Botanical characteristics
Common heather (Calluna vulgaris) belongs to the Veresaceae family. An evergreen shrub with widely branched stems and small triangular leaves that lack a petiole.
Tiny scale-like leaves are arranged in four vertical rows along the branches. This small shrubby plant usually grows less than 50 cm tall.
Common Names: red heather, Scottish heather
Type: broad-leaved evergreen.
Origin: native to Southeast Asia, Europe (i.e. Denmark, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, UK, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland, Belarus, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine, Albania, Bulgaria , Greece, Italy, Romania, Yugoslavia, France, Portugal and Spain), Morocco and Turkey.
Habitat: North America, northern Eurasia, Europe. Naturalized in Finland, New Zealand, Canada, northern USA and Alaska.
Flowering time: from July to September.
Reproduces mainly by seeds.
Sheet
Flower
Mignonette in garden design
Mignonette is suitable for growing in flower beds, in the garden and on the balcony. The plant is planted as a border near the terrace. Planting mignonette near the house, along the path or next to the gazebo will allow you to fully enjoy the luxurious smell.
Companion plants are annuals with red and orange flowers, such as marigolds, salvia, zinnia, and calceolaria. Hybrid varieties with large peduncles of red, copper, and white colors look good in single garden plantings. They rarely have a smell.
Neighborhood with other aromatic plants, such as gillyflowers, should be avoided. The flower grows well as a potted plant and is used for spring forcing.
In the garden
Flower formula
Inflorescences are racemose or umbellate. The inflorescence contains from 5 to 30 flowers. Flowers are small in size. Most often they are collected in one-sided brushes. The pink or pale purple bell-shaped flowers have four petals that form an inflorescence.
Small, bell-shaped (tubular) flowers hang downward (pendant-shaped). Each flower has eight stamens and four tiny petals (about 2 mm long), which are partly united in a short tube, and four large petal sepals (2-4 mm).
The petals and sepals are usually pale purple, although they can sometimes be pink or white.
Popular types
On the territory of Russia, two types of plants are most common: white mignonette and fragrant.
Mignonette fragrant
Fragrant mignonette (Reseda odorata) is the most common annual fragrant crop. The plant's habitat covers the North American continent, the Mediterranean, Asian countries and especially India. In warm climates, mignonette grows as a perennial. In the temperate climate of Russia, this plant is an annual plant.
A fleshy stem with spreading, lateral shoots forms a pyramidal bush 20-40 cm high. The ascending, erect shoots are leafy.
The shape of the leaves is small, elongated. The surface of the leaves is leathery, barely wrinkled. The color varies from light to rich green, depending on the lighting.
Completely unattractive flowers have small buds of 6 corolla petals and 6 sepals. Pyramidal, dense brushes are painted white, pale yellow or green. Their main charm is their rich aroma.
There is a mignonette flower with red flowers, as in the photo.
Among the garden forms that have earned the recognition of gardeners, the following varieties of fragrant mignonette stand out:
- Ambergris is an ancient variety whose inflorescences have a bright aroma and notes of sweetness. The smell is more intense in the evening. An adult bush grows 40-45 cm.
- Khavskaya has strong, ascending stems of medium foliage. A bush up to 45 cm high is formed by about 9 root shoots. The powerful peduncle bears a vertical raceme 23 cm long. It blooms 2 months after sowing in the ground.
- Machete red is a small plant 30 cm high. During the flowering period it is covered with large flowers.
- Victoria with beautiful scarlet and brown inflorescences.
White mignonette
White mignonette (Reseda alba) is considered a tall annual with erect shoots 0.5-1 m tall. The bush has a decorative shape with clear contours. The top of the bush is decorated with large, white tassels. Flowering period: June-September. A characteristic feature of the variety is the intensive growth of flower stalks during the season. Their height reaches 1 m. They have a pleasant aroma and decorative properties.
White
Yellow
A perennial common in the European part of Russia. Tall stems are covered with separate leaves. The inflorescences are painted in a sunny greenish tone.
Chemical composition
The inflorescences of common heather have a fairly diverse chemical composition. The main compounds that make up this plant are carbohydrates, followed by protein, carbon lipids.
