Thuja, the planting and care of which interests many owners of country houses, does not come from our area, it was brought from East Asia and America. The plant is quite unpretentious, therefore, it has taken root well in more northern latitudes.
The name "thuja" is of Greek origin. When its branches are burned, such a pleasant aroma is felt that it was called so - "incense".
The cypress family, to which the thuja belongs, unites both shrubs and trees. Evergreen thuja do not have needles; their needles are made up of particles that adhere well to each other. Plants are known that have lived for over 1000 years.
In Russia, the height of thuja specimens does not reach more than 10-11 m, while in native lands it often reaches 20 m. There are many varieties of thuja that exist today. In our climate, thuja western develops best, it tolerates cold well and is generally not whimsical.
The development of the plant largely depends on the soil and the place of planting, although thuja will grow on any substrate. Crowns can be trimmed, this will only be useful. Curly trimming of a pyramidal or spiral shape, spherical or in the form of a column looks good on thuja bushes.
From different varieties of this plant, hedges and alleys are made, gardens and plots are decorated.
When choosing options for planting, you should evaluate the characteristics of each species and shape in order to decide which one will be optimal for your conditions. Imagine in advance how the thuja will look, planting and leaving it will then be easier.
We list several species of this evergreen known in our time:
- thuja western;
- arbor vitae;
- Japanese thuja;
- thuja Korean;
- thuja folded.
The western variety of thuja (Thúja occidentális) is most common in Russia, and its homeland is North America. In the middle lane, only this species is usually planted.
Plants tolerate winter cold well, an abundance of shade (although in culture it develops better with sufficient lighting). He loves moisture, but can also endure dryness, does not require planting in a specific type of soil.
Has many decorative forms (over 120).
Thuja western is very common in central Russia
Eastern thuja (Thuja orientalis), also called oriental platypus, needs more care than western thuja (the lighting and humidification regime should be full, it does not tolerate shade well).
If all conditions are met, it will take root well on your site. Thuja, planting and caring for which is more difficult than competing species western thuja, loses on selection.
In landscape design, the oriental platypus is often used to form a hedge and decorate stone gardens, in which they have been used from time immemorial, because this variety comes from China. 60 varieties of this plant allow you to choose the best option for decorating your site.
In nature, Japanese thuja (Thuja standishii), according to the name, grows in the highlands of Japan.
This variety can withstand severe frosts (up to -30 degrees) and otherwise this culture is unpretentious, only sensitive to air pollution, so do not plant it in the city, but rather save it for a summer cottage.
Japanese thuja is a rather unpretentious culture
Outside of natural conditions, the Korean thuja, whose name in Latin sounds like Thuia koraiensis, takes the form of a creeping shrub, although in the natural environment it can grow up to 8 m.
It is picky enough to the temperature and water regime, therefore, it is rarely planted in the middle lane.
The crown of the folded or giant thuja (Thuja plicata) is dense, in the form of a pyramid or cone. In North America, these plants can be incredibly tall in accordance with their name (up to 40 m), but in Russia they are often very decorative (up to 4 m).
The folded thuja tolerates the winters of the middle belt harder than the western one, although it is unpretentious to the soil.
Thuja giant
Landing
Although thuja propagates by seeds and vegetatively, the first method is rarely used, cuttings allow the plant to root better. They are not obtained by cutting, but torn off.
You can propagate thuja and layering, but without maintaining the shape of the crown.
From the description of the varieties, it becomes clear which parts of the site should be chosen for planting thuja. Its roots are located close to the surface and can only endure slight waterlogging, but with an abundance of spring rains, young plants often die.
Do not stop in places where there will be too much sun, otherwise the opposite situation will arise - the plant will be dehydrated, which will especially negatively affect it with the onset of cold weather.
There are several rules under which thuja (planting and leaving it must be performed correctly) will take root on your site and will decorate it:
- Consider the gaps between seedlings (they should be at least half a meter and can sometimes reach 5 meters);
- If you decide to make a hedge, arrange 2 rows (at intervals of at least 0.7 m), if you want to create an alley, make sure that the distance between the plants is approximately 4 m.
- The optimal depth for planting thuja is 60-80 cm, more accurate parameters depend on the type of soil and root system, but the root collar in the end should not be higher than ground level.
- For replanting, use the following soil composition: 2 parts of turf / 1 part of peat / 1 part of sand with the addition of fertilizers (nitroammophoska is ideal at the rate of 0.5 kg per seedling). Thuja will grow on other soils, this mixture is used only for planting.
- Clay soils should have a drainage layer of at least 15-20 cm in depth.
Care
Thuja care includes the following procedures:
- feeding and watering;
- loosening and mulching;
- cutting the crown and pruning;
- preparing the plant for the winter period.
One of the most popular coniferous decorative trees among summer residents is thuja. This is an evergreen tree or shrub that belongs to the Cypress family. This family also includes such widespread conifers like cypress, juniper. Young thuja have needle-like needles. The needles have a light green tint. Adults, on the other hand, have scaly foliage, the color is darker. The tree can develop up to almost 100 years.
Most varieties are frost resistant. Thuja colors are varied depending on the varieties. For example, wood is blue and also yellowish. There are high three-meter thuja, as well as dwarf shrubs.
The most popular in Russia is the western thuja.
Western thuja: description and varieties
Western thuja is a species. It can grow up to 20 meters, but in Russia, western thuja rarely grows above 7 meters. Crown shapes are:
- Columnar;
- Spherical.
A large number of western thuja varieties are grown. Among them are such common varieties: Smaragd, Barbant, Danica, Columna and others. However, some amateur gardeners are looking for less popular, but no less unusual varieties on horticultural counters. Below are the most common varieties with a photo. Often, gardeners and landscape designers, when deciding to plant a thuja, ask themselves the question: "Which one is better to plant in the country?"
Degrut Spire - a variety for lovers of sophistication
Degrut Spire- varietal variety of western thuja. It has a unique columnar shape, has a narrow and straight crown and is considered the narrowest among the columnar species. The height of this culture is up to 3 meters. Degrut Spire is widespread in the West.
This tree is ideal for landscaping and landscaping areas. For example, Degrut Spire will help to equip any hedge, even if its height reaches 5 meters. A tall but thin green wall will not take up much space on the site.
Thuja western Degroot Spire ("Degrut Spire").
Degrut Spire has such advantages as resistance to frost and undemanding to soil conditions. It is better to plant a tree in places that are well lit by the sun's rays. The shade makes the crown looser. The ideal soil for growing this variety is a combination of the following components:
- Sand;
- Peat;
- Leaves.
One bucket of water is enough for watering. Watering is regular - once a week. In the spring, the tree is fed. The soil must be periodically mulched and loosened. In the spring, the tree is covered to avoid sunburn. On the winter period the crown must be tightened with a tape so that wet snow does not damage the crown.
Holmstrup - beauty from Denmark
Holmstrup is an evergreen shrub. The crown shape is columnar. Mature tree grows up to 4 meters in height. Crown color - deep green. In winter, the color of the needles does not change. The needles of the bush are dense, they are scales.
Thuja Holmstrup ("Holmstrup").
This variety is frost-resistant, shade-tolerant and tolerates windy weather well. The shrub does not require high soil fertility. This shrub - great option For Russia. It is best planted in places with good sunlight. Or it is worth choosing places that are not too shaded.
The shrub is an excellent choice for planting in groups or singly. Hedges are rarely created with Holmstrup.
Fastigiata is a valuable variety for experienced gardeners
One of the varieties of narrow-lined thuja is Fastigiata. This varietal variety was first grown in Germany. A mature tree grows up to 12 meters in height. It grows very quickly. Visually looks like a cypress. The needles of the tree are soft and have a pleasant aroma. The buds are small.
Thuja western Fastigiata ("Fastigiata").
This variety loves the sun and prefers fertile soil. In spring, it is advisable to cover young seedlings so that the spring sun does not damage them. To improve the structure of the soil, it is mulched. For mulching, cut grass is used. In winter, spruce branches are used for mulching. Lapnik prevents mice from breeding.
Fastigiata are often used to form hedges. They are not only beautiful, but also do not take up much space. The varietal variety is not afraid of decorative haircuts. Designers use the tree in large landscape compositions, use it in group plantings. It goes well with a variety of flowers and shrubs.
Yellow varieties of western thuja
They are very popular, refresh the landscape, look great in any composition. Unfortunately, many of them were “capricious”. The most common varieties in Russia are described below.
