennial, reaching 50 cm in height, with drooping, pubescent stems at the top. The leaves are oval and large. In May, flowers appear from the leaf axils.

Often found in the temperate zone of Eurasia, preferring to settle in sparse forests, forest-steppes, mountains and foothills. The species is unpretentious and drought-resistant, which makes it indispensable for cultivation in areas with depleted soil.

K. whorled, K. hairy

Purchased hybrid(lat. Polygonatum × hybridum) is an artificially bred plant, the most popular in ornamental gardening. The hybrid is the result of crossing multi-flowered and fragrant bathhouse. It is characterized by excellent hardiness, rapid growth, resistance to drought and other adverse effects.

This is a large (up to 90 cm) perennial with thickened drooping stems and alternately arranged elliptical leaves. The flowers are white or greenish, on thin long stalks, pleasantly scented.

Numerous varieties are known:

"Striatum" (Striatum) is a variegated (variegated) variety. The leaves of the plant are decorated with green and cream stripes. It stands out for its more compact (no more than 60 cm) dimensions.
"Betberg" (Betberg) - the variety is named after a German village. Interesting with dark brown, brown or purple leaves. Unlike the previous one, it is larger than standard hybrids and can reach a height of more than a meter.
"Wakehurst" (Wakehurst) - soft pink bell-shaped flowers, elongated leaves and burgundy shoots.
"Purple Katie" (Purple Katie) - the leaves and stems of this variety have an unusual purple hue.
"Nanum" (Nanum) is a low-growing variety.
"Variegatum" (Viriegatum) - a group of varieties with a pattern on the leaf blade. The pattern is usually an alternation of light green and dark green stripes.
"Flore Pleno" (Flore Pleno) - large flowers with a white base and greenish ending of the petals.

K. "Wakehurst", K. "Betberg", K. "Striatum", K. "Flore Pleno"

Purchased in landscape design

Kupena looks very impressive in a flower bed, and the variety of species allows you to choose a plant that is suitable in size.

Tall and medium-tall species look great together with hostas, astilbes, (classic combination), compact and ferns. Miniature varieties are good in rocky gardens next to lily of the valley and kandyk.

This crop is great for shaded areas of the garden. Its graceful snow-white flowers stand out brightly against the background of dark greenery, and the foliage remains decorative throughout the season. Kupena looks great in landscape compositions created in a romantic or natural style.

The undoubted advantage of the purchase is its rapid growth. Purchased as a shoot, it grows over the course of several years, without, however, showing aggression towards other crops and without occupying excess space. Varietal kupenas give a slightly smaller increase. Another advantage of the plant is its stability and long life: the curtain can not be replanted for 10-15 years.

Among the disadvantages is the exposure of the lower part of the shoots, which many gardeners do not like. To hide unattractive stems, you can plant low-growing and bushy plants from below.

Growing and caring for kupena

In nature, kupena grows in deciduous and pine forests, among bushes, along river banks, along streams, where there is fertile soil, high humidity, but little sun. For the rapid growth of a forest beauty in the garden, first of all, you need to plant it in the right place in fertile soil, and then actively water the plant.

Location, soil, watering, wintering

The best place for a bath is in shade or partial shade, under the canopy of large trees. This perennial will, of course, survive in the sun, but it will grow and bloom very poorly.

Another important factor in the successful cultivation of kupena is rich humus soil. It should be loose, water- and breathable. Before planting, a little humus should be added to the substrate, and it is advisable to dilute too dense clay soil with clean coarse sand.

[!] Kupena reacts poorly to stagnation of water at the roots, especially during spring floods, so you should not plant the plant in soaking lowlands.

Watering is vital for the kupena during drought; on rainy days, watering can be stopped; natural moisture will be sufficient.

The vast majority of perennial species tolerate frost well. Moreover, kupena grows well even in Siberia, keeping well in winter. In late autumn, all the green above-ground part of the plant dies off, leaving only the roots, from which new young shoots appear the next year.

Reproduction of kupena

In nature, kupena reproduces by rhizomes and seeds; in culture, the first option is preferable. The fact is that perennial seeds quickly lose their viability and also require lengthy stratification, which is not always convenient.

For propagation, you should separate a section of rhizome with an apical bud and plant it again. The rhizome is planted horizontally, as they grow in nature, to a depth of 5-7 cm, and the best time for this procedure is the end of summer or the beginning of autumn.

