Wall swarmis a small evergreen perennial that is perfect for turfing surfaces and is used in rock gardens. Swarm is valued for its exceptional resistance, low requirements and undoubted beauty. Although nowadays in gardens, swarms are planted mainly for ornamental purposes, it is worth learning abouthealing properties of the swarming plantand other possibilities of its use. We suggest whatcultivating a hive in the garden looks likeand what ways topropagating a hive-robegive the best results.
Wall swarm - Sempervivum tectorum
Photo. depositphotos.com
Wall swarm - description of the appearance
"Hummingbird (Sempervivum tectorum) belongs to the Crassulaceae family.The natural habitat of the swarmeris a mountainous area in Europe and Asia. As a result, this plant is adapted to both low and high temperatures, and can withstand periodic water shortages. The Latin name Sempervivum comes from the plant&39;s extraordinary resistance and means eternally alive. "
Due to its low height (10-20 cm) and creeping habitthe wall swarm is ideal for turfingeven large areas. It grows quickly, creating strong stolons up to 4 cm long.
Glossy rosettes of fleshy, pointed leaves are extremely decorative and can range from green to red to purple. They are often two-colored - green with red ends. Swarm's leaf rosettesreach 3-8 cm in diameter.
From June to Octoberthe swarm blossoms with inconspicuous flowersgathered in abundant inflorescences, most often pink or purple in color.
A wall swarm during flowering
Fig. depositphotos.com
Wall swarm - application
The wall swarm is a versatile plantIt looks good growing in the gaps between hollows in rock gardens, and also planted in various pots (it looks especially good in ceramic pots, stone bowls and wooden crates). Together with plants such as: spurge, geranium, miscanthus, Carpathian bellflower, thyme, carnation or knotweed, it creates extremely interesting compositions that can withstand almost any weather conditions. The masonry swarm looks good also with kevis, sedum and sedum plants.
In the old daysthe wall swarm was considered a magical plant , which was believed to have the power to protect against lightning. So, swarms were covered with roofs, walls and walls of many buildings. By overgrowing garden walls, or being an element of vertical and roof gardens, the swarm gives them an unusual atmosphere.
Swarms planted in pots
Fig. depositphotos.com
Wall swarm - healing properties
The healing properties of the swarm have been valued since ancient timesThis plant contains tannins, bitterness, flavonol, kaempferol, citric acid and phenolic compounds. Fresh juice from fleshy swarm leaves
is similar to aloe vera - it accelerates wound healing and regenerates the skin. Regenerating properties of the swarm are used for bruises, burns or soothing irritation caused by insect bites.Thanks to its bactericidal properties, the wallis perfect for fighting ulcers, mycoses or inflammation of the mouth.
Swarm Tonic hasregenerating and rejuvenating properties, and when applied to calloused skin, it helps to get rid of corns. The infusion of swarm's leaves helps fight stomach ailments, gingivitis, menstrual pain and migraines, and when applied in the form of compresses, it soothes rheumatic pains.
To prepare an infusion , pour a glass of water over a few crushed leaves and cook for 10-15 minutes. Drink 1/4 cup 3-4 times a day.
Swarm decoration in an old shoe
Fig. pixabay.com
Wall swarm - cultivation
The wall swarm is an extremely hardy plant that can grow almost anywhere. The idealcolony growing siteis sunny, warm and dry. The plant prefers soil that is not very fertile, well-drained and quite dry. However, it does not tolerate heavy, clay and wet surfaces.
The wall swarm is fully frost resistantand can be planted all over the country (it belongs to the plant hardiness zone 4). Despite high frost resistance, single specimens or specimens growing on roofs may be exposed to physiological drought during dry, snowless winter. Therefore, it is worth taking care of their cover, which can be helped by, for example, agro-fabric.
Swarm flowers
Fig. pixabay.com
Caring for a wall swarmplanted in the garden is very easy and is limited mainly to the removal of weeds growing next to the plant. Hives also do not require abundant fertilization. It is enough to feed them with mature compost every 2-3 years.
Optimalplanting dateis spring. The position before planting should first of all be carefully weeded.The spacing of a wall swarm plantingis 9-16 pieces per 1m². Thanks to this, the plants will quickly sod the surface.
Rojniki perfectly turf surfaces
Fig. pixabay.com
Wall swarm - reproduction
Reproduction of the wall swarm in the garden can be done in two ways:
Swarm propagation by sowing seeds- the seeds are stratified (supercooled) for 4-6 weeks, and then sown into boxes filled with permeable substrate. To germinate the seeds, they need sunlight and a temperature of around 21 ° C.
Swarm breeding by dividing rosettes- in April or August we separate young rosettes growing on short runners of the mother plant, and then place them in individual pots. Plants should take root after 2-3 weeks.
MSc Eng. Anna Błaszczak
