Spruce variety Ze Blues is a weeping variety with strongly drooping branches. At the same time, the tied main shoot is characterized by vertical growth. When developing freely, it has a horizontal arrangement. The lower branches of the plant practically lie on the ground. The culture is characterized by bright blue needles. Thanks to its excellent decorative properties, the plant is suitable for single plantings and rocky gardens.
Description of the tree
The parent of this culture is considered to be a well-known variety of spruce – Glauka Pendula. At the same time, the Ze Blues variety has many features.It is characterized by medium size and fairly active growth. Every year the tree grows by 10-15 centimeters. By the age of 10, the culture reaches 3 meters. By the age of 30, the crop can grow up to 3 meters. Moreover, its diameter is 2 meters.
The appearance of the plant depends on the growing method and the characteristics of the crown formation. This variety is considered creeping and resembles a weeping cascade. If the shoots are not tied up, they are characterized by horizontal growth and are quite strongly drooping. In this case, the lower shoots practically lie on the ground.
The Ze Blues variety is characterized by short needle-shaped needles. It is quite prickly and has a rich blue color. In this case, the shade is preserved only if there is enough sun. Growing in well-lit areas helps maintain the decorative appearance of the plant. In the shade, the decorative value of the tree decreases.
The Ze Blues variety is considered quite unpretentious. Spruce normally tolerates polluted and smoky air. Thanks to this, it can be grown in urban environments. An important advantage of this variety is its resistance to strong winds, which is not typical for all spruce trees. In addition, the crop belongs to the third frost resistance zone and can tolerate quite a strong drop in temperature - down to -40 degrees.
However, this variety also has some disadvantages. The tree is susceptible to a number of dangerous pathologies. Among them it is worth noting fusarium, necrosis, and rust.Also, the Ze Blues variety can suffer from weevils, moths, spider mites, and sawflies. Therefore, plants need to be inspected from time to time and their condition monitored.
Spruce of the Ze Blues variety can be used to decorate gardens and parks. The culture is used as a tapeworm or to create various compositions. This is an unusual weeping spruce that can grow on a trunk or in the usual way.
Landing instructions
In order for The Blues spruce to develop normally, it is important to carry out planting work correctly. At the same time, it is important to choose the right site depending on the preferences of the crop, adhere to deadlines, prepare the soil and adhere to planting technology. The choice of planting material is also of great importance.
Experts advise using plants with closed roots. At the same time, the earthen ball must not be destroyed during planting. If roots are accidentally exposed, open areas should be treated with special substances - “Kornevin” or “Heteroauxin”.
A large, open, sunny area that is protected from the wind is suitable for planting spruce. When planting in the shade, there is a risk of a significant reduction in the decorative value of the crop and a significant reduction in its life expectancy.
When planting spruce, it is important to maintain a distance of 2.5 meters from other crops and buildings. Planting work is recommended to be carried out in April or September. The crop can be planted only in established warm weather. This is why it is so important to wait until the risk of return frosts has passed.
What soil should I plant in?
Sandy loam and loam are most suitable for this spruce. However, the crop can also be grown in sandy or damp rocky soil. Peat bogs are also suitable for it.
It is necessary to prepare the soil several weeks before planting.In this case, you need to dig a hole 50-70 centimeters in size. To fill the hole, it is worth preparing a composition of turf, leaf soil, sand and peat. These components should be mixed in a ratio of 2:2:1:1. A drainage measuring 15 centimeters should be placed at the bottom of the recess. It may include sand or crushed bricks.
How to do it
When planting spruce, it is recommended to do the following:
- The day before planting, water the crop generously to make it easier to remove from the pot.
- Pull out the seedling with a lump of soil.
- Place the plant in the center of the hole.
- Fill the voids with prepared soil.
- Make a furrow along the entire diameter in the tree trunk circle.
- Pour a bucket of water into it.
- Lay a mulch layer. It may consist of peat or pine bark.
Care requirements
Spruce Ze Blues is a plant that is not too demanding to care for. At the same time, in order to preserve the decorative properties of the crop, it is still necessary to adhere to some rules.
When and how to water
Only young trees need systematic watering. Immediately after planting, they need to be moistened every week. It is recommended to use 5-12 liters of water per 1 seedling. The specific volume depends on weather conditions.
As the crop matures, the frequency of moisture is reduced to 1 irrigation every 2-4 weeks. Mature plants do not need to be watered. They have enough rainfall. Like other conifers, Ze Blues spruce tolerates sprinkling well. It is recommended to water the plant around the perimeter of the crown with a diffuse stream of water.
Loosening
After each watering and rain, the soil in the tree trunk circle needs to be loosened. This procedure helps to avoid the formation of a hard crust on the surface of the earth.Thanks to regular loosening, it is possible to increase the permeability of the soil to water and air. This has a positive effect on the development of culture.
Spruce has a superficial root system. Therefore, it is necessary to loosen the soil carefully and not very deeply in order to prevent damage to the roots. This should be done to a depth of 5-7 centimeters.
Mulching the soil around the tree trunk is considered an essential part of plant care. Thanks to this procedure, it is possible to reduce the number of watering and loosening. In addition, it helps maintain optimal soil moisture parameters.
Does it need to be trimmed?
This crop is pruned as needed. In spring and autumn, you need to remove dry and frozen branches that deprive the crown of its decorative appearance. El Ze Blues takes well to pruning and quickly recovers after this event.
When performing manipulations, be sure to use disinfected garden tools. After cutting, the cut areas should be treated with copper sulfate and garden pitch. You can also use a special preparation for this purpose. "RanNet".
Disease and pest control
This culture is characterized by strong immunity. It is characterized by a high degree of resistance to pathogens and pests. However, violation of the rules of agricultural technology may cause certain problems. To avoid this, it is important to adhere to the rules of prevention:
- in the fall, thoroughly clean the area from plant debris;
- dig up soil in the tree trunk area;
- in spring and autumn, spray plants with preparations containing copper.
El The Blues most often encounters the following diseases:
- Browning of needles. With this pathology, the needles first turn yellow and then acquire a brown color. They also form oval fruiting bodies. Subsequently, the needles completely fall off. To cope with pathology, trees should be sprayed 2-3 times with Falcon, Quadris or Chorus. The interval between treatments should be 2 weeks.
- Necrosis of apical shoots. In this case, the shoots droop and then dry out completely. To treat this pathology, step-by-step treatment is required. First, it is recommended to use Amistar Trio, then Antrakol, and finally Falcon in combination with Epin or Lignohumate. Simultaneously with these procedures, it is necessary to introduce a root former into the soil.
As for pests, spruce of this variety most often suffers from the following insects:
- Spruce moth. When a tree is damaged, honeydew appears on it. In addition, the shoots become covered with a black coating. To cope with pests, three-time treatments are carried out with the preparations “Enzhio”, “Calypso”, “Aktara”. Such products should be used at weekly intervals.
- Spider mites. When these pests attack, cobwebs appear on the needles. First, the needles turn yellow, and then acquire a brown color. After which it completely crumbles. Plantings should be treated with Mospilan, Aktara, and Confidor Maxi.
- Spruce hermes. These insects oppress trees. When they attack, a white fluff forms on the kidneys. In this case, it is necessary to use systemic drugs - “Caesar” or “Calypso”.
Spruce the Blues is a popular ornamental plant that fits perfectly into landscape design. In order for a crop to always look attractive, it needs to be properly cared for.