Diseases and pests

The beautifully flowering kupena is resistant to many diseases and pests. Among the most dangerous infections for her are:

When it comes to flowers, it is very difficult, and sometimes almost impossible, to describe them without special botanical terms so that the interlocutor understands which flower is meant. It's easier to show a photo. However, this is not the case with the purchased one. It is enough to ask your interlocutor to imagine a large lily of the valley. And in fact, kupena comes from the same family and is a typical forest flower, with all the peculiarities of planting, care, growing in open ground and propagation.

Description of the purchase: varieties and varieties

Kupena multicolor belongs to plants of the lily family. Kupena is the owner of a graceful curved stem, on which bright oval green leaves are located in two even rows, and small white flowers bloom in their axils.

There are about 50 species of kupena in nature. Most often you can find 3 of them.

Kupena medicinal

Medicinal purchase. It grows among forests and shady bushes of the northern hemisphere. Does not exceed half a meter in height, blooms in late spring - early summer. The fruits of the medicinal plant have a strong emetic effect.

Kupena fragrant

Fragrant bath. It grows up to 80 cm in height and has bluish-green leaves. The fragrant kupena blooms in mid-May and blooms for 5 weeks. This flower chooses the slopes of low mountains and hills, shady forest thickets and forest clearings as its habitat in nature.

Kupena multiflorum

Kupena multiflorum. This variety is most often planted by gardeners in pots and open ground. Multi-flowered bloom in early summer.

The rhizome of the kupena plant is interesting in its structure. It consists of links, and when last year’s shoot dies, a small area covered with cork remains in its place. In its appearance, it resembles a seal, which gave the coupon its second name, “Solomon’s Seal.” According to legend, King Solomon awarded this flower with his seal for its healing properties. After all, infusions from kupena root are known for their anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects.

Attention. All parts of the product are poisonous.

Planting kupena

Kupena can be planted on any soil, as it is absolutely not demanding. But if you want the plant to look perfect, then it is best to move the cultivation of the kupena into the shade, onto fertile, dense soil. In the sun, the kupena will grow a little worse and look less impressive. When planting in open ground, it is desirable that the groundwater comes close to the surface. Regular watering is needed, but the plant does not tolerate stagnant moisture. Kupena feels best in the shade of trees, forming lush thickets in which even weeds cannot survive.

The plant prefers shady areas

Before planting kupena in open ground, the beds are first prepared. Drainage made of crushed stone or sand is poured into the prepared hole, and compost is added to the soil.

Growing kupena from seeds in garden floriculture is practically never encountered, because pollination of this flower can only occur with the help of long-proboscis bumblebees. Seeds are planted in late autumn, and sprouts appear in the spring, and sometimes even only in the 2nd year. In addition, a plant planted from seeds may lose its maternal characteristics. Such plants begin to bloom only in the 3rd year, and sometimes in the 5th.

Caring for your bath

“Solomon’s Seal” is just a godsend for a garden that you don’t have time to care for.

Kupena does not need care, it grows in the garden as well as in natural conditions

The good thing about growing kupena is that this plant requires virtually no care. Flowers need to be watered only in dry times; in other periods, rainwater and groundwater will suffice. After watering, to avoid crust formation, the plant bushes are mulched. Flower growers advise avoiding loosening, because the rhizomes of the kupena are fragile and are not located too deep, so they can be damaged. The weeds survive only the first two years, then the kupena grows so that the weeds have no chance of survival. For the winter, the kupena does not need to be covered or dug up - it overwinters well in the open ground, and in the spring it will bloom with renewed vigor.

Fertilizer and feeding

If you planted the kupena in fertile soil, then for good development it is enough to apply fertilizer once a year. For this purpose, organic matter (manure or compost) and some mineral fertilizers are added to the soil in the spring. This will be enough for the development and flowering of the kupena.

The crop can be fed with organic fertilizers

Plant propagation

The simplest and most effective way to propagate kupena is division.

The flower can be planted in open ground at any time of the year, but it is best to do this in late summer or early autumn. The planting site must be cleared of weeds and dug to a depth of 25-20 cm. The root of the kupena is geniculate and very fragile, so dividing it is very easy. The cuttings with a bud or stem are planted in the soil to a depth of 8-9 cm. They are placed horizontally.

Young plant

The first couple of years, the growth of the flower will occur slowly, until the root finally takes root, then the kupena will begin to grow intensively. It is recommended to divide the kupena once every 3–4 years, planting the divisions in the same place, otherwise the kupena may crush its neighbors in the garden.

