Arjena (Lawsonia inermis)

There are many plants that humans have been able to take advantage of. One of them is the Lawson inermis, a shrub that, although not very large, is highly appreciated by different cultures in the Mediterranean region, in particular, on the African continent.

In fact, it may be that from the scientific name you don't know what it is, and that even the most 'recognized' common name (so to speak) doesn't ring a bell. But what if I told you that it is also called henna? Yes, it is related to those wonderful drawings that are made on the extremities. Would you like to know in depth everything about this plant? Let's start then.

What is the origin of the Lawson inermis?

La Lawson inermis, known as arjeña, henna, henna or henna, It is a native shrub of the Mediterranean basin. It is highly appreciated especially in Arab countries, such as Egypt or Morocco. But today it is cultivated in other places where the climate allows it to grow without difficulty, such as in the subtropical regions of China or North America.

It is a plant that, as we are going to comment a little further down, is quite adaptable. Although it exceeds a meter in height, that does not mean that, for example, it cannot always be kept in a pot. If necessary, we can prune it so that it maintains a low size, even compact if we wish.

How is it?

It is a thorny bush or small tree that reaches two meters in height, rarely 7 meters.. It develops thin and long branches from which ovate green leaves sprout. These are kept for a long time in the plant, so that we could say that it is an evergreen species; Now, if the winter is cool, it will surely lose some of its foliage. This should not worry us, since it is a measure of survival that other plants also have, such as the Brachychiton. In spring new leaves will sprout and the plant will turn green again.

The flowering season begins in spring and ends in early summer. In the northern hemisphere, this happens from May to July or so, but this will depend on when temperatures pick up after winter, and when it starts to get really hot. Its flowers are small, 1 centimeter in diameter or slightly less, pink or white., and sprout in terminal inflorescences.

The fruit is a rounded capsule, which measures about 1,5-2 centimeters in diameter and inside which we find the seeds.

What are the henna care?

If you fancy growing a privet or henna, first you must know the needs of this plant. In this way, you can decide if it is really worth it or not to get it. And it is that we often acquire plants because we like them -which is great-, but we do not think about whether they will be able to survive our climate.

And of course, this way we run the risk of spending money in vain. I speak from experience: I have been in the world of gardening since 2006, and although I have had many pleasant surprises, I have also had numerous disappointments. That's why I want you to know how you have to take care of the Lawson inermis:

Location

It is a shrub that grows well outdoorswhenever it is exposed to direct sunlight. But it is important that you know that it is very, very sensitive to cold, so if frosts occur in your area, I recommend keeping it in a pot. Thus, you can protect it indoors when the temperature drops below 10ºC.

If the climate in your area is warm throughout the year, you can choose to plant it in the garden -in spring-, or assign it a prominent place in the patio.

Soil or substrate

• In case you want to plant it in the ground, you must make sure that the soil drains the water well. This means you have to absorb and filter it fast. For example, a clay soil tends to have poor drainage, since it is very heavy and compact; That is why puddles form easily when it rains more or less intensely. On the contrary, a loamy soil has the ideal drainage, as it absorbs water quickly but not too much. So if yours doesn't drain well, dig a big hole and fill it with universal soil mixed with 30% perlite.
• In case you want to have it in a pot, look for one that has holes in its base and fill it with universal substrate (for sale here).

Irrigation

Now Lawson inermis You have to water it regularly, since it cannot be long with dry soil. Therefore, during the summers we will water more frequently than during the rest of the year, as long as it does not rain clearly, since if it rains, we can space the risks.

In any case, it is important that, in case of drought and very high temperatures (30ºC or more), you pour water several times a week so that it does not have a bad time.

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It is highly recommended to pay privet in spring and summer. This way we will get it to grow better, with more energy. For this, we will fertilize it with fertilizers authorized for organic farming, such as algae fertilizer, guano (organic, not mixed with fertilizers), earthworm humus or manure.

Multiplication

Henna multiplies by seeds, which are planted in forest trays or pots with substrate (such as a specific one for seedbeds such as this or coconut fiber, which you can buy here) in spring. You have to place them on the surface of the earth, and then bury them no more than a centimeter, since if they are buried more they will have problems germinating. Afterwards, you have to water and place the seedbed in a sunny spot.

Pruning

If you consider it necessary, you can prune it in spring. Remove branches that are dry, and broken. Also take the opportunity to cut those that grow a lot, keeping in mind the shape you want it to have.

Rusticity

The lowest temperature it supports is 0 degrees, but it is preferable that it does not fall below 10ºC.

What uses is it given?

Henna is a bush with different uses, which are:

• Ornamental: It is a very interesting garden plant. It can be planted alone, together with other shrubs of a similar size, or in rows to create a thorny hedge.
• like dye: without a doubt it is the most well-known use. It is obtained from the dried and ground leaves and branches. This dye is usually used to give color to pieces of clothing, as well as to the body itself, be it the skin and/or the hair.

What did you think of Lawson inermis?