Thuja western Ellow Ribon - for lovers of yellow varieties of thuja
Yellow Ribon is a yellow thuja variety. It is small in size. The shape of the crown is conical. An adult thuja has a height of up to 2 meters. It grows fast enough. The crown is friable, therefore, to give it density, it is advisable to trim the tree regularly.
The needles of young trees have an orange color, becoming green with maturity. In winter, the crown turns brown. The sunnier the place where this thuja grows, the brighter color crowns.
The variety is distinguished by its exactingness to growing conditions. The soil must be fertile and moist for the plant to delight with its beauty.
Thuja Yellow Ribbon ("Yellow Ribon").
The beautiful golden needles make this variety very valuable. In landscape design, with the help of Yellow Ribon thujas, walls are formed that have a rich yellow hue. They are planted in containers, as well as hedges and memorial walls with their use.
Tuya Golden Glob - yellow balls for summer cottages
Golden Globe is distinguished by its slow growth. The crown shape of this coniferous culture is spherical. The height of an adult bush does not exceed 1 meter.
The needles are loose. Regular haircut helps to achieve density. The ends of the shoots are golden, inside the crown the needles are green. IN autumn period time the needles acquire a shade of copper, in the spring it becomes golden again. In order for the shrub to please with a golden color, it is recommended to plant it in sunny places or slightly shaded.
Thuja Golden Globe ("Golden Globe").
This shrub does not trump high soil fertility, but loves lime-rich soil. To avoid breaking off the branches, the crown is tied for the winter.
Shrubs are used in planting in groups, they are also planted singly. They also create beautiful hedges and curbs.
The most interesting varieties
Many other varieties of this culture are also known. Such varieties as Brabant, Smaragd, Danica, Globoza are extremely popular. Specialty stores and nurseries also have more unique and less common varieties. Below are the names of Western thuja varieties and their brief description.
Little Boy is a relatively new dwarf globular variety. The height does not exceed 0.5 meters. Growth is slow. The needles of such a thuja have an emerald color. Little Boy requires high soil fertility. Loves the sun, but does not mind growing in partial shade. This is used in the creation:
- Japanese gardens;
- Live curbs.
Hoseri is an original variety from Poland. This is another dwarf globular tree species. Scaly needles are dark green in color. In autumn, the needles take on a bronze tint. Hoseri loves moisture, is not picky about the soil and is shade-tolerant. Also, this culture is resistant to frost and is not afraid of winds.
Mirjem- This is another dwarf variety of thuja. An adult plant grows up to 80 cm. The needles have a bright yellow color, becoming bronze by autumn. Plant growth is slow. Due to its size, this thuja is ideal for rock gardens and planting in pots.
Brabant- this is a thuja, which has a great height. The height of the trees is up to 21 meters. Used in group and single plantings, as well as in the creation of hedges.
Globoza is a dwarf coniferous culture. The shape of the crown resembles a ball. The height does not exceed 1 meter. Thuja Globoza is used in the creation of rocky gardens, rock gardens, as well as in group and single compositions.
Danica is another widespread varietal variety. This is a dwarf culture. The Danica variety is used in the creation of various landscape compositions, alipinaria, and is also used to create borders. With the help of these shrubs, small garden plots are planted.
Emerald- another equally popular variety of thuja. Gardeners often plant this crop in their dacha. The height of the tree can be up to 4.5 meters.
Thuja Smaragd ("Smaragd").
Columna- one more popular tree from gardeners. The crown shape is columnar. The height reaches 7 meters.
Woodwardy- spherical thuja. The height of the shrub is small, no more than 2 meters. It is used in mixborders, a variety of multi-contrast landscape compositions.
Question answer
What kind of thuja to plant along the fence?
For planting along fences, varieties such as Holmstrup, Fastigiata, Brabant, Smaragd are often used.
What is the most unpretentious thuja?
Many types of this culture are unpretentious. Often choose Brabant, Smaragd, Holmstrup.
How much do thuja seedlings cost?
The price of one seedling is from 150 rubles and more.
I am engaged in rock gardens. How are thuja used in alpine slides?
Low-growing varieties are suitable for rock gardens. In Russia, the dwarf species of western thuja are the most popular. The following varieties are ideal for alpine slides: Danica, Golden Globe, Woodwardi, Filivormis. They are all spherical.
Can thuja be used in mixborders?
Can. Despite the fact that a mixborder offers a wide variety of colors and shades, conifers are successfully used in mixborders. Thuja has many shades: green, blue and yellow.
Review on video
A short and clear overview of some of the outstanding varieties. The information on the video is presented in such a way that it will be of interest to novice gardeners.
Evergreen thuja different heights and forms have long been actively used in landscape design. Due to the dense crown, needles that persist throughout the year and sufficient unpretentiousness hedge from thuja - one of the most popular uses of the plant.
What varieties of thuja are best for a hedge
Planting evergreen shrubs along the border of the site will protect the territory not only from access of prying and immodest looks, but also gusts of wind, dust, polluted air from the road and even noise. On the site itself, the thuja will help to delimit the functional zones, the undersized varieties will become the basis for the borders. A perennial plant is universal, the main thing is to choose the right varieties and organize planting.
Which thuja are best for a hedge? There are dozens of varieties of this evergreen today. Climatic conditions in Russia are diverse. If in the southern regions gardeners can only focus on decorative properties thuja, then in the middle lane and to the north it is important to remember the frost resistance of the future hedge. Most often, for a living fence, the choice falls on two varieties: Brabant and Smaragd.
Thuja Brabant hedge
One of the most winter-hardy varieties is thuja western Brabant (T. occidentalis Brabant) with a crown in the form of a wide column with a diameter of about one and a half and a height of up to 5 meters. Like all related plants, the variety, beloved by gardeners, perfectly tolerates being under the sun and in a transparent shade. In addition, the shrub is undemanding to the composition of the soil, easily tolerates cutting and can do almost without maintenance for a long time.
For a hedge, thuja Brabant is an excellent choice. However, do not forget about the characteristic feature of the plant. Thuja needles do not remain green all year round. In winter, it takes on a brownish-brown hue, but does not crumble, maintaining the opacity of the hedge. In spring, early awakening shrubs can suffer from withering and sunburn.
In the spring, after a haircut, the crown is actively restored. Typically, coniferous crops used in landscape design do not give a large annual increase. However, there are also exceptions. The Brabant variety is a fast-growing thuja for hedges, which during the growing season increases in height to 35 cm and in width by 15 cm.
If large shrubs lack nutrition or moisture, the thuja gradually loses its brightness. One of the signs of a nutritional deficiency is the appearance of numerous light brown bumps.
A thuja hedge of this variety is a solid wall that perfectly tolerates a haircut and retains its given shape. When planting evergreen shrubs, future growth is taken into account. An interval of 50 to 70 cm is made between the seedlings in the trench.
Maintenance pruning is done twice a year. In early spring, before the start of the awakening of growth points, the thuyu is cut for the first time, then the procedure is repeated in August. Usually thuja is chosen for planting at the age of 3-4 years. If you do not hesitate with pruning and treat it carefully, you can grow a living 2-meter wall no more than half a meter thick.
Thuja Smaragd hedge
Tui different varieties differ not only in appearance. The Smaragd variety (T. occidentalis Smaragd) is no less popular than Brabant. This is the same large plant, up to 4–5 meters high, but with a conical crown and needles that never lose their green tint.
A rare feature for thuja makes the variety popular not only as a tool for a hedge. Gorgeous shrub rarely exposed to winter desiccation:
- grows very slowly;
- does not require frequent haircuts;
- looks great both as part of a live wall and solo.
The lower part of the thuja Smaragd hedge has a high density, rich green color and, with minimal pruning, maintains an even surface. Due to the natural conical shape of the crown top part the hedge retains its natural shape. This feature is very useful when it comes about the hedge at the border of the site. The jagged edge is more difficult to overcome for both humans and animals.
Before planting thuja for a hedge, they dig a trench about 50-60 cm wide and deep. The density of the green fence depends on the interval between the bushes. The average clearance for disembarkation is half a meter.
It is good if the thuja seedlings are closed root system... In this case, they easily take root, and hedges from them can be planted not only in spring.
For thuja hedges, sufficient nutrition and regular watering are important. Drought makes the needles turn pale, the already slow growth stops, young shoots dry out. Plants do not tolerate stagnant moisture and the proximity of groundwater. Therefore, in the risk zone in the planting trench, it is useful to make a drainage layer about 20 cm thick.
