Elecampane is not only a flowering perennial, but also an effective medicinal plant. All planting and care tips here.
Elecampane (Inula helenium) has been somewhat forgotten in recent years. Unfortunately, wrongly so, because the plant has been valued as a medicinal herb and dye plant for centuries. Elecampane is also a popular culinary herb.
Due to the appealing growth habit and flowering, the plant is a welcome eye-catcher in natural and cottage gardens. The perennial plant has strong stems that can grow more than two meters high. The yellow umbelliferous flowers set pretty accents in the summer garden. The distinctive perennial knows how to convince in single and group plantings.
Elecampane - Origin
The original home of the daisy family is Africa and Eurasia. The plant, also known as bellwort or Helenenkraut, has also been native to southern Europe for centuries. Wild occurrences can be found in Scandinavia and North America. The plant received its botanical name “helenium” from a legend. Alant is said to have grown out of Helene's tears.
| Elecampane (Inula helenium) | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | upright, clump-forming |
| Growth: | 180 - 200 cm |
| Growth: | 100 - 200 cm |
| Flower: | yellow; July to August |
| Location: | Sun |
| Floor: | dry to fresh, well-drained, nutritious, humic |
Electane - use
In the Middle Ages, elecampane was used as a dye plant, and its importance as a medicinal plant has also been handed down. The rhizome contains essential oils, inulin and bitter substances. The expectorant effect of the plant was used in the past and cough drops were made from it.
➔ Elecampane Tea
The elecampane root can be dug up in autumn. The roots are cleaned, sliced and dried. The dried roots can be brewed into a tea.
One gram of elecampane root is poured over 150 milliliters of boiling water. The brewing timeis ten minutes. If you have a cough or congestion, drink a cup of it several times a day. If you like, you can sweeten the tea with honey.
» Tip: A tea mixture with elecampane root, marshmallow leaves, liquorice root and thyme has an expectorant and cough-relieving effect.
➔ Elecampane wine
Hildegard von Bingen recommended elecampane wine for general strengthening and weak lung function. For this purpose, fresh slices of elecampane root are mixed with wine.
The elecampane plant is also used in homeopathy. The remedy Inula helenium is obtained from the roots of freshly flowering plants. Elecampane root is recommended for chronic coughs.
» Warning: Administered in high doses, elecampane root can cause stomach pain, cramps, diarrhea or allergic reactions.
Elecampane - planting instructions
➔ Find the right location
A sunny location should be found for the elecampane. The imposing plant is an eye-catcher in the bed and is indispensable in any cottage garden. Ensure sufficient plant spacing (90 cm). The real elecampane looks most impressive on its own. The plant can also be used on the edges of ponds or trees.
➔ Choosing the ideal substrate
The elecampane should not be too dry. A loose and moist soil is ideal. A high proportion of humus is advantageous. Also note the depth of the substrate.
➔ Elecampane - planting step by step
The best planting time for elecampane is spring. The ice saints should be awaited so that the danger of night frosts is averted.
Planting elecampane step by step
- Select Location
- Cultivate the ground
- Dig planting hole
- Insert plant
- Fill substrate
- Press the earth well
- Water the plant well
Dig the planting hole twice the size of the root ball. The earth is enriched with humus and pebbles. This counteracts compaction of the soil and thus protects against waterlogging.
A dose of compost, placed directly in the planting hole, serves as an organic long-term fertilizer and can provide the plant with all the nutrients it needs. So the real oneIn the first few weeks after planting, elecampane should be watered sufficiently.
Electricane - care tips
➔ Real elecampane - water properly
While young plants should always be watered sufficiently, mature plants can cope well with prolonged drought. The watering can is only used when the top layer of soil has dried.
» Tip: Elecampane is cast in the morning or evening hours. Then most of the liquid can get to the roots and not evaporate wasted.
➔ Elecampane - fertilize
If compost is given to the elecampane when planting, further fertilizer is not necessary in the first year. Mulching the soil around the roots keeps the soil loose and helps retain moisture and heat.
➔ Elecampane - cut
The real elecampane drives out fresh year after year. A radical pruning can therefore be carried out in spring. If shoots have wilted or are infested with pests, they can also be removed during the growing season. This stimulates the plant to form new leaves and shoots.
» Tip: To avoid damaging he althy shoots when pruning, use a sharp garden knife instead of scissors.
Elecampane - propagate
The elecampane can be propagated by division and sowing.
➔ Propagation by Division
The propagation by division can be in autumn. The rootstock must be completely dug up for this. Depending on the size, the root ball is divided once or several times and transplanted separately.
Not only does this give you new plants, but it also rejuvenates the mother plant, which encourages growth and flowering.
» Tip: The divided root pieces should be replanted immediately. Special care measures are not necessary.
➔ Propagation by seeds
The elecampane can be grown from seed on the window sill.
Proceed as follows:
- Fill shallow planter with potting soil
- Distribute the seeds on the substrate
- Do not cover seeds with soil
- Keep seeds evenly moist
- Set up the planter at room temperature in partial shade
- Wait for germination
The germination period is about ten days. If several cotyledons appear, the plants are pricked out and placed in their own planters. Allow the plants to get used to the sun slowly before planting outdoors.
Detect diseases and pests
Occasionally, the elecampane can be infested by diseases and pests.
Includes:
- Aphids
- Turtle Beetle
- Powdery mildew
Aphids are more common. They can be removed by spraying with soapy water. Spraying with nettle or field horsetail broth strengthens the plant and makes it less sensitive to pest infestation.
Shield beetles can hardly be seen with the naked eye, but can cause massive damage to plants if they are heavily infested. Affected plants should be shaken off. Spraying with nettle manure is also effective.
Powdery mildew increases when it is hot and dry. The infestation can be recognized by a flour-like coating on the leaves. A decoction of water and whey has proven effective in combating the fungus. As a preventative measure, the soil should be mulched so that the moisture stays in it longer.
Overwintering elecampane
The elecampane draws in its leaves in autumn. The plant therefore does not need winter protection. Budding will take place reliably next spring.