It is possible to identify sucrose, fructose and glucose, five organic acids, 26 individual fatty acids and four tocopherol isoforms. As for the composition of the extract, it contains 12 phenolic compounds with a predominance of myricetin-3-O-glucoside and myricetin-O-rhamnoside.
Regarding biologically active effects, the more polar extracts have not only the highest amount of phenolic compounds, but also the strongest antioxidant and antibacterial activity. In contrast, for anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic potential, the most effective extracts were n-hexane and ethyl acetate, respectively.
The antimicrobial activity of phenolic compounds from heather is also significant.
The plant also contains vercetin, arbutrase enzyme, citric and fumaric acids, starch, resins, gum, flavonoids, carotene, potassium compounds, phosphorus, sodium, organic acids, coumarins, steroids
Care at different times of the year
For normal growth and abundant flowering, ornamental varieties of Calunea vulgaris require constant monitoring of soil acidity. If the indicator is violated, then the bushes get sick and die. The danger of losing a plant is aggravated by the fact that after death, the color of the leaves and shoots retains their color for a long time.
Therefore, there is an illusion that everything is fine. When the shoots dry out, it is too late to carry out resuscitation. It is better to carry out maintenance on time, especially since it is simple - watering, fertilizing, mulching and pruning.
Watering and fertilizing
Dry peaty soils are slowly saturated with water, but quickly lose moisture. Therefore, when watering, it is important to ensure that the water wets the root system to its full depth, that is, no less than 20 cm. In the future, you need to ensure that it is kept moist and not allowed to dry out. Heather has a shallow root system that is not capable of going deep to obtain food from the lower layers of the soil.
If the bushes are located in an open sunny place, in addition to watering, they need sprinkling in hot weather
It should be done every evening at sunset. A cold shower not only cools the crown, but washes away dust from it, opening the respiratory pores. Through which air freely penetrates into the tissues, increasing the aeration of the plant.
In addition to spraying and watering, decorative heathers need fertilizing
But, this is not a traditional fertilizer, but a substance that maintains soil acidity. Decorative varieties, like the natural variety, do not require many nutrients. They get everything they need with the help of fungal microorganisms that develop in an environment of pH 4 - 4.5. To maintain the required level, the following substances are added to the soil:
- iron sulfate – 50 g/m2 brings the indicator one notch closer to the neutral mark
- colloidal sulfur 500 g/m2
The indicated dosages bring the indicator closer to the neutral mark by one division.
Also use acids dissolved in 10 liters of water:
- sulfuric acid – H₂SO₄ – 50 g
- lemon – 2 tea
- vinegar 9% – 100 ml
It is better not to use acetic acid; it gives a quick but short-term acidification effect, but destroys fungal mycorrhiza. They try to add vinegar as little as possible when there is no other choice.
It is necessary to regulate the acidity of the soil only after pH control. It is carried out using litmus paper or a special device - an analyzer. Owners of a heather garden will definitely need such a device.
To maintain moisture and acidity, it is better to cover the soil under the heather with a thick layer of coniferous litter.
Mulching
For any variety, mulching is a mandatory procedure. The layer of protective material is determined by the recommendation: “The more, the better.” In the case of heather, it is impossible to overdo it.
Pine bark is a good option for mulching
Mulch not only prevents moisture evaporation, it acidifies the peat substrate and fights weeds.
Although heather has few weed competitors in acidic soil, they are nevertheless dangerous for it, since the root system is located close to the surface of the earth. This is why weeding and loosening are undesirable. Mulch fights weeds; the thicker the layer around the bush, the better for the plant.
The best material for this purpose is coniferous plant residues:
- crushed bark
- wood chips
- sawdust
- rotted pine or spruce needles
Good fit:
- high peat
- heather or fern soil
Mulch will protect the soil from excessive heating and drying out, thereby saving water for irrigation.
Trimming
It is carried out in the spring, when the ground has dried out, and you can approach each bush to examine it after winter. Heathers that have withstood the cold season well do not need to be pruned unless there are dry, broken or suspicious branches.
Pruning is carried out in the spring
It is also not recommended to mix the plants of the first and second years into the crown, after planting, until the young growth is completely strengthened.
Adult and old bushes are shortened so as to cut off the upper part of the shoot with dried flowers. If necessary, remove the living ends to form a beautiful crown.