Thuja varieties for hedges
The selection is not limited to the plants described above. An equally impressive wall of greenery can be created by planting thuja Columna along the border of the site. A perennial plant up to 7 meters high with a dense cylindrical crown up to 130 cm in diameter. Like Smaragd, the shrub does not change the color of the needles, but it has a high growth rate and increases in size by 20 cm per year.
Thuja Holmstrup, up to three meters high, has a unique crown, which from the side seems curly or corrugated. A dense column about a meter in diameter tolerates winter cold well, is unpretentious and does not change color throughout the year. To the beginner's question: "Which thuja are better for a hedge?", You can safely point to this variety. A plant with a small annual growth costs a haircut once every two years.
Canadian thuja varieties Sankist has a height of 3 to 5 meters. The crown in the form of a wide cone with a diameter of 1–2 meters stands out due to the beautiful color of golden needles, which turn brownish-bronze for the winter.
What varieties of thuja are best for low hedges? The choice of plants for creating borders is quite large. Species with a naturally compact crown, more winter-hardy than tall plants, and not requiring frequent labor-intensive pruning, are especially popular. An example is thuja Danica no more than 60 cm in height.
Video about planting a western thuja hedge
This article will help you find out what types of tui exist, the names of the main varieties suitable for cultivation. Also, their decorative properties are described, ways of including them in landscape design, the topic of which thuja is better suited for a hedge is considered.
Thuja plant species
Thuja use in landscape design (photo)
Thuja (Thuja) belongs to evergreen conifers (shrubs) of the cypress family (Cupressaceae). It has a dense crown. Scale-shaped coniferous needles have a characteristic odor. Flowers and cones cannot be seen at once, some types of thujas do not form them at all. Thuja in the garden will be an irreplaceable decoration. She feels favorably after a haircut, including a curly one, used to give the plant interesting shapes.
Thuja western (Thuja occidentalis)
This type of thuja is widespread among gardeners. It includes varieties suitable for garden and park plantings in the European part of Russia, where it winters well.
The variety came to us from North America... It was bred as decorative culture back in the 16th century, and later brought to Europe. At home, this culture is referred to as the "American tree of life", as well as the "pencil tree". The softness of its wood is used for making pencils. And the Indians used the trunks of thujs for the construction of canoes, as this tree resists decay.
Among the varieties of this species, one can distinguish Brabant, Smaragd, Dannika, Wagneri, Golden Glob, Holmstrup, Hoseri.
Thuja Brabant (Thuja occidentalis Brabant)
Thuja western Brabant
This thuja resembles a column. It can be up to 20 m in height and up to 4 m in diameter. In winter, needle-like leaves begin to turn brown. At the trunk, the bark has a brownish or red tint, which tends to flake off. The variety is classified as a fast-growing species. The annual growth of the trunk height is about 35 cm, in breadth - 15 cm.
Flowering occurs in spring (April-May). When the thuja has faded, small ovoid brown cones begin to appear, fully ripening at the end of summer.
- Growing
For growing thuja Brabant, both sunny areas and light shading are suitable. Windy areas are not desirable for the plant.
The soil is selected fertile, moist.
Trees from containers, before planting, are well watered.
When planting a plant, it is necessary to check the position of the root collar corresponding to the soil surface.
In the first month, planted plants require one weekly watering. Each tree will require 10 liters of water. Then the frequency of watering is increased to twice a week for 15-20 liters. The soil is not loosened deeply (up to 10 cm), because the roots are located close to the surface. In the process of mulching, peat or wood chips are added, pouring up to 7 cm in height.
- Winter period
The species is frost-resistant. Young specimens should be protected in the first winter. Spruce branches and craft paper are perfect for this purpose.
- Decorative properties
Thuja Smaragd (Thuja occidentalis Smaragd)
Thuja western Smaragd
Cone-shaped thuja, reaching about 5 m in height. Possesses dense foliage, dark green color. It does not change in colder months. Slow-growing variety.
- Growing
The best place there will be calm light areas for planting, although the presence of penumbra is also acceptable. The plant grows well in highly fertile moist soil.
A plant that does not like drought needs to be watered regularly. It often does not have to be cut, the Smaragd variety grows slowly.
- Winter period
- Decorative properties
A living wall of these thuja will not be dense, since the upper parts of the crowns pointed towards the top do not completely close. Planting of single plants, group arrangement, planning of alleys is widely used. The variety is ideal for decorating a regular garden, being a noticeable accent in compositional solutions.
A curly haircut is applicable to thuja Smaragd, which allows you to create design forms.
Thuja Danica (Thuja occidentalis Danica)
Thuja western Danica
This low thuja resembles a ball. Reaches 60 cm in height and about 1 m in spread. The needle-like leaves form a dense light green crown, which takes on a light bronze tint in winter. Slow growing variety. For a year, the shrub rises by no more than 5 cm. The plant can only be propagated by cuttings. An attractive form of thuja Dannik is thuja Danica Aurea (Danica Aurea). It has a yellow-green crown.
- Growing
This type of thuja is planted on a windless sunny side or in partial shade. Has a low susceptibility to drought, but when planting, it is advisable to choose a fertile loamy moist soil.
In the first month, as well as in dry hot weather, the plant must be watered abundantly, sprayed, mulched. In the spring, saltpeter, ash, and organic fertilizers are added.
- Winter period
The variety is not very sensitive to cold weather. He spends winter under a snow cap. Burns from the spring sun are rare.
- Decorative properties
The view was widespread in landscape design. To create a balance, elongated plant specimens are planted next to the thuja, whose crown has a columnar or egg-like shape.
Thuja Danica is also successfully used for the design of green borders and separate planting.
Thuja Wagneri (Thuja occidentalis Wagneri) or Thuja Wagner
Thuja western Wagneri
Evergreen variety up to 3.5 m in height, up to 1.5 m in width. Dense, egg-like crown with thin vertical branches. At the ends, they droop a little. Coniferous needles, green with a gray tint, turn brownish in winter. Average annual growth. No bumps are formed.
- Growing
Open, calm, light places with fertile, moist soil are optimal. If groundwater do not lie deep, then a good drainage device will be required. The root collar should be correctly aligned with the ground. The plant is planted in spring or autumn.
It is required to do shallow loosening of the soil (up to 10 cm). Also, the soil is mulched using peat or wood chips... Layer thickness - 7 cm. If necessary, pruning is performed to form the crown.
- Winter period
Brings winters well. The first few years after planting, young bushes are covered to prevent burns. To prevent the crown from being damaged under the pressure of snow covers, it is recommended not to tie the branches tightly together.
- Decorative properties
You can decorate the garden with individual copies, variations in the group. Planting is carried out along the alleys, combined plantings with other trees and shrubs. Thuja for a hedge will be a worthy alternative to the usual fencing of the site.
Thuja Golden Globe (Thuja occidentalis Golden Globe)
Thuja western Golden Glob
A low plant with a rounded crown. It reaches 1 m in height and breadth. The needles of an unusual yellowish tint with a golden tint. By winter, it takes on a brownish tint. Slow-growing variety. The annual growth is 8-10 cm.
- Growing
The plant will feel good in bright places, partial shade is also acceptable. Moistened light loamy soil is suitable for planting shrubs. The plant is planted both in spring and autumn.
In the hot period, it is necessary to carry out periodic watering and sprinkling. A young seedling is mulched using cut grass or peat. The soil is loosened shallowly. There is no need to cut a haircut; sanitary pruning in the spring will be sufficient.
- Winter period
Thuya Golden Globe tolerates cold enough. In snowy winters, the crown may suffer, so it must be fixed with a bunch.
- Decorative properties
Due to its beautiful color and rounded shape, thuja is widely used for decorative purposes, for example, in compositions with pebbles. The variety looks great in rockeries, on rocky gardens, as a green decoration for roofs, balconies.
Thuja Holmstrup (Thuja occidentalis Holmstrup)
Thuja western Holmstrup
In appearance, thuja Holmstrup resembles a cone, up to 4 m high. Scale-like foliage is solid curly in diameter up to 1 m. The color of the needles is emerald, it does not change in winter. Slow growing variety. During the year, the plant grows 12 cm in height and 4 cm in width.
- Growing
Sunny areas or places with light shade work well. The species prefers moist, fertile, drained soil.
Regular watering, sprinkler irrigation, shallow loosening, mulching, for example, with compost are required. Sanitary pruning is performed in the spring.
