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Dereza vulgaris: ornamental trees and shrubs
Dereza vulgaris is a small shrub that is commonly used as ornamental plantings. It belongs to the nightshade family. Its fruit is often referred to as goji berry. This name came from China, it is these regions that are the birthplace of the plant.
Characteristics of the common wolfberry shrub
This plant can be found not only in Asian countries. It is successfully cultivated in the south of Russia and even in the middle lane. Dereza attracts the attention of gardeners with beautiful, rich flowers, for which it is considered an ornamental shrub.
Dereza vulgaris produces fruits that are used only in dried form.
It has the following distinctive features:
- shoots are thin and flexible, have a gray bark. Their entire surface is covered with small thorns. They grow up to 3,5 m, directed downward;
- lilac or pink flowers have a mild, but pleasant aroma;
- the leaves add decorativeness to the plant – they are dark green on top, the underside has a gray-blue tint. The shape is elongated, pointed;
- fruits of bright red color have an average length of 1,5 cm. They are very juicy, but they are strictly prohibited to use fresh – they contain poisonous components. The harmful effect on the body disappears only after the berries are dried. Fruiting begins 2-3 years after planting;
- the flowering period begins in June and lasts all summer. Fruits appear only in September.
Dried goji fruits contain vitamins, antioxidants, zinc, calcium, iron, phosphorus. They taste sour or salty-sweet.
Ornamental trees and shrubs: varieties of Dereza vulgaris
This plant has several varieties, which differ slightly in external characteristics and adaptability to certain growing conditions:
- Chinese wolfberry. Mid-season variety. A shrub with curly stems covered with fine thorns. Flowering begins in late summer. This variety is notable for its abundance of fruits.
- Russian Dereza. Well adapted to growing in central Russia. It is a low shrub with many branches. It begins to bloom early, flowers may appear in spring.
- “New Bolshoi” (Polish Dereza). An unpretentious variety that is well adapted to unfavorable external conditions – strong winds, gassed air. Differs in fruits unusual for this plant – they are round and larger than those of other varieties.
- Goji Lhasa. A fast-growing variety, one year after planting, fruit can be expected. Suitable for growing in Russia.
The easiest and most common way to plant a shrub is by seeds. They can be found in almost any specialty store.