Belonging to the Madder family this genus includes about 200 evergreen shrubs and rarely small trees. Best known representatives are G. jasminoides, or cape jasmine, and G. Veitchii, the florists gardenia, with its waxy, fragrant white flowers and glossy foliage.
Goldenseal took its name from the golden stain its roots emit. American Indians used the plant to dye their clothing and skin, and as an insect repellent. The herbs generic name, Hydrastis, comes from two Greek words meaning water and to accomplish referring to its medicinal value, especially its past use in treating mucous membranes.
By the 1800s, goldenseal was included in medical lists of drug plants in America. The plant was used to treat dyspepsia, inflammations and other illnesses. It was an official drug plant until 1936, when it almost became extinct because of its great popularity,
Like ginseng, goldenseal must be grown in the shade of a wood land or a lath house. The soil should be well fertilized, preferably with decaying vegetable matter.
Some gardeners have found that freesia corms are surer to bloom if they are dried thoroughly for about two weeks on a sunny windowsill. When planting, space the corms about two inches apart and press them into the loose soil mixture so that the tips are covered with from " to one inch of soil. Next, place the pots or pans, without watering them, in the shaded window of a cool room where the temperature remains between 45 and 55 F. (7.22 to 12.78 C). Under such conditions root growth will commence promptly. When the sprouts break through, place in a south window. It seems that the colored varieties do better if the temperature is kept at 55 to 60 F(12.78 to 15.56 C)
Gardenias demand a very acid soil, with a pH of 4.5 to 5. This may be supplied by well-composted sawdust or oak leaves. Leaves that fall from the plant, as well as its own faded flowers, may be placed on top of the soil to form a self-mulch. If the foliage shows a tendency to turn yellow, a handful of rotted manure or cottonseed meal may be mixed with the top layer of soil.
An abundance of moisture is the most important factor in successfulgardenia culture.Plant containers may be placed in trays or bowls in which water is allowed to stand to a dept equal to the depth of gravel or rubble in the bottom of the flowerpot. If sufficient water is supplied, the plants will be free of bud rot, which causes the buds to drop before flowering. Humidity around the leaves can be kept high by putting a plastic bag over the plant.
Insects which trouble gardenias are thrips, red spider mites and mealy bugs. Mites may be combated by a daily spraying of the foliage with clear water. Thrips and mealy bugs may be handpicked, but will trouble the plant little if it is in robust health. - 16928
Goldenseal took its name from the golden stain its roots emit. American Indians used the plant to dye their clothing and skin, and as an insect repellent. The herbs generic name, Hydrastis, comes from two Greek words meaning water and to accomplish referring to its medicinal value, especially its past use in treating mucous membranes.
By the 1800s, goldenseal was included in medical lists of drug plants in America. The plant was used to treat dyspepsia, inflammations and other illnesses. It was an official drug plant until 1936, when it almost became extinct because of its great popularity,
Like ginseng, goldenseal must be grown in the shade of a wood land or a lath house. The soil should be well fertilized, preferably with decaying vegetable matter.
Some gardeners have found that freesia corms are surer to bloom if they are dried thoroughly for about two weeks on a sunny windowsill. When planting, space the corms about two inches apart and press them into the loose soil mixture so that the tips are covered with from " to one inch of soil. Next, place the pots or pans, without watering them, in the shaded window of a cool room where the temperature remains between 45 and 55 F. (7.22 to 12.78 C). Under such conditions root growth will commence promptly. When the sprouts break through, place in a south window. It seems that the colored varieties do better if the temperature is kept at 55 to 60 F(12.78 to 15.56 C)
Gardenias demand a very acid soil, with a pH of 4.5 to 5. This may be supplied by well-composted sawdust or oak leaves. Leaves that fall from the plant, as well as its own faded flowers, may be placed on top of the soil to form a self-mulch. If the foliage shows a tendency to turn yellow, a handful of rotted manure or cottonseed meal may be mixed with the top layer of soil.
An abundance of moisture is the most important factor in successfulgardenia culture.Plant containers may be placed in trays or bowls in which water is allowed to stand to a dept equal to the depth of gravel or rubble in the bottom of the flowerpot. If sufficient water is supplied, the plants will be free of bud rot, which causes the buds to drop before flowering. Humidity around the leaves can be kept high by putting a plastic bag over the plant.
Insects which trouble gardenias are thrips, red spider mites and mealy bugs. Mites may be combated by a daily spraying of the foliage with clear water. Thrips and mealy bugs may be handpicked, but will trouble the plant little if it is in robust health. - 16928
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