- Winter period
Well tolerates winter. It is recommended to cover the seedlings for the first few years, protecting them from sunburn. So that the crown does not suffer from the pressure of the snow caps, it must be pulled off.
- Decorative properties
Thuja perfectly tolerates urban conditions and is widely used in landscape design. It is planted in individual specimens and in groups, creates a green fence, decorates rock gardens, grows in containers, and uses it together with other trees and shrubs to "create" garden decor.
Tuya Hoseri (Thuja occidentalis Hoseri)
Thuja western Hoseri (Hoseri)
Refers to dwarf varieties. The solid crown in the form of a ball reaches a diameter of up to 0.6 m. The coniferous leaves are scaly, have a dark green color, and acquire a bronze tint in the cold season. Slow-growing species. The height of the plant increases by 5 cm per year.
- Growing
The shrub is shade-tolerant, but when planting it is better to select areas that are illuminated or with a slight penumbra, devoid of strong winds... Wet loams are suitable for soils.
After planting, mulching is carried out, for example, with peat. In hot, dry weather, regular watering is necessary. In spring and autumn, it needs feeding. There is no need to cut the plant, it only needs sanitary pruning of dry and broken shoots.
- Winter period
Sufficiently tolerates winters under a snow cap.
- Decorative properties
The undersized thuja Hoseri will look good on the personal plot. It is decorated with rocky gardens, planted together with other trees and shrubs, embodying all kinds of decorative compositions. Looks great as a curb, container planting.
Thuja folded (Thuja plicata), giant
Thuja folded Zebrina
Thuja folded Zebrina
Highest view. Under natural conditions, it grows in the west of North America and reaches a height of 60 m, a trunk diameter of 3-4 m. Thuja folded belongs to long-livers and can grow up to 800 years. The crown of this species is dense, conical, dropping to the ground. Needle-like scaly leaf plates are rich in green. Below they are with whitish stripes. The bark has a brownish-red tint. Oblong cones grow up to 1.2 cm in length. Among the cultivated varieties, Zebrina is the most popular.
Thuja Korean (Thuja koraiensis)
Thuja Korean
Korea is a natural habitat. Slow growing species. Reaches 9 m. The crown is elegant light green with a silvery sheen below. The color of the bark is brown-red. The cones are oval in shape, the length of which reaches 0.8 cm.
Thuja Japanese (Thuja standishii) or Thuja Standish
This evergreen tree is native to the mountains of Central Japan. Here this plant grows up to 18 m. Decorative purpose cultivation at home is not the only one. Trees are used to obtain quality wood... The culture has a pleasant lemon-eucalyptus aroma. The shape of the crown is pyramidal. Scaly reddish brown bark. The needles are green, the bottom has a silvery tint. Small dark brown bumps are oval in shape, grow up to 1 cm.
So, among such a species and varietal variety of thujas, everyone will be able to choose suitable trees that will become a real decorative decoration of a garden or summer cottage.
Western thuja: photos, names and descriptions of species varieties
To begin with, we present to your attention a photo and description of the western thuja, whose homeland is the eastern part of North America.
Western thuja in the photo
It is a lush tree up to 20 m in height and 70 cm in diameter with a pyramidal crown. Cultivated everywhere - from Black Sea coast to Arkhangelsk, from Siberia to the Far East.
The western species of thuja have opposite scaly needles, flat flattened shoots and peeling bark. Plants are monoecious, that is, they have both male and female flowers... Male - sit in the sinuses of the needles. They have stamens with 4 protruding anthers. Female spikelets are located at the tips of the branches. Each scale has 1–2 ovules, except for the upper pair.
Look at the photo - this variety of thuja has small cones, up to 1 cm in length:
They have an elongated oval shape. Ripen in the year of flowering, open and fall. In June, the cones are green, and in October, when they ripen, they are brown.
Seeds are flat, narrow-winged. When describing the western thuja, it is worth noting that its entire appearance, resembling a cypress, differs from other trees by the dense and dense branching of the pyramidal crown, with shoots branching in one plane.
An exceptionally hardy plant, but in case of flooding in summer, the root system can suffer in winter, up to complete death. Prefers moderate humidity, but grows well on dry slopes with sandy loam soil. He loves fertile loams very much, where it grows extremely luxuriantly. It tolerates drought better than any other tree. Almost does not suffer from damage by pests and diseases.
Thuja western tolerates haircuts and transplants, which should be done in early spring or in September - October.
She has many decorative forms, greatly differing in height, outlines of crowns and shade of foliage.
Thuja western- fragrant plant. Its plantings exude an unusually pleasant aroma of freshness, which indicates the rich content of phytoncides and other physiologically active substances. It is no coincidence that during the heyday of homeopathy, thuja was in the lead as a means of combating skin diseases, heart and vascular ailments.
Traditional medicine also does not neglect thuja raw materials. The bark, leaves, fruits of thuja are curative.
Thuja leaves contain essential oils with a characteristic strong camphor smell - a valuable raw material for the perfumery industry. Thuja preparations stimulate the immune and central nervous system, cardiac activity.
The role of thuja as an air conditioner is undeniable. She not only cleans him of harmful substances, but also enriches with useful, always remaining, even in the most polluted places, fresh, viable and decorative. This is because, according to its biological requirements, thuja is very unpretentious plant, however, deserves to be treated with attention to her biological needs.
Thuja "Aurea" in the photo
"Aurea"- a collective name, under which several forms with a golden yellow color are hidden. Typical is the form growing as a single-stemmed tree up to 2.5 m high, with a pyramidal crown. The needles of this variety of western thuja are bright yellow, green in the shade. Most intensely colored from mid-summer to the beginning of cold weather. Well cut and shaped, suitable for molded hedges. Effective in a single planting and as part of coniferous groups. Beautiful in combination with conifers, contrasting in crown shape and color. Winter hardy, weather resistant.
Thuja "Belokonchikovaya" ("Albospikata") in the photo
"Belokonchikovaya" ("Albospikata")- reaches a height of 2.5 m, the crown is wide-conical, with obliquely ascending shoots. The needles are of medium size, white and variegated at the ends. Especially intense White color manifests itself in the first half of summer, by autumn it becomes somewhat discolored.
In some years, when high humidity and intense solar activity, the trees look just magical, as if illuminated from the inside. This western thuja variety is completely winter-hardy, beautiful both in a single planting and as part of coniferous groups and compositions. Well-cut and shaped, suitable for creating highly decorative hedges.
Thuja "Smaragd" in the photo
"Emerald"- in terms of the totality of qualities, it is the most demanded of the pyramidal forms. The crown is made up of short fan-shaped twigs, densely adjoining and together making up a narrow cone up to 3 m high, with a diameter of no more than 0.8 m. Advantages: unbreakable bottom, persistent emerald color of scaly needles in all seasons, winter hardiness, constantly neat appearance. Finds universal use in gardens.
As you can see in the photo, this variety of western thuja is beautiful both in a single planting, and as part of coniferous and coniferous-shrub groups, and in the alleys:
Quite quickly reaches decorativeness and optimal growth staying attractive until old age.
Thuja "Globoza" in the photo
"Globoza"- a spherical shape, which does not lose its popularity, with a height of 1-1.2 m, in shading it can stretch slightly higher with a less dense crown. Has a dense, almost perfectly spherical crown that arises spontaneously without forming. The needles are medium in size, green in summer, slightly brownish in winter. A dense ball is formed by the age of 5-7 years, after which it continues to grow in breadth and thicken until the age of 18-20. Hardy and hardy. When describing this variety of western thuja, it should be noted that it looks good both singly and as part of coniferous groups.
Thuja "Globoza Nana" in the photo
"Globoza Nana"- one of the most decorative spherical thuja not exceeding half a meter in height. Advantages: unpretentiousness to growing conditions; extraordinary density of the crown in combination with a consistently green color of scaly needles.
Fits perfectly into a wide variety of compositions: traditional mixborder, coniferous-shrub groups, coniferous monosads. Good in a line fit in the form of borders different density up to a sheared rectangular profile. Organic in rocky gardens different styles: alpine slide, hillside, flat or landscape rockery, Japanese garden, etc. It is very desirable in all kinds of ceremonial places.
Thuja "Kristata" ("Comb") in the photo
"Kristata" ("Comb")- in adulthood, it has a wide-pyramidal crown up to 3.5 m high.When describing this variety of thuja of this variety, it should be especially noted distinctive feature- small scaly dark green-gray needles, collected in dense flat, upright twigs, reminiscent of bird feathers.