Autumn pruning is not advisable except for branches cut into bouquets. It is especially not recommended to damage old woody branches. Large mechanical damage can become an entry point for diseases and pests.
Preparing for winter
In the conditions of the middle zone and other regions of the fourth climate zone, heather overwinters without crown cover
But surface roots require mandatory protection. In autumn, the bushes are sprinkled with an additional layer of mulch, at least 10 cm. The effect of hilling the potatoes is obtained.
In particularly harsh winters, it is better to cover the bushes completely. If there is a spruce or pine forest nearby, you can use the old proven method - prepare spruce branches and lay them evenly on the bushes.
Coniferous branches will reliably protect the heather from frost, retaining snow . Condensation does not form under them, as, for example, under plastic film. In the spring, when the pine needles dry out and fall off, they become a natural mulch for the soil.
Those who do not have the opportunity to use spruce branches can use modern covering material. Many gardeners have been successfully using various types of spunbond for a long time.
Its advantage is obvious; specially processed polymer fabric has the following advantages:
- allows air and moisture to pass through well
- increases the temperature inside the shelter
- protects plants from sunburn
Unlike disposable spruce branches, spunbond can be used for several years in a row. Depending on the thickness, its shelf life is determined from 3 to 5 years.
Spunbond is the general name for non-woven polymer material technology. In different countries, manufacturers have assigned the following names to their products:
- Lutrasil
- Agrofibre
- Agrotex
- Agril
- AgroSUF, etc.
The types differ in composition, thickness and width, but do not change their purpose. All are suitable for covering plants for the winter.
To reliably protect the heather from frost, special or homemade supports are installed above the bushes, which are covered with a white protective cloth.
Covering material on frames
Black spunbond is not used for covering; it is intended for weed control.
When installing the frame, you need to ensure that the distance from the crown to the shelter does not exceed 10 cm. Otherwise, the heat will be retained worse. The edges of the spunbond are tightly secured from below with special clamps or sprinkled with earth. In this form, the heather overwinters until spring.
The shelter is removed when the average daily temperature is + 12 C, without sharp fluctuations.
Active ingredients
Heather leaves represent a very promising source of triterpenoids.
Numerous triterpenoids, including ursolic and oleanolic acids, have antitumor and anti-inflammatory properties. A new property of ursolic acid has been described in heather acetone extract that may help explain the plant's anti-inflammatory properties.
The quercetin content may explain the plant's nerve-soothing effect. The aqueous extract has the highest phenol content.
Heather-colored dresses from the Titanic era.
What are the collections of costume museums made of? Of course, from unique items of clothing that clearly characterize their era. And the museum’s special success is the acquisition of the entire wardrobe of a noble lady who lived at that time. For example, the basis of the famous collection of women's costume of the early twentieth century in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London is the clothing of Lady Heather Fairbank , who ordered it from the most prestigious designers of her time Lucile, Mascotte, Redfern, Frederick Bosworth, Russell & Allen, Kate Reily and bought it in department stores Woolland Brothers in Knightsbridge.
Lady Heather Fairbank in a dress from "Lucille"
this dress is on display in the museum
sketch of this dress
Heather was rich, beautiful and had great taste, which is obvious from the photographs of her dresses. They write that she most often ordered dresses in lilac and purple colors - in this way she played on her name “Heather”, which can be translated as “heather” (lilac aniline dye was invented back in the 19th century, which I remind you wrote in post)
Tea coat from Russell & Allen 1915
1910 - 1919 is an amazing time in the history of fashion, the last surge of love for luxury: silk, ribbon embroidery, the finest lace. And a gradual transition to a different silhouette, freeing the woman from the corset. Europe reveled in Diaghilev's ballets, Poiret came up with new styles of coats and dresses, which quickly became fashionable all over the world.
Handkerchiefs, silk, 1908
Hook, Knowles & Co 1910
Alan McAfee 1910-1914
Day dress by Mascotte, 1912
Komisol and petticoat, 1910
Belt from Debenham & Freebody, 1914
Heather's life didn't turn out very well. She never married. This would not be so sad if in those years the fate of women was almost completely independent of men. She grew up wealthy, but due to her father's failed investments, much of her family's fortune was lost. In addition, her father and two of her brothers died when she was only 25 years old.
