The rose root - a small profile
- Botanical name: Rhodiola rosea
- Types: approx. 50, 2 of them in Europe
- Plant type: succulent
- Plant family: thick-leaf plants
- Origin: Pyrenees, Alps, Arctic, North America
- Perennial: yes
- Size: up to 35 cm in height
- female flower: flowers initially yellow, then orange
- male flower: purple
- Flowering period: May to July
- Winter hardiness: up to -40 degrees
- Use: medicinal plant
Rose root is a perennial herbaceous perennial that develops thick, fleshy stems and lots of flowers. It forms clumps and rhizomes that can be used for reproduction.
also read
- Growing rose root yourself - tips and tricks for growing
- Growing raspberries in the garden - tips and tricks for growing them
- Waldmeister profile - important information on cultivation and use
Rose root has been known as a medicinal plant for centuries. Even the Vikings are said to have used the positive effects. Today the plant is valued mainly in the Scandinavian countries as well as the Baltic States and Russia.
The root of the rose root is used. Extracts and teas are made from it. Little is known about the healing properties of plants grown in the garden. It is important that you actually plant the variety whose roots contain the ingredients you want.
Scent of rose root
The rose root owes its German name to the fact that the stems give off a slightly rose-like scent when they are cut. This aroma is also created when the roots are rubbed. The flowers also give off a pleasant scent.
Rose root has a stress-relieving effect
Rose root is used for a number of symptoms of the disease. The effect has been scientifically proven in some studies, but effectiveness could not be confirmed in other studies. Rose root contains, among other things:
- Glycosides
- Flavonoids
- Terpenoids
- Proanthocyanidins
- organic acids
The extract from the root is said to help with exhaustion and make the patient more resistant to stress. Tea or rose root extract is also recommended for potency problems, mild and moderate depression and anxiety disorders.
Grow rose root in the garden
The location for rose root in the garden should be as sunny as possible. Since the plant is absolutely hardy, it does not need a sheltered location or cover in winter. Growing in a bucket is not that easy, as rose root develops very long tap roots.
The soil must be well drained and free of lime. A mixture of more mature has proven itself Compost soil with gravel. The earth must be loosened deeply so that the tap roots of the rose root have plenty of space. The plant does very well in the rock garden or alpine garden. It also looks extremely decorative as a ground cover.
Rose root is planted in spring. The planting distance between the individual plants should be around 25 centimeters.
Easy-care medicinal plant for alpine gardens
Once the rose root has settled in in the garden, you no longer need to worry about caring for it. Watering is only necessary if the soil has completely dried out in summer.
Some gardeners recommend adding rose root in summer fertilize. As a rule, this is not necessary. Only use organic fertilizers if you do not want to forego additional nutrient intake altogether. It is beneficial if you sprinkle some ripe compost around the planting site in spring and rake it in lightly.
Care of rose root in the bucket
If you want to grow rose root in a bucket, you need a very deep pot so that the tap roots have enough space. A large drainage hole is important so that no waterlogging can occur. Fill the pot with clay soil mixed with gravel.
During the growing season in summer, you need to water the container plant regularly. However, the substrate must not become too moist. Do not leave any water in the coaster and do not pour again until the soil on top has dried off well.
Place the bucket in a sunny to partially shaded location on the terrace or balcony. Although rose root is absolutely hardy, it is better to put the pot in a frost-free place in winter. Alternatively, you can place it in a protected corner on an insulating surface.
How to propagate rose root
Rose root lets through sowing multiply. To do this, you need seeds, which you can get from specialist retailers. Seeds from your own cultivation are not recommended, as the resulting plants are often not single-variety.
Sowing is done in early spring, preferably in a greenhouse. Fill in Growing trays with a mixture of clay and sand that must not be too damp. The seeds must not be covered afterwards, as rose root is one of the light germs. The temperatures should always be above ten degrees.
It takes between two and four weeks for the seed to germinate. The plants are then separated and tended in the greenhouse for the rest of the year. You should not put the young plants outdoors until after the next winter.
Tips
The species Rhodiola heterodonta, which is related to rose root, is not suitable as a medicinal plant. It is grown as a purely ornamental plant in bright, sunny locations.