Norway spruce Formanek is a dwarf shrub that has frequent branches hanging down. It can also crawl along the ground. The appearance of the crop depends on the grafting height. Due to its excellent decorative properties, this crop is often used in landscape design. It fits perfectly into coniferous compositions and is used to design rocky gardens.
History and description of the variety
Today it is known that Norway spruce Formanek is a spontaneous natural crop that was discovered in Czechoslovakia several decades ago.Since then, breeders have been systematically experimenting with this plant. Today it is propagated only by grafting.
Spruce Formanek has high decorative properties. Moreover, the height of this dwarf plant depends on the location of the graft. However, on average it is 40-45 centimeters. The diameter of the crop grows up to 1.5 meters. Spruce of this variety is characterized by slow development. Over the course of a year, it increases by a maximum of 5 centimeters.
This shrub is characterized by a wide and spreading crown, which is formed from dense branches. They grow downward and give the crop a weeping shape. The bark of this spruce is gray or gray-green in color.
This variety is characterized by thick short needles, which have a rich dark green color. In combination with creeping or hanging shoots, the needles give the shrub an unusual appearance. Another feature of spruce is its closed surface root system.
Advantages over other trees
Spruce Formanek has many advantages. The main advantages of the plant include the following:
- high resistance to frost;
- low maintenance requirements;
- no need to use fertilizers;
- resistance to pathologies and parasites;
- no need for formative pruning.
Also an indisputable advantage of the culture is the unusual shape of the crown, which gives it a decorative appearance. Another advantage of the plant is its high life expectancy.
Application
Due to the decorative properties of the plant, it is actively used in landscape design. Formanek spruce remains attractive throughout the year.With its help, it is possible to create beautiful compositions near ponds and among stones. It is also permissible to use the crop in coniferous mixborders.
Planting and care
Spruce of this variety can be planted in well-lit areas or in partial shade. It is important to choose places protected from drafts. It is also important to ensure that there is no high groundwater in the area. When planting multiple crops, it is important to maintain a spacing of 2 meters.
The Formanek variety is demanding on soil composition. This plant is recommended to be planted in sandy or loamy soil. At the same time, it must be well drained. After planting, the soil around the spruce needs to be compacted and covered with a mulch layer.
Growing Formanek spruce is not difficult. This variety is considered undemanding to care. In order for the shrub to grow and develop normally, it needs to be watered moderately. In hot weather, it is additionally recommended to sprinkle the crown. If necessary, it is worth performing sanitary pruning of the plant. This is recommended to be done in late autumn.
Preparing for winter
The culture is highly resistant to frost. The Formanek variety can withstand temperatures down to -40 degrees. Therefore, seedlings do not need to be insulated. This applies to both young and adult plants.
Formanek spruce is an ornamental dwarf plant that looks very unusual.In order for the crop to always remain attractive, it is important to plant correctly and strictly follow agrotechnical recommendations. At the same time, it is important to regularly water the bush and sprinkle the crown.