Lucile, 1912. Semi-mourning. In those years, it was clearly regulated what color of dress a woman should wear at different times of mourning. For example, this dress, although made of black crepe, has a light trim.
John Redfern, semi-mourning dress. 1913 Redfern's couture house on Conduit Street was one of the most popular couturiers of the Edwardian period.
Russell & Allen, 1913
In 1921, her wardrobe was packed into suitcases and put into storage, where it remained for the next 35 years. In 1960, the Victoria and Albert Museum acquired over 100 items from this wardrobe, which now form the core of its collection of 20th century costume.
By the way, it was Lady Heather's wardrobe that was inspired by the costume designer for the first two seasons of Downton Abbey, Suzanne Buxton.
Source
Indications for use
Heather has a long history of medicinal use in folk medicine. In particular, it is a good urinary antiseptic and diuretic, disinfecting the urinary tract and slightly increasing urine production. This is why the plant is traditionally used to treat urinary tract infections and inflammatory diseases.
Heather is used in ethnopharmacology as an antiseptic, antibacterial, choleretic, diuretic, expectorant, antirheumatic and anti-inflammatory agent. Several studies have revealed the antioxidant, antitumor and anti-inflammatory properties of heather extract.
Previous studies have shown the activity of heather in the treatment of inflammatory diseases and wounds in Swedish folk medicine. A large number of plant species are used in Danish folk medicine to treat depression and anxiety.
Flowering shoots are antiseptic, astringent, choleretic, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, mildly sedative and vasoconstrictor.
The plant is often collected and made into liniment to treat rheumatism and arthritis, while a hot poultice is a traditional remedy for chills. Always seek the advice of a professional before using a plant for medicinal purposes.
Rules for color combinations.
To look stylish and fashionable, you need to follow several rules. Using them you can achieve an attractive appearance.
For example, if in creating your image you have given preference to one color, then you definitely need to dilute it with something; it is better to use bright, contrasting accessories.
The three-color rule states that clothing cannot be combined in more than three colors. If your image contains more than three colors, then your image is overloaded and can irritate people around you.
Features of common heather
Because common heather produces a persistent layer of leaf litter, the area where it grows is often virtually devoid of other plant species. This ability to dominate and crowd out root vegetation leads to severe loss of biodiversity and reduced habitat available to native animals. It can colonize up to 1500 m² and is therefore considered a serious threat to the ecosystem.
This is of great concern in many countries where heather covers approximately 6,000 square kilometers. In Tongariro National Park it is the most common exotic weed species and competes with a wide range of native plants.
This is also a concern along the Atlantic coast of North America (Quebec, New Jersey). Because it grows in alpine and subalpine grasslands, heather also has the potential to reduce highland grassland productivity if it becomes widely naturalized in south-eastern Australia.
What color goes with heather? Here are the hottest trends!
What other colors can be mixed with a shade of heather? You have many possibilities. But first of all, let's list the classic proposals, because they will always turn out to be an appropriate and fashionable choice. Feel free to combine light purple clothes with fabrics of white, beige, cream, gray or black. Heather will also do well in the company of deep and muted colors such as deep purple, chocolate, burgundy or dark green . Or maybe you like stylization, full of romance and grace? Mix heather with pastel tones. A sensational mixture here will be a duet of heather with powdery pink, pastel green, blue or soft yellow. You can also choose expressive and bold colors - magenta, orange or mustard. A heather monolook, which can be composed of a shirt with voluminous sleeves, a pleated skirt, loafers and a shopping bag, will also be a fashionable proposal All, of course, in shades of heather. This style will definitely attract many admiring glances and prove that you are well versed in fashion trends.
Main types and varieties of plants
There are several varieties of heather.
Green foliage variety
'Winter Chocolate' is a low-growing shrub that begins with yellow foliage in the spring that turns green and orange in the summer and brown in the fall and winter. Small lavender-colored flowers bloom from summer until fall.
Variety with white flowers and green leaves
Heather variety "Alpina" is a medium-sized evergreen shrub: up to 2 m in height, with bright green foliage. This variety has small, fragrant white flowers.
