Hawthorn

Some Health Benefits Of Mayflower Flower:

Hawthorn berry is used to combat chest pain, hawthorn berries boost blood flow through the heart arteries and relaxes blood vessels. The flavonoids and procyanidins present in hawthorn are responsible for the majority of its health benefits Hawthorn blood pressure supplements are also effective among which Hawthorn Supreme is most famous and efficient. Vitexin hawthorn berry perks up oxygenation and augments strength of heart contractions. Indian hawthorn fruit controls collagen which is responsible for continuing the integrity of many parts of the body Indian hawthorn has proved to be very effective in collagen stabilization.

Gardening Requirements:

Habit: A light, quick growing plant, the Hawthorn or mayflower, always looks attractive, with shiny dark green leaves, plus lovely yellow trumpet-like elegant flowers which appear off and on for the most of the year but mainly in winter. Initially hawthorn tree needs some support and training but later twines itself gracefully as it wishes, hawthorn trees reach a height of from 10 to 20 meters. Having an airy delicate growth pattern it makes an ideal light screener. Although it grows well in full sun does best when its roots are shaded, with the plant reaching for sun.

Slow growing to start, it later becomes quite vigorous, changing from with its small leaves becoming large, smooth and glossy, typical fichus leaves and with stems thickening. As it ages it must be controlled. To keep it looking good and to avoid problems it is best to trim regularly to force attractive new growth, while cutting out old and thickening leaves and stems.

Many herbs act as excellent natural repellents for various insects in the garden. The pungent aroma of plants such as garlic, onion, parsley, chives, turnips and radishes are known to repel many flying insects, ants, beetles and aphids. Chives in the rose bed for instance are excellent for holding aphids at bay. For best results give good soil to which a third compost has been added and mix well with a cupful each of 2:3:2 fertilizers and bone phosphate.

Planting: grow in slightly alkaline sandy soil. Dig over planting area well with one third compost and one cup of bone phosphate per square meter. Plant 30 to 40cm apart. Stagger if planted in rows or groups.

Feeding and watering: To keep soil in good condition, provide with compost mulch, which includes a cupful of bone phosphate, in spring. Keep reasonably well watered, at least once a week during summer. Able to grow in both sun light shade, this adaptable herb will also withstand both drought and frost once established.

Pruning: Not necessary, but can be cut back severely if it grows too vigorously. Trim to prevent stems and leaves thickening and becoming coarse. Regularly pruning will ensure fresh small green leaves. Make a rule to prune your herbs only when they have finished their growth. This gives them until their next blooming in which to build up buds. Shaping and thinning of deciduous trees is also best done after they have lost their leaves.

The best time to plant trees is in July- which is when they usually become available at garden centers and nurseries- but gardeners should prepare holes several weeks in advance as per the instructions in the article which follow. When buying fruit trees, always enquire about new varieties, for the research people are continually working on improved trees

For further assistance mayflower pictures can be viewed online.