Diseases and pests

Kupena, planting and caring for which does not bring any trouble, is equally pleasing with the almost complete absence of diseases. This flower is also avoided by pests; only sometimes in dry times or in the second half of summer you can find slugs and some caterpillars on its leaves. But this problem is easily solved with the help of Intavir or any other analogues.

Kupena: combination with other plants

Kupena perfectly coexists with other plants that prefer shade and partial shade. She is friends with various types of ferns, hellebores, dicentra.

Kupena in combination with dicentra

Advice. If you do not keep the kupena under control by dividing the rhizome every few years, over time it can grow too actively and will oppress and even crowd out its neighbors in the flower garden.

Purchased in landscape design

The perennial dense ornamental thickets that the kupena forms make it a welcome guest in any garden or flower garden. It will perfectly hide empty, unsightly areas of the garden, making them a secluded, cozy corner. It is also good to buy in the shade of trees, which is why it is often used for landscaping the trunks of garden trees. In a rocky garden or rock garden, a squat kupena will come in very handy. Multi-colored kupena is often used as a vertical accent among low-growing plants (for example, daisies or pansies, asters).

In landscape design, kupena differs from many flowers in that even after it fades, its gracefully curved leaves support the composition in a new color.

Purchased in landscape design

Kupena will serve as an excellent background for irises and daylilies, and in plantings with tulips it will hide the withering of spring bulbs.

Many gardeners advise planting kupena along a hedge of shrubs. As the bushes mature, their lower stems become bare and lose their attractiveness. Tall shoots of kupena will perfectly hide this drawback, growing well in the shade of bushes.

Bought in a flowerbed

Kupena, in addition to all its beauty, also has a lot of useful properties. A decoction of kupena is widely used in the treatment of gastritis and pneumonia, as well as a hemostatic agent. As an external remedy, kupena is often used for bruises, bruises and rheumatic pain. However, remember that you cannot use kupena for medicinal purposes without a doctor’s recommendation. Improper use can lead to poisoning or burns, because kupena is a poisonous plant.

Advice. If there are children on your site, then it is better to plant the kupena in an area where access for children is minimal. Because the poisonous berries of the kupena look very attractive.

If you want to diversify your landscape, but you don’t have time to care for capricious plants, then this purchase is just what you need. Whatever variety of these flowers you choose, it will fit harmoniously into any flower garden. In addition, propagation of kupena will not cause any trouble. And thanks to the amazing ability of kupena to combine with many plants in the garden, you will always have an excellent background for photos. It all depends only on your imagination, inspiration and desire to make yours unique and inimitable.

Properties of the purchased item: video

Kupena multiflora: photo

Description of the purchase: varieties and varieties

There are about 50 species of kupena in nature. Most often you can find 3 of them.

Kupena medicinal

Kupena fragrant

Kupena multiflorum

Kupena multiflorum. This variety is most often planted by gardeners in pots and open ground. Multi-flowered bloom in early summer.

Attention. All parts of the product are poisonous.

Planting kupena

The plant prefers shady areas

Before planting kupena in open ground, the beds are first prepared. Drainage made of crushed stone or sand is poured into the prepared hole, and compost is added to the soil.

Caring for your bath

“Solomon’s Seal” is just a godsend for a garden that you don’t have time to care for.

Kupena does not need care, it grows in the garden as well as in natural conditions

The good thing about growing kupena is that this plant requires virtually no care. It is needed only in dry times; in other periods, rainwater and groundwater will suffice. After watering, to avoid crust formation, the plant bushes are mulched. Flower growers advise avoiding loosening, because the rhizomes of the kupena are fragile and are not located too deep, so they can be damaged. The weeds survive only the first two years, then the kupena grows so that the weeds have no chance of survival. For the winter, the kupena does not need to be covered or dug up - it overwinters well in the open ground, and in the spring it will bloom with renewed vigor.

Fertilizer and feeding

The crop can be fed with organic fertilizers

Plant propagation

The simplest and most effective way to propagate kupena is division.

Young plant

Diseases and pests

Kupena: combination with other plants

Kupena perfectly coexists with other plants that prefer shade and partial shade. She is friends with various types of ferns, hellebores,.

Kupena in combination with dicentra

Advice. If you do not keep the kupena under control by dividing the rhizome every few years, over time it can grow too actively and will oppress and even crowd out its neighbors in the flower garden.

