Among the 50 species of all conifersgrowing on the globe, Canadian gray spruce is in a special position. The tree is loved by landscape designers and gardeners for unusual color needles, for the neat fluffiness of the branches and for the perfect conical shape. It adorns city parks and squares, pleases with its northern beauty the owners of suburban plots, and is often used for arranging hedges.
Popular varieties
The existing varieties of wood make it possible to use it in various compositions, and as a separate decorative element landscape. Consider the most popular varieties of Canadian spruce.
- Spruce canadian conic ("Conica") is the undisputed leader. It is actively used in compositions, in the stalls, grown in containers, decorated rocky gardens and terraces. The tree grows up to 4 meters, but reaches this size only by the age of 60.
It has a flawless pyramidal crown, in which the branches fit tightly to each other. This variety tolerates shade well and grows slowly, which suits many. Refers to the dwarf forms of the Canadian spruce.
- Canadian spruce echiniformis ("Echiniformis") -it is the slowest growing tree variety. By the age of 30, its height is only 50 centimeters, with an average growth of Canadian spruce of 25-35 meters.
Very compact, with shoots of 2 cm and a crown of 1 meter, it is often used in rocky gardens, allowing you to create amazing compositions without unnecessary shading of other flora. Photophilous, prefers slightly acidic and moist soils.
- Canadian spruce daisy very similar to Konika. The variety is frost-resistant, but requires obligatory shading from the March sun. By the age of 10, it can grow up to 80 cm. In decorative terms, it is interesting in May-June, when it gives yellow-white growths.
Looks great as a tapeworm in a heather garden and goes well with herbal composition rock garden.
- Spruce canadian alberta attracts with its spherical shape. A small tree, with a height of up to 1 meter and the same crown diameter, fits organically into oriental compositions, it is used in rocky gardens and heather thickets. Exudes an amazing aroma, has soft light green needles, with needles 6-9 mm.
- Spruce Pendula ("Pendula") represents the weeping form of Canadian spruce varieties. It was discovered by A. Quarry in one of the parks of Versailles. Branched, with blue needles, it is of interest in the design of artificial ponds and swimming pools.
How to choose a tree
Obviously, it is better to buy seedlings in special nurseries. When purchasing Canadian spruce, pay attention to the root system of the tree and the condition of the crown. If you take a seedling in a container, touch the needles, they should be elastic and fragrant. In nurseries, there is a risk of infection of young shoots with a red spider, so carefully inspect the shoot for the presence of white growths on the woody part. They indicate that the plant was attacked by a red spider. Discard such a seedling.
Advice! Match the shape of the seedling with the variety declared in the documents. Take a closer look at the intensity of the color of the needles: in a healthy plant, it is bright and lively.
Planting and breeding
Despite the fact that Canadian spruce tolerates shade well enough, it is better to plant it on open areas... The tree loves fertile, moist soils, it grows especially successfully on drained loams.
Planting Canadian spruce. First of all, make sure that the root system of the seedling is not overdried. When planting, keep a distance of 2-3 meters between the seedlings. The root collar of the plant should be at ground level. The depth of the pit is 50-70 cm. Please note that in the early years, Canadian spruce grows poorly and does not tolerate frequent transplants. She reacts poorly to compaction and trampling of the soil, does not like being close groundwater.
Advice! To obtain a guaranteed positive result, add 100-150 g of nitroammophoska to the soil.
Reproduction. The main breeding material for Canadian spruce seeds. Before planting in the ground, it is necessary to carry out stratification (withstand the seed at a certain temperature) for 2-3 months. This procedure will increase the germination of Canadian spruce seeds. If you do not want to waste time and want to plant the plant right away, soak the seeds for a day or buy ready-made seedlings. Spruce garden forms are propagated by cuttings and the plant is very rarely grafted.
Advice! Young trees are best planted under the protection of older trees. Under their canopy, they will calmly endure both spring frosts and the scorching rays of the sun.
Canadian spruce: care
The first thing to take care of is to protect the plant from spring-winter burns. The frost-resistant tree does not react well to sunny days in February-March. At this time, the spruce's root system is in the cold ground, and the branches are exposed to the hot rays of the sun. The roots do not absorb moisture, the needles get burned and the tree loses its color. Experts advise covering the ate crown with burlap or agro-cloth for this period.
