Pine of the Fastigiata variety is considered an excellent ornamental plant that fits perfectly into the landscape design of various areas. It can be planted in the northern regions of Russia and in the middle zone. The culture has a bluish-blue color and goes well with cinquefoil, turf plants, and bright perennial flowers. This evergreen plant grows quickly and makes the appearance of the park area more holistic.
Appearance and features
According to the botanical description, Fastigiata pine is a medium-sized, slow-growing crop. It has a number of specific features and differences.
Fastigiata pine is a rather spectacular tree that is of medium size. By the age of 30, the culture reaches 6-7 meters in height. Moreover, its diameter is 1.2-1.5 meters. However, these are not final values. The maximum plant size can be 13-15 meters. At the initial stages, the annual growth is 20-30 centimeters. After 30 years, this figure does not exceed 10 centimeters.
Pine of this variety is characterized by a narrow columnar crown and shoots directed upward. The branches and trunk are covered with red-orange bark on top. In young plants it is smooth, but with age it acquires a rough texture and peels off in thin plates. The plant is characterized by thick and hard needles, which form bunches of 2 pieces. The needles live for a maximum of 2 years, after which they turn yellow and fall off.
Pine flowering lasts from May to June. After which twisted yellow-red male spikelets appear on the trees. They are located near the base of young shoots. Female spikelets first have a reddish color with a greenish tint and are located one at a time on top of the branches. After this they become gray-brown and sometimes black. Fruiting is always maintained at a high level.
The root system penetrates into the deep layers of the soil. However, this only applies to well-drained and loose substrate. Moreover, in heavy and dense soil the rhizome is distinguished by its superficial location.
Characteristics
The key characteristics of the plant include the following:
- high winter hardiness - mature pines can withstand frosts down to -40 degrees;
- love of light;
- relative ease of care;
- resistance to drought and wind;
- weakness of shoots - in snowy weather they can break under the mass of adhering snow;
- low resistance to soil salinity, smoke and environmental pollution.
Recommendations for planting
The location for planting Scots pine Fastigiata should be selected in accordance with the landscape design plan. However, it is important to take into account the requirements for soil and lighting. It is not advisable to plant tall trees of other species nearby, as they will create shade and hide the attractiveness of the pine tree.
Dry and elevated areas with light loamy or sandy loam soil without heavily compacted areas are ideal for planting. In loose soil, the plant is characterized by taproots. In dense, clayey or rocky substrates, the root system becomes superficial.
To form soil for a plant, you need to take the following:
- turf and sand in a ratio of 2:1;
- drainage of gravel and small crushed stone;
- 200-300 grams of lime.
The interval between plantings is 1.5-4 meters - this is determined by the size of the future crop. In the selected area, you need to dig a hole according to the size of the soil ball or the dimensions of the roots. At the bottom of the hole, you must place a drainage of at least 20-30 centimeters in size - this depends on the level of groundwater. Then you need to pour a layer of prepared substrate, install the plant and cover it with soil.
Further cultivation
Fastigiata pine requires timely watering, fertilization, loosening and mulching.Another important procedure is pruning the crop and preventing damage to the tree by pathologies and pests.
This crop is considered drought resistant. Therefore, it is mainly young seedlings that need to be watered. During the first 2-3 years after planting, it is worth moistening the plantings 1-2 times a week. However, it is important to take weather factors into account. Subsequently, the procedure is carried out once a month. In this case, it is worth periodically sprinkling the crown.
To feed the plant, it is recommended to use a universal combined composition for conifers. It should be applied in early spring - after the last snow has melted. It is better not to use organic products, except for autumn mulching of the tree trunk circle with rotted compost.
Loosening and mulching of the soil is of no small importance. When a hard coating appears in the tree trunk circle, the supply of oxygen to the root system decreases. Loosening helps to cope with this problem.
It is recommended to carry out this procedure after each watering. However, it is permissible to loosen the soil by a maximum of 10 centimeters. After which the tree trunk circle should be covered with a mulching layer of sawdust or pine bark. However, its thickness should not exceed 5-10 centimeters.
Threats to the tree
Decorative pine can suffer from a number of pathologies that are characteristic of all conifers. The most dangerous diseases include:
- fungal rust;
- resin cancer;
- blister rust;
- fusarium;
- Schutte;
- pine spinner;
- vascular bacteriosis.
Among the pests, the plant can suffer from hermes, mealybugs and stem insects. Fungicides and insecticidal preparations will help cope with diseases and parasites.
Application of the variety
Fastigiata is quite often used in landscape design. It can be planted as a tapeworm or used as part of a group composition in rock gardens and when planting along fences.
The bluish-gray color of the needles and black flowers go well with other crops. However, this plant looks best in combination with turf, heather and bloodroot. Such combinations complement both small and large gardens well.
Fastigiata pine is a very popular crop that fits well into a variety of compositions. In order for the plant to develop normally, it is important to follow the rules of agricultural technology.
