Worth knowing:
Meadowsweet reaches growth heights of between 50 and 150 cm. The dark green leaves are pinnate and strongly veined, and fuzzy white at the bottom side. Its flowering period reaches from June to September. What is striking are the approximately 20 cm large, funnel-shaped inflorescences containing many cream-white single flowers that bloom in batches. They exude a scent reminiscent of almonds and honey. The name probably derives from the use of its flowers to flavor mead (honey wine) or it comes from its sweet scent after harvest - the so-called mown grass sweetness. Meadowsweet was one of the most sacred plants of the Celts. It also plays a major role in traditional naturopathy, as it is a kind of herbal aspirin.
Natural Location:
Meadowsweet can be found in large parts of Europe except the southern Mediterranean.
Cultivation:
You can either start propagation indoors and then plant the seedlings out in spring, or you can directly sow out in spring at 10 to 13° Celsius. You should leave a gap of about 40 cm between the plants as the meadowsweet tends to grow quite extensively.
Place:
Meadowsweet thrives in sunny or semi-shaded places. The soil should be moist to wet and nutritious. Therefore, river banks and pond sides are ideal locations.
Care:
You should cut back faded stems in autumn or the following spring. Fertilizing is not necessary. Harvest: cut and bundle the top parts of the plant when it is in full bloom and hang the bundle to dry in a partially shaded place. Spread a cloth or paper underneath to catch any fallen flowers. Meadowsweet can then be stored well in glasses in a cool and dark place.
During the winter:
Meadowsweet is winter-hardy.
Picture credits:
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- © Frank Laue - © Saflax - http://www.saflax.de/copyright
- © Frank Laue - © Saflax - http://www.saflax.de/copyright
- © About © : Contact SAFLAX - - http://www.saflax.de/copyright
- © About © : Contact SAFLAX - - http://www.saflax.de/copyright
- © About © : Contact SAFLAX - - http://www.saflax.de/copyright
- © About © : Contact SAFLAX - - http://www.saflax.de/copyright
- © About © : Contact SAFLAX - - http://www.saflax.de/copyright
- © About © : Contact SAFLAX - - http://www.saflax.de/copyright