Advice! A little shading, which can be achieved by planting a tree against the wall of a house or near taller trees, will help you create the ideal light setting for your Canadian spruce.
Watering... Conifers are not adherents of strong moisture, but they cannot do without water at all. Canadian spruce is planted in places with deep groundwater. In dry summers, the tree is watered once a week. The amount of water depends on the size of the plant: 10-12 liters is enough for young shoots, while older individuals will need to pour 15-20 liters under one tree.
To prevent the spring "burning" of the needles, it is customary to wrap the Koniki bushes with burlap or other material that scatters the sun's rays, but does not disturb ventilation. Decorative mini-composition in a concrete pot with a Canadian herringbone in the lead role - great decoration your house
- Rust appears on the branches with orange growths. With a significant lesion, the needles turn yellow and crumble. For treatment, Glyocladin or Vectra is used, processing the branches once a week for a month.
Konik spruce is a low-growing pyramidal form of Canadian gray-gray spruce. It has been growing on our site for over ten years. This time was enough for the tiny Christmas tree to turn into a beautiful coniferous tree, and I gained experience in caring for it.
Spruce Konik at home
The story of my Koniki's life began on New Year's holidays, when I received a tiny coniferous tree as a gift. He was not even visible under the shell of glittering tinsel. For greater "beauty" the needles were strewn artificial snow... At first I kept a pot of Konika at home. Of course, all the jewelry was removed from it, and the needles were thoroughly washed from the "snow". It was hard for the Christmas tree: the roots suffered in the close flower pot with substrate from coconut fiber... Part of the needles fell off in the dry warm air. I had to make a transfer into a larger pot with normal soil and rearrange Konika to glazed loggia... There, the Christmas tree lived in a flower pot almost until May. During this time she did not grow up, but she became prettier and stronger.
Spruce Konik on the site
As soon as it got warmer, I transplanted Konika to a plot closer to the entrance to the house. She was so small and defenseless that at first she needed our constant attention. We studied scientific and popular science literature with interest, trying to understand the features of this unusual spruce. It turns out that a bonsai with a silhouette similar to a sail is a long-liver, preserving such the best qualities ate Canadian gray-gray, as frost resistance and resistance to strong winds... You can plant Konika in a sunny place and in shade. In May and early summer, Konica is especially good. It is at this time that young shoots grow, and the emerald needles seem very soft and fluffy.
Konika care
Caring for this spruce is simple. However, it is necessary to take into account a number of its features. The slow-growing dwarf prefers loams, to which peat, sand and well-decomposed humus are added. It does not react well to calcareous soils. Loves moisture, but does not tolerate prolonged waterlogging. She loves a water shower, which is obtained using a spray nozzle on a hose.
Prefers partial shade, although it grows in a sunny place. It is better to feed it with special fertilizers for conifers. You can "salt" the soil with Kemira along the periphery of the crown.
Inherited high winter hardiness allows spruce to winter without additional shelter. But it is winter that is the most dangerous period for Koniki. During this season and early spring, many ate trees get severe burns.
Koniki's shelter for the winter
Most Koniki owners cover their Christmas trees for the winter in order to protect the crown from sunburn. In late February - early March, solar activity increases. The sun's rays reflect off white snow, becoming even brighter. If the firs do not have shading, then burns appear on the needles. Especially in the open part of the crown, facing the sun. Trees can be protected with burlap, heavy lutrasil, cardboard shields, kraft paper or cloth. The lower part, which is under the snow, is not covered in order to avoid fading. Shade and spruce branches. When harvesting spruce branches, you should not take branches with small green formations, so as not to bring in hermes, the scourge of conifers.
Our Konika has been wintering beautifully for many years under several layers of old lutrasil. Until the store persuaded me to purchase a roll of special covering imported nonwoven material (green). Its packaging showed some bushes, roses and Koniks wrapped in this cloth. She almost ruined the Christmas tree: the needles under it straightened out and crumbled. By the way, roses were also badly damaged. After that unsuccessful winter, I began to cover Konika with snow. Only at the end of February do I put some kind of fabric on top of it.