Purchased in landscape design

The perennial dense ornamental thickets that the kupena forms make it a welcome guest in any garden or flower garden. It will perfectly hide empty, unsightly areas of the garden, making them a secluded, cozy corner. It is also good to buy in the shade of trees, which is why it is often used for landscaping the trunks of garden trees. In a rocky garden or rock garden, a squat kupena will come in very handy. Multicolored kupena is often used as a vertical accent among low-growing plants (for example, or,).

In landscape design, kupena differs from many flowers in that even after it fades, its gracefully curved leaves support the composition in a new color.

Purchased in landscape design

Kupena will serve as an excellent background for daylilies, and in plantings it will hide the witheredness of spring bulbs.

Bought in a flowerbed

Advice. If there are children on your site, then it is better to plant the kupena in an area where access for children is minimal. Because the poisonous berries of the kupena look very attractive.

Properties of the purchased item: video

Kupena multiflora: photo

22 Apr

Kupena officinale (Polygonatum officinale)

The medicinal or pharmaceutical flower is a poisonous plant, therefore, when grown from seeds or rhizomes, the plantings are located on the site in such a way that children and animals have access to them. Polygonatum officinale has a lot of useful properties, many of which are described in detail in this material.

Here you can get acquainted with the agricultural technology of the crop. It tells about planting kupena and caring for it in open ground - from the moment of sowing seeds to technical maturity, at which it is possible to collect medicinal raw materials.

Read the description of the kupena flower and look at the numerous photos located on the page:

Description of the medicinal product purchased

Kupena officinale (Polygonatum officinale) is a herbaceous perennial plant up to 60 cm high. Common names: wolf's eyes, wolf's grass, wolf's apples, wolf's berry, wolf's berries, crow's eyes, magpie's eyes, raven, gladysh, crane pods, Solomon's seal, crane grass , kupena-lupena, wild hellebore, hare cabbage, signet, cockerels, tirlich, lily of the valley and other names.

The description should begin with the fact that the medicinal plant (Polygonatum officinale) belongs to the lily family. The stem and rhizome of the plant are knotty, the stem is bent in an arc at the top, the leaves are alternate and facing one direction.

The leaves of the plant are oblong-oval, ovate, green above and bluish-green below. The fruit of the kupena is a bluish-black spherical berry. Kupena flowers are white, bare, drooping, located in the axils of the leaves in 1 or 2 groups. Kupena blooms from May to June.

Kupena grows throughout the European part of Russia and the CIS, in Western and Eastern Siberia. Kupena grows among shrubs in coniferous and deciduous forests.

For the preparation of medicines from kupena, the raw materials are grass (leaves, flowers, stems) and rhizomes. The grass is harvested from May to June, and the rhizomes are harvested in the fall.

The rhizomes of kupena officinalis contain mucilage, starch, ascorbic acid, alkaloids, arabinose, fructose, and glucose. All parts of the drug product contain cardiac glycosides. Vitamin C and glycosides are found in the leaves.

Medicinal properties of the pharmacy product

Traditional medicine uses the medicinal properties of the pharmaceutical product for dropsy, hemorrhoids, colds, rheumatism, lower back pain, edema of various origins, diabetes, hernia, and also as an enveloping, blood purifying, anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, emetic, emollient and expectorant. Fresh leaves of the plant are also used externally, applying them to wounds, and boiled ones - in the form of poultices for bruises.

A decoction and tincture of the rhizomes of kupena are indicated for bronchitis, pneumonia, headaches, inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, peptic ulcers, osteochondrosis, arthritis, heart ailments, and gout. The juice of fresh roots helps remove facial spots and freckles. Just don’t forget about the possibility of skin burns!
Kupena rhizomes infused with 40% alcohol (or vodka) are used in the form of drops for scabs and pimples on the body.
A decoction of the root of kupena officinalis is used externally in the form of lotions, compresses, and washes for bleeding abrasions, bruises, gouty and rheumatic pain.
The plant kupena officinalis can be used to treat acute and chronic gynecological diseases.
Small doses of a decoction of rhizomes are used to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers.
A decoction of the rhizome of kupena helps to resolve bruises. It is also recommended for rheumatism and gout.

However, it must be borne in mind that the kupena plant is poisonous and great care is required when used internally!

Kupena multiflorum or fragrant

Kupena multiflora belongs to the Landyshev family, has a rather modest appearance, but at the same time looks elegant. The Solomon's seal plant prefers shady places. If the flower is planted in an area that is too sunny, its growth may not occur so quickly, and the adult plant will not please you with its splendor. It is recommended to plant the flower under a tree - it will look beautiful as a thicket.