Variety with silver foliage
Silver-leaved heather is a large shrub (up to 2 m tall) with relatively small (3-5 mm long) white or pale pink flowers that turn brown as they age. Its elongated leaves (3-7 mm long and less than 1 mm wide) appear in inflorescences of three or four pieces.
Green foliage variety
Variety with white flowers and green leaves
Variety with silver foliage
Variety with golden foliage
Heather 'George Hunt' is a plant with luxurious golden yellow foliage. Height up to 1.5 m. Fragrant, white flowers open from pink buds from late winter to mid-spring.
Variety with double flowers
Originally from England, where it was bred in 1935. The height of this spherical shrub is from 30 to 40 centimeters. The most important feature of this variety is the double lush flowers, which are collected in a huge number of inflorescences. This variety grows well in areas with sufficient light and moderate humidity. It practically does not tolerate excessive watering.
Variety with unopened flowers
An interesting option are plants that allow the flower to remain in the shape of a bud and never open. This variant has been used by breeders (Garden Girls™) to produce numerous forms with white ("Klaudine"), pink, purple and red ("Athene") buds. Because the flowers do not open and cannot be pollinated (do not attract bees), they retain their color for a long period, often into early winter.
Variety with golden foliage
Variety with double flowers
Variety with unopened flowers
Lilac color in the interior
Hello dear users of the studyas.com interior design school! Today we will talk to you about the lilac color in interior design. But before we begin our lesson about the color lilac in interior design, it is worthwhile to clarify the confusion that has arisen with the definition of this color. Lilac in Romance languages means “lila”, so this word came to us as “lilac”. However, “lilac” began to be called the coldest shade of a light blue-violet color.
Nowadays, it is increasingly given the definition of “lavender”, and originating from the German language “lilac”, is used to denote a light shade of pink-violet.
So, lilac is a light blue-violet color. In other words, it is a bleached shade of purple. It can easily be classified as a pastel color. It is also a cool color, so it is most suitable for rooms with a southern orientation if used as the main wall color. Lilac, like other colors, is rich in various shades.
For interior design, lilac is a fairly traditional color. Since the Baroque era, it has been used quite often in interior design and decoration. However, the lilac color was left aside throughout the 20th century. Various rich colors were fashionable in the interior at that time, so the most delicate lilac was on the list of irrelevant ones. But today the time has come for minimalist interiors with their characteristic coldness and spaciousness, and it has justifiably regained its former popularity. And when retro and vintage became trendy, lilac completely strengthened its stable position in design and interior decoration.
And with the passage of time, we can confidently conclude that with the help of lilac color, mainly two types of interiors are now decorated - ultra-modern and interiors with obvious vintage or classic elements. At the same time, basically, lilac color in the interior can be used in two main cases: as the main color of the walls
and as an accent for details and accessories.
Also, its proper use very much depends on the style of the interior. And first, let's look at the interiors, where classical motifs and elements dominate the decor. Lilac is extremely popular in these interiors even today and is used in all its tonal diversity.
Combinations of lilac with milky, cream, and ecru (light beige) are very popular. A small part of light gold or silver, a little gray and pink. In this case, the calculation is made on the impression of lightness and softness. But no matter how beautiful lilac is, it is still cold, and this does not allow it to be very cozy.
If you want and need to add more coziness to an interior made in lilac color, generously add various fluffy, velvet and silky textiles to it. Also, it is better to select lamps and lamps for this interior with lampshades in a warm shade of pink. If you want to introduce gray, again, give preference to warm shades. At the same time, do not include obviously warm and rich colors in the interior - orange, red, red. Because here they will look sharp.
When deciding on the color of the bedroom walls, before choosing lilac (or purple), make sure that warm colors are the least attractive to you. But if gentle, light combinations - a captivating combination of white and blue, light purple - invariably attract and deliver exceptionally pleasant feelings - then this color is for you.
Light golden honey, soft cream, bamboo and light linen shades harmonize well with lavender and lilac shades. Also all shades of water color that can transform the interior into a mysterious intangible space.
Now let's turn our attention to vintage interiors, more intricate in their design. In vintage style interiors, in most cases a pastel lilac color scheme is used. This amazingly delicate color harmonizes perfectly with other pastel shades - light gray-green, whitish-pink, blue, light yellow, light green.