Helping Konika with sunburn
Once I read on one of the forums (I don’t remember which one) a phrase that somewhat roughly but very accurately describes ate with burnt needles: “Konik has a classic look for this year: they all look like punks, with reddish-colored crests.” Even such a badly burnt Christmas tree is worth trying to reanimate. To do this, at the end of April or in May, they gently shake off the crumbling needles or wash them off with a strong stream from a hose. The crown of the tree should be moistened as often as possible with water from a watering can or a hose. It won't be long before young shoots will appear on bare branches from living buds. The affected areas will gradually heal. I am convinced: “There is no need to rush to cut branches with brown needles and even those that have remained completely without needles. All is not yet lost. It is better to take a watering can with water instead of secateurs. "
Konica spruce and other dwarf spruces
In Canada, there is a very beautiful gray spruce (Picea glauca) with a slender conical crown. The height of the spruce is about 35 meters. This spruce is also planted in central Russia. Far from its homeland, the gray spruce feels good, but it grows more slowly.
In 1904, a historic event took place in Canada - North American dendrologists discovered and described a short mutant of Canadian spruce. The height of the pyramidal crown of this adult tree was no more than four meters. So, an accidental find on the shores of a Canadian lake gave the world one of the most decorative fir trees with a dense conical crown. Conica (Picea glauca Conica) has been cultivated in all countries. Numerous Koniks are the descendants of that very natural dwarf spruce with gray gray. They do not have as thorny needles as other spruces.
Most lovers consider all low-growing pyramidal spruces as Koniks. They can have different color of needles (green, blue, gray and golden). These spruce trees are often sold under the general name "Konica", although they are not it, but various forms ate gray. Here is a summary of some of the dwarf spruces that are sold in garden centers near Moscow.
Elegance Compact... Tapered crown, stronger growth than Konica. Young shoots and buds are yellow-brown, needles are light green, 8-10 mm long.
"Gnome"... Strict conical shape. The needles are gray-green, 8-10 mm long.
"Gracilis Compact"... A dwarf with a conical crown. Very dense and tough gray-green needles 7-10 mm long.
"Laurin"... Dwarf form with weak growth. The crown is very dense. The needles are dark green.
"Rainbow, s End"... In summer, from mid-June to September, the needles have bright yellow tips.
"Zuckerhut"... The height of the tree is up to 1.5 m. Dense conical crown with a noticeably pointed top. Soft bright green needles. It grows very slowly.
© Site, 2012-2019. Copying texts and photos from the site pоdmoskоvje.cоm is prohibited. All rights reserved.
(function (w, d, n, s, t) (w [n] \u003d w [n] ||; w [n] .push (function () (Ya.Context.AdvManager.render ((blockId: "RA -143469-1 ", renderTo:" yandex_rtb_R-A-143469-1 ", async: true));)); t \u003d d.getElementsByTagName (" script "); s \u003d d.createElement (" script "); s .type \u003d "text / javascript"; s.src \u003d "//an.yandex.ru/system/context.js"; s.async \u003d true; t.parentNode.insertBefore (s, t);)) (this , this.document, "yandexContextAsyncCallbacks");
There are many ornamental plants, trees. Special attention attracted by coniferous specimens. For example, the Canadian conic spruce is a dwarf version of the popular gray Canadian spruce. The tree looks great, has a nice looking shape, an unusual attractive color. Konica has a miniature adult size - a maximum of 2 meters.
Under special conditions, it reaches three meters in height. It was originally grown on the territory North America... Since the beginning of the last century, spruce has spread to other continents. It gained popularity due to its compact form and decorative functions... Konica is a "non-capricious" plant. Caring for her is pretty simple.
Characteristics
The conic grows in a cone. Colors range: light green, bright green, mint. The branches are fluffy, the needles are soft, the crown is lush. The roots do not go deep into the ground, almost all are located close to the soil surface (surface roots). It takes root better in the territory of the climate middle band... Hot countries are an unfortunate habitat halo.
