Serbian spruce Pendula is very popular among gardeners. This culture is often found in parks and summer cottages. The wide distribution of this variety is due to its undemanding nature in terms of soil composition and growth conditions. In addition, many people fell in love with this tree for its unusual appearance. It has a very original flowing crown shape. In order for the tree to maintain its decorative properties, it is important to adhere to a number of rules.
What kind of tree is this
According to the description, the Omorika Pendula spruce has a narrow and weeping crown shape. Thanks to this, the plant is considered one of the most beautiful conifers.The maximum height of the tree reaches 15 meters. Moreover, the diameter of its crown does not exceed 1.5 meters. The tree is characterized by slow development. In 1 year it increases by only 10-15 centimeters.
It is noteworthy that the culture lacks a central trunk. It is formed independently, choosing from a variety of shoots. Thanks to this, designers can create unusual compositions from spruce and bring original notes to the space.
Most often, the tree is formed in the form of a column. Its crown is so dense that it is impossible to see the central trunk due to the tightly pressed side branches. Spruce of this variety has flat green-blue needles. Another feature of the plant is the red-gray color of the bark.
Breeders have developed many varieties based on the base species. One of the most popular is Picea Omorika Pendula Bruns. This plant was obtained in Germany. This happened in 1955. A distinctive feature of the culture is its intensive growth and unusual appearance. If the tree is not tied up, it will begin to bend and take on its original shape.
Another interesting variety is Picea Omorika Pendula Kuck. This culture is characterized by slower development. In 1 year it increases by only 5-10 centimeters. Moreover, the height of an adult crop does not exceed 10 meters. The branches of the plant are weaker and thinner. If the shoots are not tied up, they begin to deform, creating unusual shapes.
At the initial stage, crop staking is still necessary.This is required for vertical development. Otherwise, the plant will begin to deform near the base, which will adversely affect its shape.
Spreading
Spruce Omorika Pendula has become widespread throughout Europe. It is also found in the largest gardens in North America. There, the plant is valued for its unusual crown shape and undemandingness to soil composition.
In addition, the culture is widespread in western Serbia. In addition, it is often found in the eastern regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Due to its original appearance, the plant is often used to decorate city squares and parks.
Landing
To plant Pendula Bruns spruce or other varieties of this crop, it is recommended to choose seedlings with a closed root system. In this case, the optimal age of the plant is 4 years.
A lighted place or partial shade is suitable for planting the crop. The plant is considered undemanding to the composition of the soil. However, seedlings adapt best in acidic, lightweight loam. It is important to ensure that the soil is not over-moistened. The planting site must be chosen in such a way that it has reliable protection from drafts. Pendula is characterized by long but shallow roots, which is why it is afraid of the wind.
Planting work should be carried out in spring or autumn. In summer, spruce can be planted only in cloudy weather, which lasts for 2 weeks. It is recommended to prepare holes in the ground 14 days before planting. If the soil has a neutral or slightly acidic reaction, it is saturated with high-moor peat.
The volume of the recess should be twice that of the roots of the seedling. In addition, it is recommended to take into account the following features:
- To fill the recess, you need to use a substrate mixed with nitroammophos. It is recommended to use 150 grams of the drug per well.
- Before planting the spruce, it is recommended to water the hole generously with warm water.
- It is important to ensure that the root collar is level with the ground surface.
- After planting, you need to water the plant abundantly. It is recommended to use 10 liters of water for 1 tree. After this, the tree trunk circle should be covered with a mulch layer.
Care requirements
Serbian spruce Pendula is considered a very unpretentious crop. It needs to be watered and fed on time. It is also recommended to carry out treatment against pathologies and pests. The soil should be moistened sufficiently. For 1 seedling you should spend at least 1 bucket of water. In hot weather, it is recommended to sprinkle the crown. This will help avoid pest attacks.
Fertilizers should be applied twice during the season. This should be done in spring and autumn. To do this, it is recommended to use mineral fertilizers for conifers. It is also permissible to feed spruce by foliar feeding. For this you should use “Epin” and “Zircon”.
The plant requires systematic sanitary pruning. To do this, you need to get rid of dry and damaged branches. It is also necessary to shorten the lower shoots that lie on the surface of the soil. All trimmed plant remains can be placed in a circle around the trunk as mulch.
Spruce is not very frost resistant. Therefore, it needs to be covered for the winter. It is best to use agrofibre for this purpose. In this case, the surface of the soil must be sprinkled with a thick layer of peat.
Reproduction
Spruce Pendula Bruns and other varieties reproduce only by grafting.There are no wild forms of this plant. Only qualified specialists can graft spruce. This procedure is carried out in gardening organizations. Most often, imported grafted spruce seedlings are on sale.
Pest Control
Serbian spruce is considered not too resistant to the influence of parasites. It may suffer from attacks by spruce leaf rollers, aphids, and spider mites. The crop is also often affected by spruce sawflies and hermes.
For prevention, it is recommended to regularly inspect the plant and treat it with systemic insecticides. The most effective remedies include Iskra and Biotlin. It is recommended to remove all affected plant fragments. To protect trees from parasites, they need to be irrigated regularly in the summer heat.
Where is it used?
Serbian spruce Pendula can grow in any conditions. That’s why city parks and squares are often decorated with it. The crop can be planted singly or in groups. Using supports while the tree is actively growing helps give it the desired shape. The pendula is easily formed in the form of an arch or canopy. This type of spruce can be used to create living columns.
Serbian spruce Pendula is a common crop that fits into the design of any site. In order for the plant to remain decorative, it needs to be provided with proper care.
