Serbian spruce of the Pendula variety is very popular among landscape designers. This plant is often found in parks and squares. The wide distribution of the crop is due to its undemanding nature in terms of soil composition and growth conditions. In addition, this plant has an unusual appearance, since it has a bizarre-shaped crown. To grow a crop successfully, you need to adhere to certain rules.
Description of appearance
Spruce Glauka Pendula is considered one of the most beautiful conifers. This culture has a weeping narrow crown and can reach a height of 15 meters.In this case, the crown of the crop is 1.5 meters in diameter.
Ephedra is characterized by gradual growth. In 1 year it grows by a maximum of 10-15 centimeters. The key features of this spruce include the absence of a central trunk. Gardeners independently select this element from a large number of shoots and form it with their own hands, tying it to a supporting structure. Thanks to this, the tree can be given a variety of shapes. Most often it is made columnar.
The plant is characterized by a very dense crown. It is distinguished by tightly pressed side branches. Therefore, it is unlikely that it will be possible to discern the central trunk of culture. The bark of the plant is characterized by a gray color with a reddish color. It is characterized by flat needles measuring 0.8-1.8 centimeters. They have a bluish-green color.
Thanks to the efforts of breeders, different types of crops have been obtained based on the basic variety. Picea Omorika Pendula Bruns looks especially impressive. This variety was bred in 1955 in Germany. This spruce is characterized by rapid growth and unusual appearance. If the plant is not tied up, there is a risk of its shoots bending. As a result, it will take on an unusual and very impressive shape.
This variety is often used to create group compositions. Over time, the tree becomes deformed and takes on an unusual appearance. Thanks to this, it becomes a decoration for any garden. Young Bruns spruce has greenish needles with a light blue tint. Its length is approximately 2 centimeters. If you compare the plant with the base species, its needles look thicker.
The Picea Omorika Pendula Kuck spruce also looks very interesting. The plant is distinguished from the Bruns variety by its slower growth. In 1 year, the plant increases in height by 50-100 millimeters.At the same time, an adult spruce does not exceed 10 meters in height. If you do not tie up thin and weak branches, this provokes severe deformation. As a result, the plant takes on unusual shapes.
A young tree definitely needs to be tied up. If this is not done, the trunk will become deformed near the very base and will not grow vertically. This will have a bad effect on its shape.
Where is it used?
Pendula spruce is often used in landscape design. This is due to its high decorative properties. The culture is characterized by a drooping crown, rigid branches, and blue needles. Therefore, it can be used to create a wide variety of compositions.
Spreading
Blue spruce Pendula has become widespread throughout Europe. This crop is also found in large gardens in North America. There, its main value is considered to be its unusually shaped crown. In addition, the plant is considered undemanding to the composition of the soil.
This variety of Serbian spruce was discovered by the Serbian botanist Pancic. This happened in 1875. The plant is widespread in Western Serbia. It occupied an area of 60 hectares. The culture is also often found in Eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Planting and care
All Pendula prickly spruces grow well in sunny areas. They also grow well in partial shade, but in this case the needles become pale in color. The plant is characterized by a deep root system.Thanks to this, it is resistant to wind and can grow in sandy, dry soil. At the same time, it is not recommended to plant the crop in low places and in areas with high groundwater levels.
Pendula prefers acidic soil, but it can also grow in slightly acidic soil. Areas with neutral or alkaline soil need improvement. The plant also does not tolerate heavy and dense soil well.
It is recommended to prepare a hole for planting a crop a couple of weeks before planting. Its width should be 1.5-2 times the diameter of the root system.
To plant spruce, you need to prepare a nutrient substrate. It should consist of acidic peat, turf and leaf humus. You also need to add sand to the composition and add 100-150 grams of nitroammophoska. When preparing a hole, it is recommended to place drainage at the bottom, fill the hole 2/3 with substrate, water it and leave to settle.
To plant a spruce, you need to perform the following sequence of actions:
- Pull part of the substrate out of the recess and set it aside.
- Place the spruce in the center of the hole. It is important to ensure that the root collar is flush with the soil surface.
- Fill the earthen ball around the roots of the plant with the prepared substrate. In this case, the earth needs to be compacted to prevent the appearance of voids.
- Form a side from the remaining soil. Its height should be about 10 centimeters.
- Water the seedling generously with water. It should reach the edge of the earthen roller.
- After the liquid has been absorbed, add soil and cover the tree trunk with a layer of mulch. For this, it is permissible to use acidic peat or pine bark.
Pendula spruce is distinguished by its low maintenance requirements.It needs regular watering and fertilization. The crop also needs to be treated against pathologies and pests.
It is recommended to water the plant quite abundantly. It is worth pouring 10 liters of water under 1 plant. In hot weather, the crown must be sprinkled. This helps avoid pest attacks.
It is recommended to apply fertilizers 2 times during the season. This should be done in spring and autumn. This requires the use of mineral fertilizers that are intended for coniferous crops. Spruce can also be fertilized by foliar fertilization. It is recommended to do this "Epin" or "Zircon».
The plant also requires regular sanitary pruning. In this case, it is worth removing dry and damaged branches, as well as shortening the lower shoots that are located directly on the surface of the soil. Trimmed fragments can be used as mulch.
Reproduction methods
Weeping spruce Pendula reproduces only through grafting. There are no wild varieties of this crop. Only experienced gardeners can graft spruce. Only imported grafted seedlings of this plant are available for sale.
Dangerous pests
Pendula spruce is considered susceptible to attack by various pests. She often suffers from aphids, Hermes, spruce leaf rollers and spider mites. To avoid pest attacks, it is recommended to systematically inspect seedlings and use insecticides.
The most effective drugs include “Biotlin" And "Spark"Affected areas of the plant must be removed. In hot weather, it is recommended to irrigate the spruce systematically. This helps avoid pest attacks.
Pendula spruce is an unusual plant that has excellent decorative properties. Therefore, culture is often used in landscape design. In order for the spruce to always remain attractive, it needs to be properly cared for.