At the age of five, it reaches a height of 20 cm, by the age of 10 - 80 cm. The diameter of the base of an adult tree is 80 cm. It grows upward by 3-4 cm per year, a rapid growth rate lasts until the age of 10-15 years. Further, it grows 2-3 cm per year. At home, it will grow no higher than 30 cm. If the tree is properly looked after, the duration of its life can be 300-500 years.
Canadian spruce Maygold is a kind of gray spruce. She has characteristics - yellow growths. Other parameters are similar to Konike.
Home care
You can grow homemade spruce from seeds or buy ready-made in a pot. There is an option to dig a seedling out of the forest. Purchased a store-bought seedling - change the soil in the pot.
We spread the bottom of the pot with a drainage layer 10 cm high. The soil for planting should be mixed in the ratio of 2 parts of turf, land with 1 part of peat, 1 part of sand.
We decided to grow a conic in a city apartment - get ready for a number of difficulties. The main problem is plant wintering. Konika is used to wintering when low temperaturesoh. IN indoor conditions low temperatures cannot be achieved.
An option for an apartment is to put the pot on the balcony for the winter. The conditions there are as close to natural as possible. Are you worried that the temperature on the balcony is too low? Then the plant should be insulated. So it will turn out to grow a tree at home. Experts do not advise constantly keeping the plant in a city apartment. It is better to grow spruce at home for subsequent planting in the garden.
At home, watering should be done once a week. Otherwise, the needles will either turn yellow (which means you rarely water) or they will turn dark red (evidence of over-watering). It is better not to put in direct sunlight - it will burn.
The darkest corner is not better alternative... Choose the middle option. It is ideal to periodically rearrange the pot to avoid burns. Additional option - put on a sunny window, cover with agrofiber. Additionally, you need to feed the plant with specialized fertilizers for conifers trees.
Tip: during dry weeks, water the crown with water - it will help to avoid overdrying.
Spruce planting
Before planting, the roots are grown for three years in a pot, and then the spruce is planted on the site. The land of the plot must be prepared: mix 1 part of peat, sand with 2 parts of turf, 2 parts of garden land. If the land on the site is rich in sand, add sod and loam.
The best choice for a landing site is a shady area. Elevated or excessively waterlogged areas are not suitable for Canadian spruce. Groundwater under the landing site is discouraged. Windy places should be avoided.
The procedure is carried out in spring, summer or autumn, depending on the root system. Planting a plant with an open root system - choose any of the suggested seasons. The root system is closed - planting should be done in spring or autumn.
Check the weather forecast before transferring - cloudy weather is suitable for this procedure. Bad luck, the weather is hot? The tree should be covered from bright sunlight with burlap, agrofibre. After transplanting, the soil should be thoroughly moistened, but it is important not to overdo it. The soil should be moist, not lumpy, crumbly.
Spruce care
Canadian conic is unpretentious. The main thing - proper care at the time of disembarkation. A minimum of effort is required further. On hot summer days, it needs to be watered, fertilized special means... On dry days, watering can be done directly through the crown. The branches of the tree will be saturated with water, hydration will occur faster. After a couple of days, walk with a rake, a hoe under the branches - the technique will help to avoid crusting at the roots of the tree.
Cutting the crown is not required - the spruce grows magnificently, independently forms a conical top of the tree.
Fertilization will bring a positive effect in early summer, in spring. Take 5 kg of rotted organic matter, spread out under the branches. The roots are shallow and the fertilizer will take effect quickly. You need to fertilize the plant annually - it is enough for ate.
Diseases and pests
There is little hindrance that will keep you from growing dwarf spruce: improper care, various diseases... Here is a list of major diseases, common pests, and treatments that can help:
- soil fungus Tracheomycosis. The fungus attacks the roots of young plants. A sign of the disease is reddening of the needles. After the color change, the needles begin to fall off the branches. If you see an alarming sign, then rather dig up and burn the seedling. The tree can no longer be saved. By digging up one spruce, you will save the rest of the plants;
- schütte's disease. This disease is caused by a coniferous fungus. Needles are an indicator of the disease. The needles of the needles turn black, then become covered with a white bloom - a clear sign of the disease. After whitening, the needles will fall off. It is better to notice the disease at an early stage, to try to save the tree. For treatment, treat the tree with a 3% solution of copper sulfate, then apply Trichodermin. If the affected areas are too large, it is better to burn the tree;
IN winter months spruce prefers a temperature of -15 to +5 degrees Celsius. Preparing for winter will not take much time. Add a layer of peat 5 cm under the lower branches. Sometimes peat is mixed with compost. The preparation is almost over. In winter, pay attention to the condition of the branches. If they turn yellow, the winter sun burns the needles. Wrap the damaged areas with burlap, agrofiber.
