Overview
Chelidonium majus L. var. plenum Wehrhahn, commonly known as the double-flowered Greater Celandine, is a herbaceous plant within the Papaveraceae family. It is native to Europe and West Asia and is naturalized in North America, Australia, and New Zealand. The plant is known for its ornamental value and medicinal properties.Common Names
The plant is commonly known by several names, including Greater Celandine, Tetterwort, Swallowwort, and Garden Celandine.Appearance
The Greater Celandine plant grows up to 60 cm tall, with a sparsely branched stem. The leaves are deeply divided into lobes, and the stem exudes a bright yellow-orange latex when broken. The plant blooms from May to August, producing large double-flowers that are yellow in color. The flowers give way to a long, narrow seedpod that splits open when mature.Uses
The Greater Celandine plant has been used for various medicinal purposes since ancient times. The plant's latex was historically used to treat skin conditions, such as warts and ringworm. It is also used to treat digestive issues, including liver and gallbladder problems. Today, the plant is still used in herbal medicine to aid in the treatment of several diseases, including hepatitis and jaundice. The Greater Celandine plant is also ornamental and used in rock gardens, herb gardens, and borders.Light Requirements
Chelidonium majus L. var. plenum Wehrhahn thrives in partial to full shade conditions. It grows well in areas where it receives filtered sunlight for at least five hours a day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is generally easy to grow and can tolerate a variety of temperatures. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9. However, it thrives in temperatures ranging from 16 to 22°C (60–72°F) and prefers a cool and moist environment.
Soil Requirements
Chelidonium majus L. var. plenum Wehrhahn prefers well-draining, loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It can tolerate both acidic and alkaline soils, but it prefers a soil with moderate fertility. This plant also requires soil that retains moisture well, but not excessively. It grows well in soil that has been enriched with organic matter such as compost.
Cultivation methods for Chelidonium majus L. var. plenum Wehrhahn
Chelidonium majus L. var. plenum Wehrhahn, also known as double-flowered greater celandine, is a hardy plant that grows best in sunny to partially shaded areas with well-draining soil. It can be propagated through seed sowing or by dividing the roots in the spring or fall. When growing from seed, it is best to sow them in the fall or early spring, as they require cold stratification for germination.
Watering needs for Chelidonium majus L. var. plenum Wehrhahn
During the growing season, Chelidonium majus L. var. plenum Wehrhahn requires regular watering. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. It is important to water the plant deeply, saturating the soil to reach the deep roots. However, it is essential to avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can encourage the growth of fungal diseases.
Fertilization for Chelidonium majus L. var. plenum Wehrhahn
Chelidonium majus L. var. plenum Wehrhahn does not require a lot of fertilizer but can benefit from an annual application of compost or slow-release fertilizer in the spring when new growth appears. It is essential to avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and fewer flowers.
Pruning for Chelidonium majus L. var. plenum Wehrhahn
Deadheading the spent flowers can encourage the plant to produce more blooms, and remove any faded leaves or yellowing foliage to maintain a neat appearance. In the fall, after the plant has finished blooming, it can be cut back to encourage new growth in the spring. However, it is important not to prune too heavily, as this can reduce the number of flowers the following year.
Propagation of Chelidonium majus L. var. plenum Wehrhahn
Chelidonium majus L. var. plenum Wehrhahn, commonly known as Greater Celandine, is a perennial plant that belongs to the poppy family. Propagation of this plant can be done by both seed and vegetative methods.
Propagation by Seed
The seeds of Chelidonium majus L. var. plenum Wehrhahn need to be sown in spring or fall. The ideal soil temperature for germination is around 18-20°C. The seeds need to be soaked in water for several hours before sowing to increase the germination rate. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. Maintaining soil moisture is crucial during the germination phase. It takes about two to three weeks for the seeds to germinate.
Vegetative Propagation
Chelidonium majus L. var. plenum Wehrhahn can also be propagated vegetatively by division and stem cuttings. Division is best done in spring or fall when the plant starts to show new growth. The plant can be dug up, and the root ball can be divided into several smaller pieces. Each division should have a sufficient amount of roots and shoots to ensure successful transplantation. The new divisions should be planted in well-draining soil and watered regularly until they establish themselves.
Stem cuttings can also be used to propagate Chelidonium majus L. var. plenum Wehrhahn. The stem cuttings should be taken in summer or fall when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be about 10cm long and taken from healthy, disease-free plants. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cutting should then be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until roots develop.
Disease Management
Chelidonium majus L. var. plenum Wehrhahn is a relatively hardy plant, but it can still be affected by various diseases. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal infection that shows up as circular or irregular spots on the leaves. The spots can be yellow, brown, or black, and the leaves may start to yellow and die. To manage leaf spot, remove any infected leaves and destroy them. Avoid overhead watering, as this can spread the fungus. Instead, water the plant at the base and make sure the soil is well-drained. Fungicides may also be helpful in controlling the infection.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal infection that covers the leaves and stems with a white, powdery substance. The leaves may become distorted, and the plant may stop growing. To manage powdery mildew, remove any infected leaves and destroy them. Increase air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides may also be helpful.
Root Rot
Root rot is caused by waterlogged soil and can cause the plant to wilt, yellow, and eventually die. To manage root rot, ensure the plant is in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering. Remove any infected plants and avoid planting new plants in the infected soil.
Pest Management
Chelidonium majus L. var. plenum Wehrhahn can also be affected by various pests. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on the new growth of the plant. They can cause the leaves to curl and distort, and they can also transmit plant diseases. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge the insects. Alternatively, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the aphids.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the undersides of leaves, leaving a stippled appearance. They can cause the leaves to yellow and drop prematurely. To manage spider mites, increase air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering. Spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil, making sure to cover the undersides of the leaves.
Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails can feed on the leaves, leaving large holes and jagged edges. They are most active at night and during wet weather. To manage slugs and snails, handpick them off the plant and dispose of them. Alternatively, use a slug and snail bait that is safe for use around plants.
