Description of the dill tree, growing and caring for the plant

Dill tree or lady's vine is a perennial plant, reaching a height of 150 cm. It has silvery, pinnately dissected leaves.

Scientifically in botany it is called Artemisia abrotanum - medicinal wormwood or abrotan.It is not often found in garden plots, but if it is planted correctly and cared for in a timely manner, the bushes will feel good even in winter.

History of appearance

The plant has become very famous in many countries. Some scientists suggest that it originated from Asia Minor or Mediterranean countries. It has been grown in Europe since the late 16th century. A century later, abrotane was brought to North America. It came to Russia during the reign of Peter I. Today, on the Black Sea coast and in southwestern Siberia, it is found as a wild species.

Tree of God: description of the plant

In European territory this variety is most popular. God's tree, like all varieties of wormwood, has a strong odor. The foliage is light green in color with a silver tint. The plant is especially valuable for its medicinal properties.

What types of abrotane are known?

In the mountains of southern European countries, Caucasian wormwood grows, the height of which reaches a maximum of 30 cm.

Tarragon is also a species of abrotan. It has a characteristic aroma and can reach 1 meter. Another name is Tarragon.

Cold wormwood grows in southeastern Russia, the size of which ranges from 7 to 15 cm.

In China you can find the milky variety Abrotan. It received this name because of its light-colored flowers.

The variety Wormwood Louis was brought from North America to many countries. It is distinguished by more branched stems with silver leaves. The height of the bush reaches up to 80 cm.

Wormwood Schmidt is very popular as an ornamental plant. This shrub grows up to a maximum of 30 cm, has a spherical shape and thread-like lacy leaves. Next to other flowers it looks very attractive.

Features of cultivation

Before planting wormwood, you need to choose a place on the site that is not shaded by trees. Then you need to fertilize the soil with organic matter and carry out neutralization; dolomite flour is good for this. For 10 years, the culture grows well in one place without replanting.

Lighting and wind protection

Abrotan is a southern, heat-loving plant, so it grows well in sunny areas. When choosing a place for planting, it is important to avoid shade, because the crop does not develop well in the shade. In addition, the dill tree does not like cold northern winds. To prevent it from suffering from them, experts recommend planting the plant near trees and tall grasses that can shield it from the winds, but not from the sun.

Soil for planting

Before planting wormwood, it is necessary to fertilize the soil with organic and mineral elements. Acidic soil must be limed, poor soil must be filled with organic matter, dense soil must be filled with peat and sand.

Technology of planting seedlings

To propagate abrotan, it is optimal to use bush division. Only mature cuttings need to be selected. Before planting, you need to pour warm water into the hole, and then lower the plant there. It is optimal to plant after April 15, since the ground is still moist and the seedling has a better chance of taking root.

Attention! To form young roots in a seedling, it is recommended to place it in water a week before. This will allow for faster growth of wormwood in the soil.

In the first winter, it is better to cover young bushes, because they are likely to freeze. In the following years, the dill tree can easily withstand cold temperatures of 25 degrees.

Care

Wormwood does not require any special care. Good growth can be achieved if:

• follow watering recommendations;
• loosen the soil;
• remove weeds;
• apply fertilizing.

How often to water wormwood

Abrotane is a drought-resistant plant. If you water it frequently, you can seriously harm it. Only seedlings require regular watering. In hot weather, it is recommended to water the bushes with 3–4 liters of water once every 2 weeks.

Soil care and plant nutrition

Weeds greatly harm the development of the dill tree, so they must be weeded out. This procedure allows the plant roots to receive more nutrients.

The bushes also need fertilizing in the form of fertilizers. Botanists advise periodically pouring ash or humus under the wormwood.

Rules for pruning dill trees

To achieve faster growth of bushes, you need to:

1. The procedure should be carried out at the very beginning of spring, when the cold is no longer a concern.
2. Cut shoots at a height of 3 to 5 cm.
3. Cut off the apical buds and shoots at the ends of the branches, last year's growths.

Reproduction methods

In central Russia, the crop cannot propagate using its seeds, because they will not be able to ripen in such climatic conditions. Because of this, the bushes are divided and rooted seedlings are planted.

Dividing the bush

This breeding method is carried out in April. You need to do the following:

• choose a large abrotan with a good root system;
• dig up a bush and remove the soil from it;
• divide into parts;
• dig several holes, moisten and add humus;
• plant wormwood;
• Water the plants regularly in the first 2 weeks until the roots strengthen.

Reproduction by layering

This method involves taking the following steps:

1. In mid-May, select shoots 20–30 cm.
2. Remove all foliage from them.
3. Make circular cuts and apply growth stimulants so that roots form faster.
4. Cover the top with sphagnum moss and press with your hands.
5. Take black film, sprinkle it with peat, wrap the shoots at the cut points.
6. To prevent it from slipping, secure the top and bottom with electrical tape.
7. When the roots begin to break through the peat, cut off part of the shoot (below the film) and plant it in a pot.

Cuttings

The fastest way to propagate wormwood is by planting cuttings. The procedure is quite simple, first you need to moisten and fertilize the soil, then place the seedling. As soon as shoots appear, it means that the roots of the dill tree have become stronger in the ground.

Growing through seedlings

In the south, the crop can be grown from seeds, which are first sown as seedlings, then dived and planted in the ground. The entire process takes from 25 to 30 days. After a year, it forms a strong bush.

Diseases and pests

Usually the dill tree is not interested in pests. But still, aphids appear on its foliage from time to time. In this situation, spraying the solution 3 times with a break of 5–7 days helps. To prepare it, you need to take laundry soap (about 250–300 grams) and dilute it in 10 liters of warm water.

Applications of dill tree

The greens of abrotan bushes are considered an excellent source of essential oils, minerals and vitamins. Cooks and doctors use the tops of shoots and young leaves of the plant for their own purposes.

In cooking

Selected parts of the dill tree are used as:

• spices for canning vegetables;
• additional ingredient in salads;
• seasonings for soups;
• aromatic additive to tea.

Fresh leaves are taken in small quantities, as their bitter taste can spoil dishes. But if you dry them, they will not taste bitter.

Attention! The plant should not be used excessively as food.All varieties of wormwood contain alkaloids that can cause health problems.

In landscape design

In garden plots, dill tree bushes are planted in flower beds among other ornamental crops. Its tart aroma repels insects, and its silvery leaves harmonize perfectly with the flowers. Plants are also used as a living fence or border. They are used to landscape terraces, verandas and balconies.

In folk medicine

If you have a toothache, you can rinse your mouth with an aqueous infusion of abrotan leaves. And the decoction can improve digestion.

Dill tree is used as a remedy for anemia, against parasites, and various types of pain. Greens are good for sprains, bruises, and inflammation.