With the onset of spring, do not rush to remove the protection. The spring sun is dangerous for the branches. It would be better to remove the material with which the top was wrapped, cover it with an awning. The awning must be installed on the south side. In spring, the sun is hotter than in winter, and the roots of the tree have not woken up.
They cannot feed the branches with moisture, and the needles may burn. Are the branches burned and brown? Don't despair. When the snow melts, the roots will begin to actively supply moisture, the brown tint will come off, the spruce will return to its usual color.
Application in landscape design
For landscape design Canadian spruce fits just flawlessly. Surrounded by stones, the miniature beauty will attract attention. Combination with similar conifers favorably focuses on the spruce. Spruce looks great alone, on the lawn, at the entrance to the house, on the terrace, patio.
Even the roof is decorated with wood. IN decorative purposes the tree is not pruned, only dry, yellowed branches are removed. Konica independently takes a conical shape, a lush crown.
In a city apartment in a pot, it looks great in new year holidays... Decorate the tree as desired, place it on the table, stool. Guests, children on holiday will not be able to admire the beauty and vivid view of the tree. Water the plant abundantly while the spruce is in the apartment.
After the holidays, do not forget to return the pot with the plant to the balcony - from high temperature the room will dry out. With wintering on the balcony, Konika will live in an apartment long life... For the summer, the plant pot can be exposed to fresh air.
A coniferous tree in a pot adapts perfectly to external factors, there should be no problems. The main thing is to transplant the plant into a container in size on time. A small pot can kill a tree.
It doesn't matter how you decide to grow the spruce - on garden plot or at home in a pot. In any of the selected options, the conic will delight you with its impeccable appearance, miniature size, and pleasant color. The main thing is to be patient - the spruce grows rather slowly. But the result will exceed expectations.
Homemade Canadian spruce is not easy, but still possible. But do not forget that in natural conditions, spruce is a big treeso it can't be potted forever. And no matter how much you want to part with your darling, it is recommended to plant a tree up to 3 years of age in natural conditions.
Potted Canadian spruce: reproduction
You can buy a ready-made seedling in the store, or you can try to grow a Christmas tree from seeds. The seeds are collected from the open cones of a vending Christmas tree.
The best time for this is November-February. To ensure high germination seed material, stratification is recommended. For this, the seeds are soaked in icy water for 3 days. Some gardeners even add ice to their water.
After the seeds have swollen, they are kept in wet sand at 0 ° C. With this method, the highest possible seed germination is ensured. Sow them to a depth of 0.5 cm. Until shoots appear, the pot should be in a well-ventilated cool place.
Remember that under natural conditions, spruce sprouts in early spring under snow. Further care - watering, feeding. Depending on the growing conditions and variety, seedlings by the age of one year can reach 10-25 cm, and dwarf species - even less.
Canadian spruce: placement
Having bought Canadian spruce in pots, it is best to place them on a cool but light window. Conifers prefer diffused light. Christmas trees need frequent ventilation premises. Watering should be optimal. Overdrying of the soil is not allowed.
At home, there is a phenomenon when one side of a tree standing on a window facing the room begins to turn yellow and fall off. And the opposite side, being closer to the light, remains green. That is why the pot on the window must be turned periodically, otherwise one side may even crumble. And, as you know, spruce branches are not restored, since they grow only from above.
Canadian spruce at home will grow better if winter time take her to glazed balcony or a loggia. It is important to ensure that the soil in the pot does not freeze. To prevent this from happening, the pot can be wrapped with something warm. At a temperature of about 0 ° C, the spruce will not freeze, but due to humid airwill feel quite good. However, with the appearance of a bright burning sun, the Christmas tree needs to be shaded a little. This will prevent the young shoots from turning yellow.
