Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)

Siberian ginseng view

Image - Flickr / Tatters

There are many plants that, in addition to having a great ornamental value, are also known for medicinal properties, such as the siberian ginseng. It should not be confused with Chinese ginseng belonging to the Panax genus, although its characteristics and uses are very similar.

The Siberian is a frost-resistant shrub or tree, which can be grown in pots or gardens that enjoy a temperate climate. How to do it?

Origin and characteristics

Siberian ginseng stems are thorny

Image - Wikimedia / Salicyna

Before answering that question, let's see what this plant looks like. Our protagonist it is an evergreen shrub up to 6 meters high whose scientific name is Eleutherococcus senticosus. It is popularly known as Eleutherococcus, Eleuthero or Siberian ginseng, and it is native to the mountains of Northeast Asia. It has a rather compact, rounded bearing, with highly branched stems covered by long and fine thorns.

The leaves are webbed, composed of five leaflets 5-13cm long by 3-7cm wide, with a slightly serrated margin, green in color and with hairs on the underside. The flowers are small, grouped in terminal umbels, simple or compound, unisexual (the female ones are yellowish and the male ones purple). The fruit is a small, black berry.

What are their cares?

Siberian ginseng flowers are small

Image - Wikimedia / Salicyna

If you want to have a copy, we recommend you take care of it as follows:

Location

It is a plant that has to be outside, in semi-shade. In the sun, especially if it is very strong, its leaves burn quickly. Ideally, never hit it directly, but be in a bright area; that is, in one that looks good during the day without the need for flashlights or any type of lighting.

Its roots are not invasive; However, as it usually develops a somewhat wide crown, it is advisable to plant it at a distance of at least 3 or 4 meters from walls and others.

Earth

It depends on where you have it:

  • Garden: Siberian ginseng prefers to grow in poor soils, sandy and clayey, although it can be adapted to those that are rather fertile as long as the soil pH be neutral or 7.
  • Flower pot: use universal growing medium (for sale here).

Irrigation

Siberian ginseng leaves are green

Image - Flickr / Tony Rodd

The frequency of irrigation of the eleuthero will vary greatly depending on the year: during the summer it will have to be very high, since the earth will lose moisture faster than in winter, and this is a plant that does not withstand drought. Therefore, and also to avoid problems, it is worth checking if you really need water or not, for example by inserting a thin wooden stick (if it comes out almost clean when you extract it, it will mean that you have to water it; otherwise, you will have to wait a little more).

Subscriber

From early spring to late summer It must be paid with organic, ecological products. Being a plant with medicinal properties, you do not have to risk those that are chemical (compounds), due to their toxicity and, therefore, danger to human, animal and environmental health.

Which ones to use? Depends. If it is a plant that is in the ground, you can use both powder and granular fertilizers, as well as liquids, although the latter from experience I will tell you that they do not pay off very well, as they wear out too quickly. Still, mulch, compost, guano, ... any of these will serve.

If you have it in a pot, use the liquids (such as liquid guano) so that the drainage continues to be good, taking into account the indications specified on the container.

Multiplication

Siberian ginseng multiplies by seeds in spring. To do this, you must fill a seedling tray (for sale here) with universal culture substrate, and placing a maximum of two units in each alveolus.

When finished, cover them with a thin layer of substrate, give them a good watering, and put the seedbed outside, in semi-shade. Keeping the soil moist they will germinate in about two to three weeks.

Planting or transplanting time

Whether you want to plant it in the garden or move it to a larger pot, do it in spring, when the minimum temperature rises above 15 degrees Celsius. You can also do it in autumn if you live in an area where there are late frosts or these are very weak.

Rusticity

Resists up to -18 ° C.

What uses is it given?

Siberian ginseng is a decorative plant

Image - Flickr / Tatters

Ornamental

As we said, it is a very decorative plant. Its webbed leaves are beautiful, and although it is true that the flowers do not attract special attention, they are just as pretty.

It can be had both in pots and in the garden, and as its maintenance is simple, it will not be difficult to enjoy it.

Medicinal

In their places of origin the roots are used in decoction for exhaustion, improve memory and strengthen the immune system. Today it is found in herbal stores as fluids as well.

It is not toxic, but if consumed for long periods of time and / or without pauses, it can cause rapid heartbeat, anxiety and / or insomnia. In addition, it is important not to take it in case of:

  • Mood disorders, including neurosis and psychosis
  • History of breast, uterine, or ovarian tumors
  • History of endometriosis
  • During the second part of the menstrual cycle

Nor should it be combined with stimulants such as coffee, antipsychotic or hormonal medications.

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