Irga olkholistnaya - A plant that grows in the gardens of many gardeners as ornamental shrubs. But few people know that the fruits of irgi are extremely beneficial to human health. They can help not only during seasonal beriberi, but can also be used as cancer prevention. Shrub is quite unpretentious in the care. Perhaps that is why gardeners usually do not pay much attention to this plant.
Description of the species
Irga is a shrub that can grow up to four meters in height. Leaves saturated green, oval shape. Irga olkholistnaya, unlike other varieties, allows you to collect a rich harvest of sweet and healthy fruits. The berries are purple with a red tinge, rather large in size (they can reach 15 mm in diameter). The flower of this shrub has no smell.
Did you know? The literal translation from the French word "irga" - a plant that indicates the honey taste. Such a designation perfectly reflects the high degree of honey content of this type of shrubs.
Soil preparation and site selection for shrubs
Despite the fact that the irga is a non-capricious plant, you still need to choose the right place for its planting. The plant can grow almost anywhere, but if the conditions are not comfortable enough for him, it will not be possible to gather a rich and tasty crop.
It should be remembered that this shrub does not like damp and swampy lowlands. It is also necessary to avoid planting in places where groundwater is present, because in such conditions, the root system will stop developing and may even die. We need to find a place with loamy and sandy soil.
As for lighting, it is ideal for shadberry with light alder, easy penumbra, for example, near the fence. Direct sunlight is best avoided. 
One bush for good development needs free space, about 3-4 square meters. If you plan to plant several bushes, it is better to place them in a checkerboard pattern. The fact is that Irga is a long-lived plant. It can grow over 65 years old, becoming increasingly stronger with age and acquiring similarity to a tree.
Soil preparation before planting is carried out on the same principle as during the planting of other shrubs. First, we need to weed the landing area, getting rid of weeds, then dig it up carefully and add phosphoric fertilizers to the soil. After these manipulations, you can move on to planting a bush.
Important! Experienced gardeners do not recommend planting irgu near garden paths or in a place where a car is parked. Shrub berries when falling produce a rather pigmented juice that stains the stones of the walkway or the car. Such stains are rather difficult to remove.
How to plant irgu
Irgu olkholistnuyu planted in the fall and spring. According to gardeners, the autumn period is considered more appropriate.
- The first step is to dig a hole in the soil with a diameter of about 75-80 cm and no more than 2 shovels in the depth.
- Soil that has been dug should be mixed with sand and compost in a 3: 1 ratio.
- At the bottom of the pit is laid humus and a small amount of phosphate-potassium fertilizer.
- Then a seedling is installed in the hole and covered with a previously prepared mixture of soil and compost.
- The land around the bush is very well watered.
- When water is absorbed, the ground around the seedling must be trampled down and well leveled. It is also recommended to protect it with a layer of foliage and sawdust.
Sheep, pork, cow, rabbit and horse humus are natural sources of macronutrients that are necessary for full-fledged irgi.
Providing the right care
Irga olkholistnaya grows very quickly, if you provide it with the most minimal, but very important care. It will take time to time to water the plant, get rid of the weeds around it, fertilize it several times and trim the bush. If all this is not done, the plant will continue to grow, but the summer resident will not be able to get a good harvest.
Watering rules
Irga olkholistnaya resistant to dry soil, so watering should be carried out only in the case of a long absence of rain. This should be done with a hose with a diffuser so that during watering you also wash off dirt and dust from the leaves of the bush. Watering is carried out in the late afternoon when the heat of the day subsides.
Features feeding
During the first year after the plant has been planted, fertilizing can be done with peat or humus. The mixture needs to cover the ground part of the bush. A year later, about 50 g of saltpeter can be added to the soil. From year to year it is recommended to alternate the application of chemical and organic fertilizers. 
Important! Fertilizers of a liquid consistence are recommended to be brought in the evening. Before this, be sure to water the plant. Dry dressings are dug up along with the ground stilt, then watered.
How to trim irgu
The plant will require pruning from time to time. It is necessary to do this so that the bush does not lose its decorative properties, looks good and adorns the suburban area with its presence.
Features of care in the first years of life
In the first years of life irgi on the site you need to water it abundantly. Especially if the weather indulges in high temperature and lack of precipitation.
You also need to feed young bushes to help them grow and develop quickly. 
If you do not forget about timely pruning, then very soon the plant will grow and form a beautiful bush, which will become the pride of the dacha.
Pruning and forming an adult bush
Irga form in the form of a bush with several trunks, which are formed from strong basal shoots. Weak sprouts need to be cut. First you need to leave all the strong new shoots, but starting from the third year after planting, 2-3 new shoots will be enough. As a result, the bush should include about 12-15 branches of different ages.
After this pruning will be to remove the excess root shoots, diseased and weak shoots, broken branches. Also pruning helps to adjust the height of the plant, which contributes to the convenience of harvesting.
Did you know? In ancient times, jergi berries were used not only as food, but also used them as the main ingredient for making wine. The taste of this drink was very similar to modern Cahors. Today, in some US states, this kind of wine remains extremely popular.
Little about plant reproduction
Irga olkholistnuyu propagated in several ways:
- Layering. The easiest way. Suitable for bushes from the age of two. Dig the top layer of soil, fertilizers are added. The lower shoot is retracted and fixed in the ground. Then, after the appearance of the first shoots, they fall asleep by half the humus. The following year, in the fall, the layers can be transplanted to the place of permanent residence.
- Cuttings. A way for more experienced gardeners who are experienced in grafting. In winter, cuttings are stored in the sand, and in the spring they are grafted to the rootstock, in the role of which a two-year-old rowan stands.
- Seeds. The way that takes the most time. Seeds can be harvested from the irgi berries or purchased at a specialty store. They are sown in a greenhouse or on a regular bed in the autumn. In the second case, the land must be covered. And in the spring, the first shoots should appear, which, moreover, will also harden during the winter cold.
Useful properties of an alderberry irgi
Fruits of an olkholistnoy irgi possess many useful properties. By the amount of vitamin C in their composition, they overtake the grapes. They are also rich in carotene, pectin, fiber. Help strengthen the intestines and improve digestion. Along with this, work well with diseases in the cardiovascular direction. Vitamin P, which is in the composition of the berries, will help strengthen the vessels warn varicose veins and even a heart attack. Juice from the fruit of irgi will help treat sore throat for sore throat, can also be used as dietary remedy.
Shrub flowers can be used to make an infusion that will fight weakness of the heart and normalizes blood pressure. Another such infusion improves sleep.
Infusions of leaves will solve the problem. pancreatitis, will speed up the process wound healing. 
Broth bark shadberry olkholistnoy treat sore throat, burns, wounds. Also used when diseases of the digestive tract.
Cress, calendula, yucca, linden, gooseberry, sage (salvia) meadow, goldenrod, viburnum buldenezh and kale cabbage also have a beneficial effect on the digestive process.Irga olkholistnaya is appreciated by many gardeners. Settling on your site, it will decorate the garden, and with proper care will give a generous and extremely healthy harvest of tasty, sweet fruits.
