Butterbur – herbaceous plants for open ground
Butterbur is an open field herb with rounded leaves and unusual inflorescences. The homeland of garden culture is the Far East, and in Russia, in natural conditions, only non-decorative varieties grow. In order for ornamental plant varieties to develop correctly, they need special care.
In Russia, there are only 3 varieties of butterbur, which are of no decorative value. Therefore, the seedlings are brought from abroad – from the Far Eastern countries.
Butterbur has pale pink inflorescences
There are such decorative plant varieties:
- Broad is a perennial crop with a developed root system. Prefers moist soils, grows up to 1,5 m. There are two types – with spotted leaves and with reddish leaves.
- Japanese is a perennial creeping plant. Reaches 45 cm, densely covers the soil, suppressing weeds.
- Hybrid variety – a plant up to 70 cm. Pink flowers grow directly on the stem, the leaves are large, red-green.
All varieties are unpretentious, but require special conditions of detention.
Butterbur plant: maintenance and care
Thickets of plants thrive both in the shade and in the sun, if there is enough moisture. Do not require shelter for the winter. They grow well on poor soil, but on fertile soil they look more attractive and reach their maximum size.
For the correct growth of this culture, it is necessary to provide optimal care:
- Constantly keep under control the emergence of new shoots that can develop from the roots.
- Remove inflorescences after flowering, preventing seed formation.
- Regularly carry out pest control. Leaves eaten by slugs lose their attractiveness.
- Water often, but in moderation, it is better in the evening hours.
When growing a crop in a garden, it should be borne in mind that it acts aggressively towards other plants. Therefore, it should be planted in places where it will bring minimal harm – away from valuable crops.
The plant requires a lot of space and is ideal for decorating large areas. Propagated by segments of rhizomes. It is better to plant in the fall, since spring plantings grow slowly and take root worse
Butterbur will decorate any summer cottage or garden plot. But you need to breed it with caution. Out of control, the plant will quickly turn into a weed that will not be easy to get rid of.