Unpretentious guest
Heather is very easy to grow and care for. It reproduces well and quickly conquers neighboring territories. Also, this plant does not require frequent watering. Sometimes it is necessary to control the acidity of the soil.
Growing on site
Common heather flowers are grouped into umbels and bloom from autumn to winter. This perennial plant usually covers surfaces well enough to look pretty, and its fluffy appearance and abundant flowers are sure to be a wonderful addition to your garden.
Although it blooms for over 5 months of the year, common heather requires little care and adapts equally well to rocks, edges and mounds, as well as garden boxes.
Balconies and terraces are ideal places for this plant because growing in pots is ideal and its low maintenance requirements make it easy to care for.
Heather in pots
What time does disembarkation take place?
With careful planning, heather flowering can occur from June to November. Heather can be planted at any time of year when the soil is workable, in an area that receives a minimum of 4-6 hours of full sun each day, except in hot summer regions. Lack of sunlight will result in poor growth.
Planting heather in open ground
Before planting, mix a generous amount of peat moss, compost or other organic material (no manure) into well-drained, sandy or gritty soil. Heathers are acidic soil plants.
Check and adjust soil acidity to maintain a pH of 4.5-6.0. Heather needs light sandy soil enriched with organic matter. Plant your heather so that the root ball is at the same soil level as it grew.
Growing
Seedling care
Unfortunately, despite its obvious appeal, Scottish heather is difficult to grow in the south. This attractive plant grows best where conditions are not too hot, not too cold, not too dry and not too wet, and should be grown in highly acidic, sandy or peaty, well-drained soil that is low in nutrients.
You can supplement the soil with organic matter, but do not fertilize. Avoid growing close to the plant as this may damage the small roots. Mulch thoroughly to help cool the soil and retain moisture.
Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. Heather plants require little or no fertilizer, but if the foliage turns pale or flowering declines, it is necessary to feed them in late winter or late spring using an acid or rhododendron fertilizer.
Heather in open ground does not need feeding if conditions are acidic. If the soil becomes too alkaline, yellowing of the foliage may occur. In this case, feed with acid fertilizer in late March or early April. Fertilizer should be applied around the drip line.
After fertilizing, the plant should be watered abundantly.
Heathers should be pruned by cutting off spent flower spines immediately after they have finished blooming, except for late autumn and winter bloomers, which should be trimmed in early spring.
For the first two or three years after planting, prune the stem back by two-thirds. Heather is a shallow rooted plant so always take care when growing and weeding around it.
Pruning heather
Pests and diseases
Soggy soil can lead to root and stem rot or fungal diseases of heather. Heathers can suffer from Phytophthora root rot, especially in warmer climates. This plant is a favorite treat of deer and rabbits.
Heather propagation
Common heather reproduces mainly by seeds, which can remain viable for a long period (i.e. up to 100 years). Vegetative propagation can also occur through a process known as debranching, where branches, when in contact with the soil, take root and form new plants.
Seeds are spread by wind and by vehicles, animals or pedestrians that come into contact with the plants. Heather plants can be propagated from cuttings taken in early summer.
Heathers are self-layering and root wherever their stems are in contact with the soil. Rooted segments can be easily cut and replanted.
Fresh heather seeds can be sown as is, but if the seeds have been dried and stored, they should be placed in a moist growing medium and refrigerated for 4 weeks before planting. Seeds sown indoors will germinate in about a month if they are stored at a temperature of 65 C -70 C.
Heather after flowering
Flower buds begin to develop during autumn, and flowering occurs mainly in winter. When the fruits begin to ripen, the petals turn brown and dry out, and the flower sags in an upright position. The calyx is longer than the corolla.
Heathers do not regenerate well from old wood, so once they have become large enough, replacement is the best option. Alternatively, consider propagating the plant by "dropping"
Wallpaper in shades of purple
For those who do not like monochromatic walls, you can safely choose purple wallpaper. Delicate purple flowers on a creamy background will instantly immerse us in a world of interior design straight out of Jane Austen's novels, while bold geometric motifs in cyclamen shades will add style to the room.
