Mountain pine Benjamin is a German variety that has a compact size and dense crown. This crop can be grown in open ground or planted in a container. This conifer can decorate a terrace, winter garden or balcony. For crop cultivation to be successful, it is important to strictly adhere to planting rules and agrotechnical recommendations.
What kind of variety is this
According to the botanical description, Pinus mugo Benjamin is considered a fairly popular crop, which has a compact, rounded crown.The plant fits perfectly into a small garden, making the design more attractive.
This culture is characterized by rather slow development. Over the course of a year, the bush grows by a maximum of 3-6 centimeters. By the age of 10, the conifer grows to 60-80 centimeters. Moreover, its diameter is 90 centimeters.
The crown of the Benjamin pine has the shape of a slightly flattened ball. The perennial is distinguished by strong and straight branches that grow upward from the trunk. In this case, the shoots are covered with hard emerald-colored needles, which have a metallic sheen. The needles of the plant grow in pairs and reach a length of 3-4 centimeters.
An adult plant has white buds, from which resin is released in winter. The cone-berries are brown in color and reach a length of 3 centimeters.
The culture is perfect for growing in a heather garden. It can be safely planted in rock gardens and rock gardens. Mountain pine Benjamin looks great in flowerpots and containers.
Landing and its nuances
The ephedra Pinus mugo Benjamin is undemanding to the soil. At the same time, it is best to plant it in sandy loam and light loamy substrate. Planting work should be carried out from mid-spring to mid-autumn. A well-lit area or light partial shade is suitable for pine. In strong shade, the conifer will stretch out and lose its unusual round shape.
To plant this crop you need to do the following:
- Dig a hole. Its depth should be 60 centimeters and its diameter 80.Specific indicators depend on the size of the roots and the soil ball. When planting several bushes, the interval between them should be 1.5 meters.
- Place drainage 15 centimeters thick on the bottom. It can consist of crushed stone, crushed brick, expanded clay. After which the hole needs to be filled by a third with a composition based on turf soil, peat and sand. These components are mixed in a ratio of 2:1:1. You can also add 50-100 grams of nitroammophoska to the composition. This will improve the survival rate of the culture.
- Pull out the seedling with a lump of soil and carefully place it in the prepared substrate.
- Cover the voids with soil and water the plant. It is recommended to use at least 10 liters of water per seedling.
- Cover the tree trunk circle with a mulch layer. It may consist of tree bark, peat, sawdust. The mulch thickness should be 5 centimeters.
What you need to know about care
If you violate the rules of caring for a plant, there is a risk of deterioration in its decorative properties. That is why it is so important to adhere to basic agrotechnical recommendations. When growing pine in the middle zone, adult plants do not need to be watered. In hot weather, the crop needs a cool shower. This will improve its decorative properties and prevent drying out from the heat.
In the spring, pine needs to be fed with combined mineral preparations intended for conifers. It is recommended to scatter the composition near the crop and then water the tree trunk. After this, the bed must be thoroughly loosened.
Pest Control
Benjamin pine is highly resistant to diseases and pests. However, during periods of precipitation, it may suffer from fungal pathologies. Most often they are accompanied by the falling of needles and the appearance of a gray coating on the branches.Fungicides such as “Rakurs”, “Skor”, “Oksikhom” help to cope with diseases.
The crop often suffers from bugs, aphids and spider mites. Such products as “Aktara”, “Aktellik”, “Inta-Vir” help to cope with parasites.
Mountain Benjamin pine is a very common crop that is often used to decorate garden plots. In order for the plant to develop normally, it is important to provide it with proper care.