In youth, it grows in a columnar manner, then spreads out somewhat in breadth. Frost resistant. Good singly, in groups and alleys, well-cut, suitable for formable and natural hedges.
Thuja "Zolotistokonchikovaya" in the photo
"Zolotokonchikovaya"- has a thin broad-pyramidal crown up to 4 m high and up to 2 m wide at the base, formed by ascending straight branches. Young shoots are thick, light brown or yellowish. As the name of this variety of thuja suggests, its large needles have a thick golden color at the ends. It grows very quickly, reaching its maximum size by 15-20 years. Very hardy and hardy.
In different years, the intensity of the color of the ends of the branches ranges from light yellowish to bright gold, then the tree is unusually spectacular. Good in single planting, on the edges of groups of tall coniferous and deciduous trees. From it, unusually elegant molded hedges are obtained. Suitable for curly haircuts.
Thuja "Reingold" in the photo
Reingold- extremely attractive with an unusual color of needles, for most of the year it is light-golden, in autumn it acquires a copper-yellow color, and in spring - a pinkish tint.
Plant height up to 1m or slightly more, the crown is spherical at first, somewhat shapeless with age, consisting of thin, densely woven shoots, but at the same time dense and compact. The needles are of two types: at the ends of the shoots - small-scaled, in the crown - heather-like. Hardy and resistant to culture.
The "Rheingold" variety of the western variety of thujas is indispensable for creating coniferous groups and gardens, where it goes well with other conifers, both with vertical and flat crowns. Good next to stones, on the slopes, in a Japanese garden.
Thuja "Danica" in the photo
Danica- one of the most popular forms of thuja. It is valued for its dense, spherical, slightly flattened crown formed by many ascending, pressing flat twigs. Height 0.6 m, with a width of up to 0.8 m. Winter hardy and unpretentious to the soil.
Pay attention to the photo - this western thuja fits well into a wide variety of compositions with the participation of decorative deciduous shrubs, conifers and perennials:
"Teddy"- when open, it has an almost spherical crown about 30 cm high. This is the smallest form of thuja with many advantages. The needles are acicular, short, thornless, dark green, completely uncommon for thuja, brownish from autumn to spring. Moreover, it never "burns out" and does not lose its decorative effect.
The crown is dense, formed from an early age. Plants very quickly (by 5-6 years) reach mature size and remain elegant until old age.
Dwarf growth and unusual appearance open the way for the plant to a variety of gardens and compositions from a small rock garden and mixborder to coniferous gardens and groups with shrubs and trees. This western thuja variety grows well in containers.
By densely planting many plants, you can create something like an evergreen coniferous lawn for turfing foregrounds, slopes, etc. Loves fertile loams, and grows poorly on dry sandy loam soils.
Thuja "Filiformis" in the photo
"Filiformis"(thread-like form) - an original, completely unusual appearance for a thuja. The shoots of this thuja are long, cordlike, practically unbranched, arched to the crown periphery. Scaly needles, tightly attached to the twigs, brown in winter. The crown is sparse in youth, very thick with age, with a rounded profile. This form of thuja shows winter hardiness, unpretentiousness, extraordinary appearance. It is very interesting singly on the lawn and as a tapeworm in small gardens, it goes well with vertically growing conifers.
Thuja "Elegantissima" in the photo
"Elegantissima"(the most graceful) - has a dense, wide-conical crown about 4 m high, which it reaches only by the age of 30-40.
The needles are fresh green, scaly, the ends of the shoots have a whitish tint, which, in combination with a beautiful silhouette, gives the tree an extraordinary showiness. By autumn, the white color fades to yellowish, but the plant continues to be attractive. During the winter, the needles become somewhat discolored, and in the spring they acquire a bright color again.
Requires an open location. Good singly, in groups, alleys. Desirable in all kinds of ceremonial places.
Thuja "Elvanger Aurea" in the photo
"Elvanger Aurea"- has a slightly flattened spherical crown with separate protruding shoots, up to 70-90 cm high. The branches are thin, the crown is dense. The needles are golden-colored, heather-like inside the crown, scaly, small at the ends of the shoots. In some periods of the year it is very similar to the "Reingold" shape, but the color of the needles is more stable. During the summer, it is bright golden, slightly bronze by autumn. Good in a variety of gardens and compositions. Very interesting in coniferous groups.
Thuja "Erikoides" in the photo
Erikoides(heather) - a small tree about 1 m high, with an irregular multi-peaked crown formed by numerous thin, slightly branched shoots. The needles are needle-like, 6-8 mm long, soft. In summer, it is two-colored: yellowish-green above, dark green below with a gray bloom; in winter it takes on a brownish-purple hue. Does not form seeds, but propagates well by cuttings.
In unfavorable winters and springs, it can burn. It is very interesting in the composition of group compositions in the underfloor of higher shrubs and trees, especially conifers, contrasting with it according to external data: prickly and Canadian spruces, pyramidal junipers and thuja, etc. It is good in large tracts on the slopes.
Thuja "Europe Gold" in the photo
"Europe Gold"- a slow-growing shade-tolerant shrub, reaching a height of 4 m. The crown is dense, narrow pyramidal at first, acquires a conical shape with age. As follows from the photo and description of this variety of thuja of the western type, its needles are orange when blooming, and golden-yellow in winter. Tolerates a haircut well. Used in single and group plantings, hedges, suitable for creating alleys.
Thuja "Sankist" in the photo
"Sunkist"- a tree 3-5 m high, the diameter of the conical crown is 1.5-2 m. The needles are golden-yellow. It grows very slowly, tolerates haircuts, and is photophilous. It is possible to board in groups and singly.
Thuja "Dumoza" in the photo
"Dumoza"- shrub form, its height and diameter are within 1 m. The crown is flattened or slightly rounded. Used in heather gardens and rock gardens.
Thuja "Douglas Pyramidalis" in the photo
"Douglas Pyramidalis"- looks like a cypress tree. Height up to 15 m. The needles are marsh-green. It is very shade-tolerant, but on the lower branches the needles dry out early and partially fall off. This form of western thuja is suitable for hedges, in single and group plantings.
Thuja "Holmstrup" in the photo
"Holmstrup"- shrub up to 4 m high, conical crown diameter up to 1 m. Scaly needles, dense, green. In some plants, the needles turn brown in autumn and winter, with a rusty tint. Used in single and group landings.
Here you can see photos of western thuja varieties, the description of which is given above:
Eastern thuja: names, photos and descriptions of varieties varieties
Now, photos, names and descriptions of varieties of the eastern variety of tui are presented to your attention.
Thuja eastern in the photo
Thuja eastern (or eastern biota)- another type of thuja, common in landscaping along with the western one.
This tree in nature is up to 8 m in height, comes from China. Maybe a bush.
As you can see in the photo, in the eastern thuja, the crown is ovoid, consisting of many flat plates rising from the base of the trunk to the top:
On the back of the flat, scale-like needles, there are resin glands, which distinguishes the eastern thuja from the western one. The abundance of aromatic resin allowed the ancient people to call thuja "the tree of life", which in itself speaks of its extraordinary usefulness. When describing the properties of eastern thuja, suffice it to say that the essential oil contained in thuja is used in homeopathy as a powerful heart remedy.
Thuja blooms in May, the plant is monoecious. Cones in an immature state are fleshy, bluish-green. They ripen only in the 2nd year and then become dry, red-brown. Seeds are viable only in the lower and middle part of the bud. They are wingless and rather heavy.
There are many forms and varieties of eastern thuja, among which columnar, spherical, golden are common. Along with outdoor gardening, this plant is used both as a greenhouse and as an indoor crop.
Thuja "Aurea-variegata" in the photo
"Aurea-variegata"- variegated form with a spherical crown and golden needles.
Thuja "Compact-Ungeri" in the photo
"Compact-Ungeri"- also spherical, but with white shoot ends.
Thuja "Elegantus" in the photo
"Elegantus"- with a dense pyramidal crown, golden-yellow needles in spring and greenish-yellow in summer.
Thuja "Siboyadi" in the photo
"Siboyadi"- undersized spherical shape with bright green needles.
Thuja "Nana" in the photo
"Nana"- a densely branched dwarf shrub with spaced leaves.
Thuja "Rosentalis compacta" in the photo
"Rosentalis compacta"- a dense shrub with an ovoid crown and golden yellow needles.
Biota propagates by seeds, stem cuttings and grafting.