No more than 50 species of kupena are distributed throughout the world, they are mainly concentrated in Asia and Europe. In Russia, 2 main varieties are grown: fragrant or medicinal kupena, used in pharmacology, and multi-flowered kupena, more often used for decorative purposes.

This plant is distinguished by a fairly powerful root system, several erect stems, often located at a slight angle. They sometimes reach a height of 1.3-1.5 m. Wide lanceolate leaves on the stems grow vertically, as a result of which it seems that they are planted on it. And due to the size of the leaf, small tubular flowers looking down from the axils are often not noticed. They have a pale yellow color at the edges, fading towards the center. Some species have petals in cream and pink tones with a terry frame. At the end of flowering, fruits appear on the kupena, which cannot be consumed: they are toxic to humans.

Fragrant kupena belongs to perennial plants, does not reach 70 cm in height: the average value for a bush is 40-60 cm. The length of the leaves ranges from 10 to 14 cm, width - 2-5 cm. On the back side they are rough and matte, with silvery tint, glossy, dark green on the front.

The plant has a branched and long root. There are 1-2 white flowers on the peduncle, which bloom at the end of May. The dark blue berries of the fruit appear at the end of June. In nature, medicinal bath can be found on the edges and between bushes, in coniferous forests.

Soil for growing

Any soil is suitable for the plant, but if you want rapid growth, it is better to give preference to dense, fertile soil. Poor soils inhibit the development of the flower, and it looks sickly. Moist soil works well, but do not allow moisture to stagnate.

Choose a place for planting where the groundwater runs deep. Did you know? The plant received its name “Solomon’s Seal” due to its unique medicinal properties and unusual shape. According to legend, King Solomon awarded the kupena with his seal for the ability to cope with many diseases.

Before planting, it is recommended to fertilize the soil of the bed for growing kupena with mineral fertilizer (15 g per bush) or wood ash. It is worth filling the holes with drainage and adding compost mixed with the top layer of soil.

Planting and care in open ground

Planting kupena and subsequent care in open ground will not require constant monitoring by the gardener. This lily of the valley is one of the types of crops that only need to be planted once and carefully weeded every spring. Then everything happens “of course.”

In the table we consider the types of drainage for growing Kupena in open ground:

Types of drainage	Drainage Features	Types of reproduction Kupena
Perlite	Makes the soil structure porous. Promotes good rooting of root suckers, divisions, cuttings	When propagated by dividing the rhizome
Vermiculite	Absorbs most of the water, and during drought, returns some of the water to the roots.	When transplanting and propagating plants in divisions
Charcoal	Protects the top layer from flooding with water	Used at all stages of plant development
Sand	Prevents water stagnation at the roots	When planting seeds and cuttings of rhizomes
Crushed stone	Promotes the penetration of water into deeper layers, which avoids stagnation of water at the roots	For all types of reproduction

Kupena can be propagated in two ways - by seeds and vegetatively. Let's look at each of them.

Seeds

Not only planting and caring for the multifloral plant can provide you with a beautiful and healthy shrub. It is very important to choose the right method of propagation. The seed method is used quite rarely, since the setting of seed is poor, they quickly lose their germination capacity, and flowering begins only in the third year (and sometimes in the fifth). This method is not used at all for propagating hybrid varieties, since the offspring do not retain maternal characteristics. If you still intend to use this method, you need to plant the seeds in late autumn - early winter. In the best case, seedlings will appear by spring, but more often this happens only in the second year.

Vegetatively

This method is the simplest and most common. The rhizomes have a cranked appearance, they have marks from dead stems, which are called seals. They are necessary to determine the age of the flower. Since the rhizomes are quite fragile, they should be divided carefully. By August - September, renewal buds may already be noticeable. Division is usually performed in early September or early March. This event is not recommended to be carried out more than once every 3 years. In addition to the fact that the flower will be renewed and you will receive new planting material, division will allow you to control the growth of the crop.

Important! The plant is resistant to diseases and pests, but at the end of summer it can be attacked by slugs. To prevent this, be sure to treat the culture with Inta-vir. The sprouts must be planted in holes with a maximum depth of 8 cm, and they must be located horizontally. The distance between seedlings should be at least 20 cm. After planting, mulch must be spread on the soil. During the first few years, the growth of the flower will be slow, but then it will begin to rapidly grow upward.

