Propagating Rhodiola rosea

Discussion in 'HortForum' started by Daniel Mosquin, Jan 29, 2004.

  1. Daniel Mosquin

    Daniel Mosquin Paragon of Plants UBC Botanical Garden Forums Administrator Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    The following was received via email:

    Hello!

    I wonder if you can help me with the following.

    There is a beautiful coastal plant that grows here in Norway called Rhodiola rosea - also called Arctic Root - and I would love to be able to grow it and propagate it myself. Does UBC have and propagate Rhodiola rosea in their collection or can you offer me any help or direction?

    Many thanks in advance

    Marc Urie
     
  2. Daniel Mosquin

    Daniel Mosquin Paragon of Plants UBC Botanical Garden Forums Administrator Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Yes, the garden has a couple accessions of Rhodiola rosea. I browsed through our propagation data and found that both of our accessions were grown from seed. The seed was lightly covered with gravel (I don't know if all of the medium was gravel - I'll have to defer that to one of my coworkers) and placed in cold storage. We had roughly 60% germination in the one case where we recorded success.
     
  3. Brent A. Hine

    Brent A. Hine Active Member 10 Years

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    Hello Marc,

    I look after our Rhodiola rosea accessions within the E.H. Lohbrunner Alpine garden. As you may know, they're best grown in stony soil, as they prefer in nature, whether found at high or low elevations. Ours are grown in full sun, together with the lean soil, they stay quite small. Ideally in cultivation, they would be better quality plants with a slightly greater proportion of loam added to the soil. Just remember to keep it well-drained.
    As for propagation, you could take cuttings in early summer, and they will root rather quickly in a hormone compound formulated for softwood cuttings. Seed is usually produced in copious amounts, but it is quite tiny and of course is a slower method.
    Our plants were grown from seed offered by Brno University of Agriculture (Botanic gardens & Arboretum) in the Czech Republic.

    Brent Hine, Curator
     
  4. SylverMyst

    SylverMyst Member

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    Rhodiola rosea : The new St. Johns Wort?

    Good Afternoon Mr. Hine

    I understand that there have been a handful of studies with regard to Rhodiola rosea and its use to reduce stress and fatigue, alleviate depression and improve concentration with few side effects. Has the UBC botanical department conducted any research in this area?

    KeepWell

    Syl
     
  5. jeanette

    jeanette Member

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    seed source

    Hi:

    Would you know where seed or plants might be purchased?

    Thanks for any info you might have.

    Jeanette
     
  6. SylverMyst

    SylverMyst Member

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    Seed Sources

    Hi, not sure if this will help but you might wish to try www.GaiaGarden.com, or you may try Herb Growers at www.bcherbgrowers.com.

    I hope this will be of some help to you.

    Season's Blessings
    Syl
     
  7. Gaia Garden

    Gaia Garden Member

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    Re: Seed Sources

    Unfortunately, Gaia Garden doesn't sell herb seeds. We only sell herbal remedies and dried herbs. However, BCherbgrowers would be our first recommendation for finding high quality seed supplies.
     
  8. SylverMyst

    SylverMyst Member

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    Thank you for this most useful information!
     
  9. mike2305

    mike2305 Member

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    rhodiola rosea has many medicinal uses, and is an amazing herb

    more info

    stimulates the immune system

    reduce stress

    helps depression

    anti ageing properties

    Rhodiola rosea

    _____________________________
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 17, 2006
  10. Don Ho

    Don Ho Active Member

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    I believe Richters Herbs has roseroot available through mail order.
     

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