Transplanting Canadian spruce into a pot
What you don't need to do after buying a Christmas tree in a pot is transplanting. Conifers can be transplanted only in late spring, but they do not tolerate even such a transplant.
If you have your own land plot, then you can try to transplant the Christmas tree directly into the ground. In this case, in no case should the earthen lump be damaged. You also need to make sure that the root collar is not buried. The place for landing is chosen sunny, but shaded from ultraviolet radiation. The Christmas tree takes root for a long time - up to 3 years.
Canadian spruce in a pot: care
Spruce needs moderate temperature conditions... Coolness is required during the winter months. Optimum temperature at this time 0 + 10 ° С. The herringbone can withstand a short-term drop in temperature below 0 ° C.
Watering should be regular. It is necessary to ensure that the earthen lump is always evenly moistened. Excessive waterlogging and drying out is not allowed. During the rest period, watering can be reduced to 1 time in 2-3 weeks. This is at a room temperature of + 5 + 10 ° C. When the temperature drops to 0 ° C, water it no more than 1 time per month.
Top dressing is carried out with universal fertilizers. To grow coniferous trees from seeds, you need acidic soil. To do this, you can buy a ready-made soil mixture for conifers, or prepare it yourself: in equal proportions, a universal soil mixture and soil from a coniferous forest.
Problems with growing Canadian spruce in a pot
The needles turn yellow and fall off. This happens as a result of mistakes during care: violation of the temperature regime, watering, sunburn. Branches that have already been damaged will not recover. If the needles began to turn yellow, it is necessary to urgently change the conditions of detention. The first aid can be spraying with bio-regulators, which can be purchased at specialized stores.
The needles have lost their shine and wrinkled. This is possible due to insufficiently oxidized soil. To change this, it is recommended to add coniferous soil to the top layer of the soil mixture. This must be done with extreme caution, without changing the ground level and not exposing the roots.
Evergreen beauties at all times were considered the best decoration garden, and their decorative forms are just perfect for landscaping and creating garden compositions. The most popular coniferous tree in recent times considered Canadian spruce and its undersized conic shape. This tree will certainly become the highlight of your site, thanks to its amazingly correct crown shape and color of the needles. Spruce conic amazing treewhich can grow well in the open field and in a pot, all year round delighting you with its beauty.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the features of the Canadian conic spruce, learn all the nuances of cultivation agricultural technology and describe everything in more detail possible ways using such a fine coniferous tree.
Conic spruce: features and description
Conic spruce is a decorative form of such a popular type of spruce as Canadian. This tree has several more names, which are also often found in literature and in everyday life among experienced gardeners: gray conic spruce, white conic spruce, glauca conic spruce. All these names very accurately characterize the appearance of the spruce, which has needles with a bluish tint.
The Canadian conic spruce is considered a miniature copy of the gray spruce and is perfect for landscape design. The first mention of this coniferous tree was recorded in 1904, when a similar spruce conic was found in the mountains of Canada. After that, it quickly spread throughout the world. And for good reason. After all, it is very difficult to plant a large coniferous tree in your yard, and in this situation comes to the rescue decorative treethat fits perfectly into any landscape design.
Description of Konik spruce:
- Konik spruce belongs to coniferous evergreen trees.
- Is an decorative form ate Canadian gray-gray. The decorative value of this tree is its height and correct crown shape.
- Conic spruce reaches 1 meter in height, which is ideal for home conditions. When favorable conditions cultivation can grow up to 3 meters.
- The diameter can reach 2 meters.
- It grows very slowly. In the first 10 years of life, it can grow by only 6-10 cm per year.After this period, the growth decreases significantly - to 1.5-3 cm.
- Konica is a long-liver, in one place it can grow up to 300-500 years.
- The decorative form of the Canadian gray spruce has a unique correct shape crown, which in its own way appearance resembles a narrow cone. main feature ate - she practically does not need to care for the crown, it takes shape in a natural way.
- The crown is very dense, consists of short needle-like needles, which reach 1 cm in length. The color of the needles is gray-green. The needles do not prick at all, so the spruce is absolutely safe for children and animals.
- Cones on conic spruce appear very rarely and have an oblong conical shape, reaching 6 cm in length.