Look at the photo of the oriental thuja varieties described above:
Growing conditions and care for western and eastern thuja in the country (with photo and video)
After reviewing the photo and description of the eastern and western thuja, it's time to learn about the cultivation of these plants and their reproduction.
Care for the western and eastern thuja is the same, and the methods of their reproduction are the same. It is not difficult to grow thuja, you need to take into account only some of the features of agricultural technology.
One of the conditions successful cultivation tui - using the right soil. Trees grow best on strong, fertile, structural loams. Sandy soils are less suitable, but they can be improved by the introduction of clay and large doses of organic matter.
Despite the relative shade tolerance, for thuja in the middle lane and more northern regions completely open, sheltered from cold winds are preferred. When growing western and eastern thujas, uniform illumination from all sides contributes to the formation of the most decorative crown.
Thuja, unlike most conifers, tolerates transplantation well. In the first years, it grows slowly, then a period of more intensive growth follows, and again a slowdown in growth.
As shown in the photo, when caring for thuja, as well as for all conifers, the main thing is watering:
The first spring watering is carried out when the soil warms up and dries up. It should be combined with spraying the crown with water. During spring and summer, they give abundant watering, but not more than 2 times a month.
When growing and leaving, thuja does not like an abundance of fertilizers, which can even destroy it. Fertilizers in the first two years after planting are quite enough of those that were given to the planting pit. However, if the soil is poor and fertilizers were not applied during planting, fertilizing is needed, but large doses of fertilizers are undesirable, their fractional application is better.
Young plants in the first year after planting in hot climates must be shaded, for which use gauze, agril or burlap. In this case, the material should not touch the branches. The most convenient thing is to have a lightweight folding frame covered with fabric. The use of such a protective frame reduces the number of sprays with water.
Also, a necessary technique for caring for thuja in the country is mulching. Mulch (coniferous sawdust, peat, peat compost, humus) is poured into the trunk circle with a layer of 5-8 cm. When sprinkling, mulch absorbs moisture, creating a microclimate with high humidity... Periodically, the mulch is loosened.
The fashion for thuja is growing every year. They go well with many other conifers (junipers, spruces), with ornamental shrubs and perennials. They are good in complex woody-shrub compositions, beautifully knock out the edges of groups of tall trees.
The video "Cultivation of thuja" shows all the basic agricultural techniques:
Thuja propagation by seeds and cuttings (with video)
Thuja propagates by seeds, cuttings. Seeds are harvested in September-October, when the scales of the cones turn brown and begin to open slightly. But we must not allow their rash. Harvested Seeds dried in a ventilated area. Sowing is done immediately after harvesting without preparation. For spring sowing, seeds are mixed with wet sand and sown when they hatch. When thuja propagates, seeds must be sown in light or medium loamy soil.
Seedlings that appear in the 2nd year dive on the ridges, in which they stay for 2-3 years. For the winter, the soil in the beds is covered with spruce branches, leaves, or lightly sprinkled with humus. In the spring, the shelter is removed gradually and the plants are immediately shaded.
After 2-3 years, the seedlings are planted in a permanent place or growing at a distance of 25 × 70 cm. Growing lasts 4-5 years, after which the plants are ready for implementation or transplantation to another place. A clod of earth must be preserved during transplantation. The crown of the thuja, especially the western one, forms itself, but once in the spring the branches extending beyond the habitus are slightly shortened.
Growing thuja
The garden forms of thuja are propagated vegetatively in order to completely repeat their inherent decorative properties. The main breeding method for thuja is green cuttings. They are cut or plucked with a "heel" of 5-8 cm in size. Dates of cuttings are different, from April to July.
The best survival rate in spring cuttings planted in a warm ridge or greenhouse (a layer of manure, a layer of turf soil 10-15 cm and a layer of coarse river sand 1-1.5 cm). Cuttings are taken from young, well-developed plants. They are left in the beds for the winter, and in the spring, with well-branched roots, they are planted in a school, where they grow for 4-5 years. For growing large-sized thujas, one more transplant for growing is useful. After that, the material is standard for implementation.
Watch the video "Reproduction of thuja", which shows how to grow this tree from seeds and cuttings:
Several centuries ago, this magnificent plant was called the tree of life. Thuja is always pleasing to the eye. Its evergreen needles fill the garden with life and beauty all year round.
It has a spicy refreshing scent that beckons to the garden to take a break from everyday problems. Thuja has wood that is resistant to decay. It is winter-hardy and heat-tolerant.
Thuja belongs to the cypress family and is represented in nature by trees, the average height of which is 12-18 meters (in rare cases, the tree reaches 75 meters), as well as shrubs of a wide variety of shapes and heights.
Thuja needles are scaly, young plants are needle-shaped. Due to the huge variety of garden forms, thuja forms the basis of most proposals for landscape design of a particular site.
In landscape design, thuja are divided into the following types, according to the application:
- dwarf (used in rockeries and);
- for hedges;
- tapeworm (for single planting).
For hedges, the following types of thuja are most often used:
Thuja western "Brabant"
This variety is highly valued due to its high frost resistance. This plant forms a dense and tall green wall and requires pruning twice a year, preferably in August and April.
"Brabant" grows quite quickly and can reach a height of 4 meters. As a hedge, the plant should be planted at a distance of 0.5-1 meters from each other, it depends on the required strength of the hedge.
Thuja western "Smaragd"
This plant with a narrow cone-shaped crown can reach a height of 6 meters. This variety of thuja has high frost and wind resistance. She is not particularly whimsical and does not need careful care.
Smaragd is ideal for hedges. Also used in single and group plantings.
Photo of thuja "Smaragd"
Thuja western "Holmstrap"
This plant forms a fairly dense wall, reaching 2.5 meters in height. This variety grows very slowly and can reach the desired height only within 10 years.
Therefore, it is often used in small gardens for low decorative hedges. The plant must be planted at a distance of 70-80 cm from each other. This thuja does not need a haircut.
For rock gardens and rockeries, the following dwarf forms of thuja are used:
Thuja western "Dannika"
This variety has a spherical crown. It grows rather slowly. In height, as a rule, it reaches no more than 80 cm. The diameter of the crown is about a meter.
The spherical shape is retained even without trimming. Perfect for small garden areas, patios, container landscaping and rock gardens.
Photo of spherical thuja variety "Danica"
Thuja western "Little Dorrit"
This variety, like the previous one, has a spherical crown. The height of an adult plant is about 80 cm. The crown diameter is 60 cm. It has a high winter hardiness.
Thuja western "Hozeri"
This plant, also with a spherical crown, grows up to 0.5 meters in length and 0.6 meters in diameter. Looks spectacular in rock gardens and low hedges.
For solitary planting, as a rule, the following types of thuja are used:
Thuja western "Reingold"
Slow growing variety that reaches 150 cm in height. The crown of the "Reingold" is spherical. The color of the needles is golden yellow, closer to winter and completely brown. Perfect for group and single plantings and alpine slides.
Thuja western "Sankist"
This shrub has a conical shape and golden yellow needles. It grows very slowly. Over a decade of slow and measured growth, it reaches a height of about 3 meters and 1 meter in diameter. Shearing is not required for this plant.
Photo of thuja "Sunkist"
Thuja folded "Kornik"
A conical shrub that grows rather quickly. The height of an adult plant is 2.5-3 meters, and the diameter is up to 1.5 meters. This plant is somewhat moody and prefers fertile and damp places. Very poorly tolerated high temperatures and needs constant, moderate watering.
Thuja belongs to those plants that do not lose their decorative look ... Thuja is especially beautiful in winter. In addition, such plants bring practical benefits - they soften the microclimate, restrain strong gusts of wind, cleanse the air from dust and enrich it with oxygen.
But it should be remembered that some types of thuja are highly poisonous and can cause severe burns and even a heart attack. Therefore, when choosing such plants, consult with specialists.
Pyramidal thuja is a representative of the western variety of the plant, when grown in nature, in northeastern America, reaches 30 meters in height, but cultivated varieties grow only up to 12 meters.
Columnar, as it is also called, thuja, has a crown color with a red tint, sometimes a brown-gray color. Older trees are characterized by flaking of the crown, and young representatives have a conical or pyramidal shape. In trees, the needles grows densely on the shoots and lasts for about 2-3 years, has a rich green color in summer, and a brownish tint by winter.
Thuja pyramidal retain their vitality for 100 years, although there are cases of a longer existence of trees. Very viable tree plant differs in slow growth, develops better on loamy soils, but does not show special requirements for the soil.