We must remember, however, that patterned wallpaper works best on one wall - so such an interior is interesting, but not overloaded. On all walls such patterns will look too intrusive.
Or maybe you’ll like a bright colorful picture on a lilac background? This solution will not be too intrusive and is always easy to replace.
Striped wallpaper looks interesting; it does not overload the interior, but at the same time introduces a shade of lavender into it, which makes the room more interesting. Golden and beige shades are also suitable here.
If you choose a romantic wall design in a balanced tone, you can add complements in ivory, blue or gray. Energetic purple, in turn, can be compared with amaranth, yellow or juicy lime.
Use in everyday life
Heather honey is especially popular. This honey has a pure amber color with reddish hues, an intense and persistent aroma of heather flowers and a sweet taste with a bitter and salty undertone.
It is collected from the hives in August. It retains all its numerous properties by maintaining them in optimal quality, in the most natural form, during the entire process, from production to receipt of the packaged product.
Purple heather flowers are mentioned in many Scottish poems and songs. The tips of the bush are eaten by grazing animals, and clusters of flowering heather are often collected for decoration. In the past, heather was also used to make bitter Scottish beer.
Recently, common heather has become a popular raw material for the production of biofuels. It can and does grow in areas considered unsuitable for biomass cultivation. In the UK, heather vegetation is regularly controlled by burn management and lost biomass could be harvested instead. Heather is an effective energy crop.
The energy efficiency of this plant puts it on par with fossil fuels such as coal and peat. Although heather is primarily used for decorative purposes, its potential as a biofuel feedstock is quite large.
Heather honey
Description
The structure of the root system of the plant is taproot. The aboveground part consists of an erect or creeping stem up to 50 cm long with ascending shoots. The leaves are elongated, entire or pinnately divided with an alternate arrangement. It is possible to have both types of leaves on one bush. White-yellow or greenish flowers are collected in spike-shaped or racemose apical inflorescences. The flowers are small, star-shaped. In selected species, the flowers are red and orange.
Mignonette flowering begins in June and lasts until the end of September. In the last phase of flowering, the inflorescences become elongated. In the lower part, the seeds ripen, and the upper part continues to delight with flowers.
The mignonette fruit is a rounded brown capsule with an open top. During the ripening period, small seeds easily spill out onto the ground, so flower growers rush to collect the fruits early, as soon as they begin to turn yellow. Mature grains are dark in color with a steely sheen. Germination is not lost until 4 years.
Traditional medicine recipes
The powder of the plant's flowers helps with skin diseases. To treat diseases of the throat and oral cavity, diseases of the nervous system, a decoction is used: place 20 g of heather in a 200 ml container, pour boiling water. Place the mixture in a water bath for 15 minutes, then leave for 3⁄4 hours and strain. Heather tea (1 tsp/200 ml of water) with the addition of honey helps eliminate insomnia and nervous tension.
For pulmonary tuberculosis, heather tincture is used. Tincture recipe: pour 10 g of plant roots with 50 ml of 70% alcohol, leave for 2 weeks. After straining, take 40 drops (less than a teaspoon) before eating.
Baths with heather infusion also have a calming and relaxing effect.
Growing conditions
Mignonette is often cultivated for the production of essential oils for perfumery and medicinal raw materials.
To grow, the flower needs moist, fertile soil with neutral acidity and the presence of lime. Slightly alkaline loams are suitable. Heavy soils are improved with perlite, peat, and sand. Dolomite flour is used to reduce acidity. It is necessary to provide drainage so that waterlogging does not lead to rotting of the roots.
The plant loves bright places and tolerates partial shade well. It is cold resistant. In summer, abundant watering, loosening of row spacing and removal of weeds will be required.
Systematic fertilizing with a mineral fertilizer of a complex composition will help to obtain lush flowering. Container and greenhouse plants are fed every 10-14 days, flowerbed species - after 3 weeks. Flowering is also promoted by regular removal of dry inflorescences.
Mignonette is almost not affected by diseases and pests. Sometimes white butterfly caterpillars appear on the leaves.
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A network address that allows you to identify a site on the Internet is included in the Register of domain names, indexes of pages of sites on the Internet and network addresses that allow you to identify sites on the Internet containing information distributed in violation of exclusive rights.