- The root system is shallow, so you need to be careful when loosening the soil around the tree.
- Spruce Glauka Konica has several mutant varieties: Alberta Globe, Laurin, Elegance Compact, Gnome.
Reproduction of spruce conic
Conic spruce propagates by cuttings and seeds. Any of these methods are quite lengthy and it will take a long time before you get a young seedling.
Seed propagation
This method is used very rarely and is very unreliable, since conic spruce grown in this way practically loses all its decorative maternal characteristics. From one cone, only a couple of seeds can inherit the characteristics of the mother tree. But still the right to exist this way It has.
- It is necessary to collect seeds from well-ripe buds. The optimal time for harvesting is autumn-winter.
- Next, you need to prepare the nutrient soil with high level acidity. To do this, combine peat, leafy soil, turf soil and sand in equal proportions.
- Seeds are sown to a depth of 1 cm.
- After sowing, the container is placed in a cool season that resembles natural growing conditions.
- Such optimal conditions the first shoots may appear in early spring.
- If the seedlings are properly looked after, they can reach approximately 20 cm in a year.
- Young spruce can be grown at home or planted in the ground after rearing.
- The seed method of growing conic spruce is always successful, since it has a very high level of similarity.
Reproduction of spruce conic by cuttings
This method is used much more often and has rather good results. A young plant will possess everyone maternal signs... Of course, this process is quite lengthy. It will take more than one year to get a seedling suitable for planting in open ground. Experts recommend cultivating and growing conic spruce outdoors - this will closely match the actual growth conditions of the tree.
- Cutting must be carried out in June, so that in a few months the cut on the cuttings has time to overgrow and after that the tree begins to actively root.
- For cuttings, be sure to cut only the lowest branches.
- The length of the cuttings should be no more than 10-12 cm.
- The main thing is to properly separate the cuttings from the mother tree: the cutting must be sure to have a heel, i.e. the separation must be carried out together with a part of the tree bark. Otherwise, the seedling will die.
- Next, you should place the cuttings in a solution of a growth stimulator, for example, a solution of "Kornevin". To do this, liquid is poured into the container and cuttings are placed there for at least 2 hours.
- Subsequently, the remaining solution can be diluted with water and used to water the cuttings.
- Prepare a fertile substrate. To do this, you can mix peat, leafy soil, turf soil and sand.
- The cuttings are buried in the soil by a maximum of 2.5 cm.
- Further care consists in moderate watering and maintaining the necessary moisture.
- Conic spruce is planted in a permanent place in open ground only after 4-5 years.
Preparation before planting conic spruce
Getting a healthy and beautiful evergreen coniferous tree requires careful preparation. The first step will be the selection and purchase of quality seedlings or the preparation of self-grown ones. It will also be important to find right place for planting.
Selection of seedlings
Most often, conic-ate seedlings are purchased in specialized nurseries, less often they are grown independently. When buying, it is important to follow some rules:
- It is best to purchase a seedling in a pot with a closed root system. Then you can plant it at any time from spring to autumn.
- If you have purchased a seedling with an open root system, you will need to plant it immediately.
- In this case, pay attention to the root system, it should be with an earthen clod and covered with burlap. This will prevent root damage.
- Examine the seedling carefully. There should be no damaged or dead branches on it.
- It is best to buy seedlings in specialized nurseries, so you will be sure of what you are buying.
Choosing a place for planting conic spruce
- Conic spruce prefers to grow outdoors sunny places with a little shading, as sometimes it can be sunburn... If it is planted in the shade, then the coniferous tree will quickly lose its decorative properties and the color of the needles.
- It is also important that the place is protected from winds and under it there is no close occurrence of groundwater, because the conic spruce does not tolerate stagnant water.
- It is important to consider that they do not grow nearby big trees... Otherwise, there will be little space for the spruce and it may lose its decorative properties.
- The choice of a place for planting conic spruce will depend on the desired composition in the garden and landscape design.
- It is important to remember that it is not worth planting a conic spruce within the city limits - it does not tolerate air pollution and may die.