If growth occurs on depleted soils, then the plant is distinguished by the yellowish color of the needles. It quite tolerates dry years, although it loves moist soil and places with high atmospheric humidity. After 70 years of life, the dying off and falling off of the lower branches begins, which makes the thuja less beautiful. It grows well in all latitudes of Russia.
Despite its high growth, it perfectly resists wind loads, tolerates smoke and gas clouds for a long time, to create an original shape thuyu cut, the tree does not deteriorate from this, cutting does not affect further growth, as well as transplanting.
Features of the breed
The problem of thuja is often the abundance of cones, which acquire a chocolate color by the beginning of autumn, from which the tree looks brown-green. After they disappear, a year later, the crown becomes loose. Summer drought can affect the formation of such seeds. Sometimes it is found that some of the thuja's legs have turned brown and withered.
You should not be afraid of this if the process does not affect more than a quarter of the crown, this phenomenon refers to the natural change of needles. Although this is referred to as evergreen trees, but the needles change every 3-5 years.
Tree planting conditions
For effective growth and development, one should comply with certain conditions:
- thuja propagation occurs by seeds, which require a certificate for effective growth, sometimes cuttings with green shoots are used;
- it is advisable to plant it in moist soil, but in the absence the tree will cope with dry conditions of "living";
- copes with shading, but sunlight is desirable;
- the critical temperature below which the thuja cannot withstand is the thermometer reading below 36 ° C;
- when planting, the roots must be buried at least 80 cm;
- in the process of growth, it does not emit toxic substances into the environment for humans and animals.
Growth features
After landing in suitable conditions respect development rules:
- soil acidity should be within the range of 5.3-7;
- thuja develops most effectively when precipitation is in the range of 900–1500 mm per year;
- it is recommended that when growing, not exceed a density of more than 3 thousand copies per hectare;
- thuja is undemanding to the growing land, but prefers fertile soils or their average indicators;
- the tree has no resistance to soil salinization; thuja requires highly nitrogenous, calcareous soils.
Thuja seeds are formed in bumps, two pieces, ripening is achieved in the autumn. The seedling is grown for 5 years, the soil of the local climate prepares the plant for the harsh conditions of Russia. It is advisable to choose a sunny place and nutritious soil.
Seeds are sown in the ground in spring no more than 5 cm deep. The planting site is covered with a small layer of sawdust from a coniferous tree. Although young trees love the sun, the seedlings that make their way are very sensitive to it, so it is not recommended to expose them to open rays, you should shade the places of seedlings.
It is regularly recommended to water and loosen the soil; fertilize with slurry diluted in a ratio of 1:20, in which young seedlings grow very well. For grafting, shoots are taken from shoots at the age of 2-3 years. Urgent disembarkation allows the use of a shoot of one year, but at the same time it needs to be buried with a piece of the old trunk so that the stalk takes root sooner.
Before planting, the processes are necessarily treated with a heteroauxin preparation. For better growth, prepare a mixture of turf and peat in a 1: 1 ratio. Seedlings - cuttings are buried into the soil to a depth of at least 1.7–2.6 cm. Greenhouses where the necessary conditions have been created are considered the best place for growing seedlings.
Thuja pyramidal care
Under normal conditions, watering the thuja is recommended. The description of the breed speaks of its hardiness in arid climates, but frequent rains have a beneficial effect on the correct formation of the pyramidal crown. If the thuja is not ennobled, then the decorative qualities of the tree do not appear, the plant loses its beauty.
Regular watering prevents the tree from receiving enhanced feeding nutrient solutions, which lead to the abundant appearance of cones with seeds on the crown. Such a tree acquires asymmetric shapes and beauty, therefore, cones and dead needles must be removed every spring.
If necessary, you can replant thuja, as the tree easily tolerates this procedure. The change of location does not cause difficulties for the gardener, since the rhizomes of the tree are collected in a compact tuber. Therefore, if there are suspicions about the wrong landing site, then it can be changed. Some varieties of thuja are tied with ropes for the winter so that the snow does not harm the shape of the tree, other varieties are forced to be in such a bunch constantly.
Regularly, but in moderation, you should fertilize the thuja, you need to start in early spring, when there is snow. During this period, nitrogen fertilization is applied, the next stage of fertilization occurs in June, potash solutions are used. The specimens of trees growing on depleted land are supported by feeding with phosphorus solutions.
The description of the properties of the tree says that the crown is susceptible to a pest, which is called false scale... Gardeners are successfully combating this problem with the use of karbofos and actelik in early spring. They spray the crown of the thuja before the leaves bloom and two more times in the summer and once in the fall. The same drug destroys aphids on branches and needles of a tree. Varieties of decorative pyramidal thuja
Several types of wood grow in the natural pool:
- eastern;
- Japanese;
- Korean
- folded;
- western.
Eastern thuja characterized by a fan-shaped twig, brought from China, hence its inability to withstand long and severe frosts. In the middle lane, the breed is planted only in the shade of nearby tall trees, it grows and develops better in the southern regions of Russia. According to its therapeutic properties, it is used to alleviate many diseases.
Japanese pyramidal thuja come from Japanese island, where it grows in mountain coniferous-deciduous forests, at an altitude above the sea up to 1700 m. It has an original color of needles - spotted below, covered with a green layer on top. It grows up to 18 meters in height and is characterized by a resinous - spruce smell. It is unpretentious, withstands strong and prolonged frosts and takes root in the Arctic. Long time withstands dry, waterless climate, grown in all latitudes. Poorly tolerates the polluted atmosphere of cities, requires clean air.
Thuja Korean more like a shrub in terms of growth, native to the forested areas of the Korean Peninsula, where it is not very common. It has a spreading large crown, which is distinguished by its original color, one tree can have rich green tones and silvery colors in different places. In Russia, it is grown in the southern regions, as it does not tolerate cold snaps at all.
Folded thuja also does not like the manifestations of cold, but its peculiarity is that the shoots stuck in frost restore their properties after thawing. Such a tree grows up to the height of a twenty-story building, some specimens reach a thickness of two meters. Has a pyramidal crown shape, emits a pleasant specific smell. Originally from the Canadian West Coast.
Western thuja
The most common species is the western thuja, which is in demand by gardeners due to its ability to withstand severe frosts and undemanding growing conditions. This type of thuja has the most a large number of varieties and forms, the life period is 100 years or more. Among gardeners, hobbyists are most used for planting dwarf, weeping, variegated, miniature species of western thuja.
Suitable for landing in various regions of Russia, except for our country, the countries of Western Europe are engaged in its breeding. Most western thuja varieties do not lose their crown shape even when grown in completely shaded conditions. Prefers light loamy soils, if planted in sandy soils, it requires constant feeding. Tolerates the gas pollution of the city air. Thuja is very much in demand for creating decorative green fences and living fences.
Planting and caring for the western thuja species
It is recommended to plant in a place protected from the wind. For effective cultivation of seedlings, a mixture of turf soil, peat and sand should be prepared in a ratio of 2: 1: 1. It is allowed to add to this composition 500 grams of nitroammophosphate for planting one tree. When planting, it is recommended to leave the root collar uncovered with soil.
After planting, ensure good watering in the amount of ten liters daily per tree during sprinkling. If it is a dry and hot summer, then the amount of moisture is increased to 20 liters and watering is carried out only in the morning and in the evening, the daytime hours are left for the tree to rest. If the thuja receives insufficient moisture, then its crown is characterized by the formation of bumps with seeds, becomes ugly, loses its elastic shape and the decorativeness of the tree is lost.
If fertilizers were used when planting the tree, then feeding is carried out only for the next year. The plant, planted without the use of minerals, is fed in the first year in early spring and twice during the summer. Young seedlings should be protected from direct sunlight. to prevent burns.
Pyramidal thuja Dense according to the description has a narrow crown in the form of a cone, grows up to 10 meters in height. Dense short shoots branch and fit tightly in the crown to each other. The tree has needles in the form of green scales with a weak shiny effect. The breed withstands winter climates well, it is recommended as a single tree, and for planting in a group of hedges.
Western Equidistant Thuja grows to a height of 15 meters. The shape of the crown is similar to that of a cypress; numerous branches contain tightly pressed needles, which are directed slightly downward. Bred in Germany, it has a fast growth and, unlike other species, retains its green color even in winter.