How to care for a plant

If you want your kupena to always please you with its beautiful appearance, you need to know how to plant and care for it in the open ground. Watering and soil care The plant does not need constant and careful care. Watering should be carried out only during drought; in other periods, the kupena will be fed by rainwater and groundwater. To prevent crust from forming on the ground after watering, it is necessary to mulch the bush. Loosening is not recommended, as you can damage the root system of the plant - it is quite fragile and is located close to the surface. You can only fight weeds for the first few years; after this period, the bushes grow and do not give the weeds a chance to break through.

Fertilizer

If the kupena grows in fertile soil, one fertilizer per year will be enough. Organic fertilizers - manure or compost - are used as top dressing. Mineral fertilizers are also added in small quantities.

Transfer

Kupena reacts negatively to frequent transplants. This plant will feel great in one place for a long time, up to 20 years. If replanting is nevertheless necessary (for example, to obtain seed material), you should not disturb the shrub with obsessive care - gradually it will regain its strength on its own.

Covering the bath for the winter

Kupena multiflorum is a frost-resistant variety, so it does not need to be covered for the winter. If you are still worried about the plant, you can cut the shoots down to 5 cm, and cover the newly planted bushes with a layer of mulch.

Use in landscape design

Kupena is used quite often in landscape design. The plant gives an original fresh look to unsightly areas, creating extraordinary comfort in them.

Kupena forms dense decorative thickets and covers empty and unsightly areas well. Since Kupena is a shade-loving plant, gardeners often plant trees and decorate the tree trunks.

The tall kupena looks good in the central part of the garden plot, for example, in rockeries with flowers such as pansies, daisies, irises and daylilies. Kupena is planted next to plants such as ferns and hellebores in order to protect the plant from sunlight.

Kupena is very popular among designers due to its beautiful spreading appearance: even after flowering, the plant attracts attention. The flower will become an original decoration for a rocky garden and will look harmonious with flowers such as daylilies, hostas, irises, tulips, and forest geraniums. Floral arrangements are also not complete without a purchase - it will fit very well into any bouquet. Once you have read the description of the crop, the features of its propagation and care, it will not be difficult for you to grow a beautiful and unusual plant on your site.

Types for garden cultivation

Kupena is a very popular plant; species for garden cultivation are highly decorative. But not all of them have a set of useful properties. The following types of kupena can be planted in gardens: caring for them in the open ground will not be difficult:

Bought medicinal (pharmacy). Plant height up to half a meter. The leaves are large, located on a faceted stem. The buds are formed on an inclined stem on long stalks. Blooms in May-June.

Kupena multiflorum. The height of the bush is about 100 centimeters. The leaves are oval. Flowers of 5-6 pieces are formed in the axils of the leaves. It blooms throughout June and after flowering produces dark blue berries. The Variegatta variety of this species is particularly decorative, with white stripes at the tips of the leaves.

Kupena is fragrant. The leaves of this species have a bluish tint. There are varieties with crimson bases and veins. The height of the plant is about 80 centimeters. Flowering continues throughout May and the first ten days of June.

Kupena whorled. Plant height is from 30 to 60 centimeters. The leaves are lanceolate, up to 17 centimeters long, with pointed edges, light green. The upper leaves are collected in whorls of 5-8 pieces. The flowers are white, elongated, hanging on long peduncles.
rocky soils. The bush grows no more than 20 centimeters. The leaves are ovate, pubescent below. It produces single shoots, in the axils of the leaves of which white flowers are formed.

Kupena profusely flowering. In nature, it grows in coniferous and deciduous forests among bushes and on shady edges. The height of the plant is about 50 centimeters. The leaves are located on both sides of the stem. They have a lanceolate shape, the leaf length is 9 centimeters. The flowers are small, from 2 to 5 pieces formed on long stalks. After flowering, dark blue berries are left behind.

Kupena Siberian. One of the tallest species, up to 60 centimeters. The leaves are lanceolate or linear, grow in whorls, 8 centimeters in length. Flowers of 2 are formed on bare stalks. The perianth is white, with greenish teeth and slightly pubescent. The berries are red.

Bought pink. Grows in China, Tien Shan, Siberia. The stem of the plant is straight, reddish in color. The leaves are linear-lanceolate, grow in whorls of 5-6 pieces, up to 15 centimeters in length, with slight pubescence. Flowers are formed in the axils of the leaves, 2-4 pieces each. The perianths are pink, lanceolate, with teeth bent outward. At the end of flowering, in June, it produces elongated red berries.

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