Selection and preparation of soil for planting
Conic spruce is not a particularly picky tree and will grow almost anywhere. However, to preserve its decorative features and bright color crown you need to pick up fertile land. The soil should be loose and light, it is good for air and moisture to pass through. It is great if the soil is enriched with organic matter. Also, before planting, the ground must be carefully dug up.
Planting process of spruce conic
It is possible to plant Canadian conic spruce in open ground in spring, autumn and summer. However, you should be aware of several nuances in this case, because the landing at different periods varies slightly.
- In spring and autumn, you need to plant seedlings with open roots... In summer it is obligatory planting material should be with a clod of earth, as there is a risk of damage to the roots. In conic spruce, the root system does not tolerate hot dry air.
- You need to start planting with soil preparation. A soil mixture consisting of peat, leafy soil, turf and sand in equal proportions is suitable for spruce. You can add some organic stuff.
- Next, you should dig a planting hole, the size of which will depend on the size of the seedling and its root system.
- A drainage layer can be placed on the bottom of the pit, which consists of broken brick or rubble.
- Then a part of the prepared soil is poured into which you can add a little complex fertilizer.
- A seedling is placed on this soil and sprinkled with the remaining soil.
- After planting, it is imperative to water the seedling; there should be 10-12 liters of water per tree.
- Then be sure to mulch trunk circle to retain moisture. Peat can be used as mulch.
Features of caring for Konik spruce
Further care for the Konik spruce does not require much effort and any complex actions. However, it is worth paying attention to the tree so that in the future it will delight you with its chic crown and bright color of the needles.
Watering
Konik spruce needs constant moderate watering. Especially in the hot season, it is imperative to water young trees 2 times a week with 10 liters of water for one seedling. Spruce also loves sprinkling, so using a hose or watering can, you can spray the needles 1-2 times a week. However, be careful not to flood the root system.
Loosening and mulching
Periodically, the trunk circle can be loosened, only you need to do it very carefully. After all, the root system of the tree is close to the surface, and you can damage it. After loosening, be sure to mulch the soil. Peat or compost can be used as mulch. This mulch will protect your tree from drying out and a large number weeds.
Shelter and protection of the fir-tree conic
Young seedlings ate conic need protection from the sun's rays, as they can get burned and die. Cardboard and burlap can be used as protection. It is necessary to cover in autumn for the entire frost period, while leaving it open lower part wood.
Conic spruce feeding
If, when planting, you added organic matter and complex fertilizers to the soil, at first the seedling does not need feeding. Further into summer time you can feed the spruce organic fertilizersdiluted in water.
Pruning
Conic spruce has a regular conical crown shape, which practically does not need pruning. In autumn and spring, sanitary pruning can be carried out, during which damaged, broken and dried branches are removed.
Disease and pest control
Diseases ate conic:
- Tracheomycosis. This condition is very serious and does not respond to treatment. The first signs of this disease are the reddening of the needles and their falling off. The only way fight - digging up a tree and burning it.
- Rust. Signs of this disease are orange growths on the branches, yellowing and falling of the needles. To fight the disease, you can use special drugs such as Vectra.
- Schütte. Signs of illness - blackening and white bloom on pins and needles. To combat, a solution of copper sulfate is used.
Pests ate conic:
The use of conic spruce in landscape design
Conic spruce is very loved by landscape designers for its decorative features, therefore, it can often be found on sites.
Ways to use conic spruce in landscape design:
- This decorative spruce will look great as a small hedge. Thanks to its correct crown, it does not need to be looked after.
- Konik can be planted in various garden compositions such as rock gardens or rockeries.
- It will serve as an excellent backdrop for flowering plants.
- Spruce conic can be planted in pots and containers. Moreover, in the cold season, they can be easily taken indoors. The advantage of such cultivation is the ability to use such a tree on New Year and Christmas.
Photo of spruce konik in landscape design
All the features of using Canadian conic spruce in the design of garden plots can be seen in the following photos.
Conic spruce in a garden composition
Conic spruce as a low hedge
Conic spruce can be planted along the walls of the house, on both sides of windows or doors.
Great Canadian spruce conic looks in pots
Conic spruce is one of the most beloved evergreen conifers, which is great for landscaping the site. Due to its compact growth and beautiful crown, it will become a real decoration and will be able to delight you with the bright color of the needles all year round.