Western thuja Brabant grows up to 15–20 meters, characterized by a spreading coniferous crown up to 4 meters in diameter, smoothly turning into a cone. Scaly needles retain their juicy color in winter. The tree is undemanding to soil conditions, grows well in dry and humid lands. She tolerates a transplant and a haircut, quite unpretentious.
Variety of western thuja Vervain distinguished by refined beautiful crown representing a narrow cone. Numerous thin branches form a soft and dense crown of yellow and green colors of light shades. The variety was bred in Belgium, preferably planted in alleys near houses.
The Malonyana variety, grown in Slovakia, has a narrow-leaved shape, densely spaced numerous shoots are collected in a sharp apical shape with shiny needles with a glandular tint. It tolerates frost very well for a long time.
A variety of western thuja Smaragd has a standard pyramid-like shape, but a more squat look, a low tree grows up to 4-5 meters in height. Grown as a single tree or in a group of similar trees to create a decorative fence or plantings along the alley. If multi-row plantings are planned, then Smaragd is well suited for creating a background.
Variety Holmstrup is a shrub that rises up to 4 meters with a crown up to 1 m in diameter. The shape of the tree resembles a cone, The branches have a reddish bark or grayish tint and dense green scaly needles. Slow growth is noted, only about 10 centimeters per year, grows very well in the shade, develops in dry and moist soil. Easily tolerates frost.
Thuja is very popular, growing in private yards and public areas allows you to create a beautiful ensemble for decorating the area.
In "Modern decorative nursery » 15 varieties of western thuja are grown. Among the many decorative varieties of thuja, we chose for breeding long-tested, widespread and winter-hardy in the conditions of central Russia. From a wide variety of garden forms (there are already more than 120 of them), we selected varieties for the assortment that differ in the color of the needles, the size in adulthood and the nature of the crown. This approach allows us to meet the needs of our customers when choosing varieties for various landscaping purposes, which can be conditionally divided into three areas:
1 – the use of tall thuja with the correct geometric shape of the crown as hedges;
2 – use of varieties of thuja with various forms crowns with contrasting colors of needles in specimen plantings and in landscape compositions;
3 – the use of dwarf varieties of thuja western in the design of rockeries and rock gardens.
To create hedges from our assortment we can offer the following varieties:
(Thuja occidentalis "Brabant") - perhaps the most demanded tree for this purpose, with a height of 4-5 meters and a crown diameter of up to 1.5 meters. The crown is columnar, the needles are green, slightly brown in the winter months. A fast growing variety with an annual growth of 30-35 cm in height and 15 cm in width. Very hardy. Perfectly tolerates a haircut, undemanding to growing conditions. Widely used to create hedges, creates a "solid green wall" effect. You can buy thuja Brabant in the nursery in various sizes and practically at any time of the year.
(Thuja occidentalis "Columna") - a tree with a narrow columnar crown up to 6-7 meters high and up to 1.3 meters in diameter. The structure of the crown is dense, compact. The color of the needles is dark green, almost unchanging in winter. grows fast enough up to 20 cm per year. Undemanding to soils. Winter hardiness is high. Interesting when creating hedges in the style of "Mediterranean", and also used as a single solo plant, reminiscent of the silhouette of the Crimean cypresses.
(Thuja occidentalis "Smaragd") - a tree up to 4-4.5 meters high, with a pronounced conical shape, a very dense structure. The needles are dark green, very rich in color. In winter, it practically does not fade. The growth rate is low. Demanding growing conditions. Sotr prefers highly fertile soil and regular watering. In the "hedge" in the upper part it does not close, therefore it is used to conditionally delimit the garden space. Great as a solitaire in single planting. Most presentable and best grade conical thuja. It is widely represented in the nursery. You can buy thuja Smaragd from small size in a container with a volume of 2 liters up to big tree with a clod of earth.
Thuja western Holmstrup ( Thuja occidentalis "Holmstrup") - a tree up to 3-3.5 meters high with a crown diameter of up to 1 meter, with a columnar crown. The structure of the needles is very dense, one might say "curly". Unusually beautiful and does not change colors in winter. undemanding to soil, frost-resistant, well-tolerated haircut. We recommend this variety of thuja to "lazy gardeners". Growth rates are very low. Hedges can be pruned once every two years. Can be used for single plantings and rockcaria. The plant nursery also offers the western kholmstrup also in a formed version in the form of various geometric shapes.
(Thuja occidentalis "Fastigiata") - a very variable variety with a columnar crown shape, with shoots tightly pressed to the trunk. The needles are from light green to dark green. Reaches a height in the middle zone of Russia up to 6 meters. Undemanding to soil fertility and growing conditions. Very hardy. Buy the western fastigiata and make a tall living creature, while covering the unsightly industrial landscape or an awkward structure on the neighboring site - great idea... And this variety of thuja is well suited for this.
For solitary and group plantings in addition to the varieties listed above, you can use the following varieties grown in our nursery:
(Thuja occidentalis "Sunkist") - large, dense, shrub. Height 3-5 m, crown diameter 1-2 m. The crown is conical. The needles of young plants are bright golden yellow, with age they change to lemon yellow, in winter - bronze. It grows rather slowly. It is undemanding to soil conditions, light-requiring, well tolerates a haircut. Frost resistant. Recommended for colorful mixed compositions and single plantings.
(Thuja occidentalis "Cloth of Gold") - low shrub up to 2 meters high. The crown is oblong-ovoid or dense conical. The needles are very beautiful, tender, yellow-orange in color, copper-yellow in winter. It grows slowly. Requires fertile, well-aerated soils, with an alkaline reaction. Shade-tolerant. Recommended for color compositions.
(Thuja occidentalis "Wagneri") – tree up to 3.5 m high. The crown is dense, ovoid or conical-ovoid. Shoots are thin, ascending. The needles are dark green with a gray bloom, reddish in winter. Hardy, but can suffer from snowfall. Demanding on soil fertility and moisture. Grows better on open places... Recommended for single and group landings.
(Thuja occidentalis "Globosa") - a spherical shrub with a height and a diameter of up to 2 m. Shoots are flat, densely spaced, overlapping, evenly spreading to the sides. The needles are green shiny, gray-green or brownish in winter. Winter hardiness. Needs fertile moist soils. Recommended for single and group landings.
The plant nursery also grows dwarf thuja varieties for creating compositions and planting plants in roccaria. From this group, we can offer 5 of the most popular varieties:
(Thuja occidentalis "Danica") - low shrub up to 60 cm high and up to 1 m in diameter. The crown is spherical. Shoots are short, densely spaced. The needles are dense, soft, light green, shiny, slightly bronze in winter. It grows slowly. From a young age, it retains an almost perfect spherical shape. Undemanding to soil conditions, shade-tolerant, frost-resistant. It is used in compositions, rock gardens, to create borders, ideal for landscaping small areas.
(Thuja occidentalis "Golden Globe") - round shrub up to 1 m high and up to 1 m in diameter. The color of the needles is golden yellow. It grows slowly. Needs fertile and moist soils. It is quite hardy. Recommended for rock gardens and colored compositions in small gardens.
(Thuja occidentalis "Woodwardii") - dwarf variety with a height of 1.5 - 2.0 m, width - up to 2 m. The shape of the crown is spherical, broadly round by old age. Shoots are straight, flat. The needles are dark green in summer and winter, do not change color. Demanding on soil fertility and moisture. Hardy, but in harsh winters the ends freeze slightly annual shoots... Suitable for rocky garden and lawn plantings.
(Thuja occidentalis "Hoseri") - undersized variety with a spherical crown up to 0.6 m in diameter. The needles are dark green. The variety is picky about soil fertility and moisture, it is quite winter-hardy. Recommended for rock gardens, good for creating low curbs.
(Thuja occidentalis "Stolwijk") – shrub up to 1.5 m. The shape of the crown is hemispherical, the lower part is dense, the upper part is sparse with several trunks. The needles are green, young growths are yellow-white. Needs fertile and moist soils. Recommended for rock gardens, Japanese gardens, compositions.
Widespread is now acquiring landscaping of balconies, terraces, offices and other premises with trees in containers... For these purposes, from the varieties we have, you can use the following: Danica, Hoseri, Golden Globe, Smaragd, "Globosa" .
In our nursery you can buy all the listed varieties of western thuja of different ages and sizes. All plants are sold well rooted with either a closed root system or an earthen ball, which allows us to guarantee their survival.
Thuja of all varieties go through the entire cultivation cycle in the nursery from the cuttings to the adult plant. We sell our own planting material grown in our nursery! We are waiting for your visit!