Mountain Pug Pine is a popular crop that is often grown as a shrub. However, in its natural environment it can also grow in the form of a tree. A distinctive feature of the plant is its regular umbrella crown. This conifer has excellent decorative properties, and therefore it is often used in landscape design. It is used to decorate rock gardens, rockeries and rocky gardens.
What kind of variety is this
This coniferous crop is characterized by its widespread distribution. According to the botanical description, it is characterized by a high degree of frost resistance and can withstand exposure to wind and drought. In addition, the crop is considered undemanding in terms of soil composition. These features make it possible to grow pine in the middle zone and in more severe climatic conditions.
Appearance
In appearance, the plant resembles a slightly flattened ball. Its characteristic feature is considered to be approximately the same dimensions in height and width. The culture lends itself well to pruning and shaping. This dwarf shrub is characterized by rather slow development. In 1 year, the pine tree increases in size by literally 2-4 centimeters.
The main advantages of the plant include the following:
- resistance to wind and frost;
- no need for large amounts of moisture;
- good tolerance to polluted air;
- low requirements for care, soil composition and growing conditions.
The full Latin name of the pine tree is Pinus mugo Mops. The culture reaches a height of 1.5 meters. At the same time, the color of its needles can be different - from green to blue. Needles are changed every 3-5 years. The Pug variety is distinguished by brown cones that are ovoid in shape and 2-7 centimeters long. The culture is also distinguished by resinous buds, which are characterized by a fairly dense arrangement.
The root system of the shrub forms an extensive network near the surface of the earth. Thanks to this, the pine holds well on alpine hills and inclined surfaces.
Distribution area
This mini-pine is highly resistant to frost and requires little maintenance. These characteristics allow the crop to be grown in any climate.It can be planted in Moscow, the Moscow region and central Russia.
Landing
In order for the plant to develop normally and maintain its decorative properties, it is important to carry out planting work correctly.
Selection of seedlings
Seedlings should be purchased from specialized nurseries. They should be already grown up and not very small in size. Adaptation to the local climate is of no small importance. Such planting material is more expensive, but quickly adapts.
Conifers can be sold in different forms - with open and closed roots. It is better to give preference to the second option. As for age, it is worth buying young trees that are 4-5 years old.
Soil preparation
Dwarf pine of the Mops variety can be grown in any area. However, the tree grows worse in shaded areas. For full development, the plant needs full lighting.
Ephedra is distinguished by well-developed roots. Therefore, it can be planted in sandy and sandy loam soil. Also, Pug pine will develop well in poor soil that contains a minimum of nutrients. As for acidity, any options are acceptable. However, a slightly acidic substrate is most suitable for Pug pine.
Step-by-step planting guide
When planting a plant, it is necessary to provide a drainage layer. For this, it is recommended to use crushed stone, coarse sand or gravel. The thickness of such a layer should be 20 centimeters.
The recess for planting must be made in advance - about 2-4 weeks.When planting several crops, the interval between them should be 2-4 meters. The width of the hole should exceed the root ball by 15 centimeters, and the depth should be 0.7 meters.
It is recommended to add pine litter to the soil. This will help saturate it with nutrients and launch symbiotic processes. It is permissible to use nitroammophoska as a fertilizer. It is recommended to use 100 grams of this substance for 1 cavity.
When replanting, the root collar should be left flush with the ground surface or slightly raised. After which the seedling needs to be watered abundantly. During the first 5 days after planting, it is recommended to shade the conifer from the sun. To do this, it is permissible to use spruce branches or spunbond.
Features of care
For the normal development of the crop and the preservation of its decorative properties, it is important to comply with some agrotechnical standards.
Watering and fertilizing
The first month is considered the most difficult for a seedling. During this period it needs to be watered very carefully. This is done at intervals of 3-4 days. The exact frequency depends on weather conditions.
Mountain pine requires mandatory fertilization. To do this, it is permissible to use the following:
- Nitrogen fertilizers are applied during planting along with the main soil. At this stage, it is permissible to use 40 grams of nitroammophoska.
- Mineral substances for universal or special purposes - added to the tree trunk within 2 years after planting. For this purpose, it is permissible to use 30-40 grams of Kemira.
Mulching
It is recommended to use peat to mulch mountain pine. This procedure helps protect the root system and improve soil characteristics. This material needs to be poured in a layer of 5-6 centimeters. After some time, the peat mixes with the lower layers and saturates the soil.
Crown formation
Initially, this variety is characterized by a regular spherical shape. Therefore, it practically does not require pruning. If necessary, it is recommended to remove young branches. In this case, it is allowed to trim no more than a third of the entire crown. This manipulation helps slow down the development of the bush and make the crown denser. In spring, dead and dry branches should be removed.
Preparing for winter
An adult plant is frost-resistant and normally tolerates the effects of low temperatures. 2 years after planting the crop, it does not need to be covered. At the same time, young plants should be insulated with spruce branches. It is especially important to cover shrubs planted in autumn.
It is necessary to remove the insulation in the spring. This is done after a stable positive temperature has been established. Additionally, the pine tree should be watered with warm melt water. This will help activate the growing season.
How to propagate pine
Pug pine can be propagated by seeds, cuttings or grafting. Growing the crop by seed helps to preserve its decorative properties and obtain a hardy shrub. You can plant grains in separate containers or directly in open soil. This needs to be done in the spring - after stratification.
Cuttings are considered the most complex and time-consuming method. Planting material is taken from young annual shrubs. In this case, the shoots need to be cut off with the heel - part of the bark. After which they are placed in a solution of a root formation stimulator for 12 hours, and then in plain water for 3 days.
To prepare the substrate, you need to mix peat, soil and sand in equal proportions. When planting, the lower part should be treated with Zircon or Epin.The plant will take root six months after all manipulations.
Propagating Pug pine using grafting is even more difficult. To do this, you need to use shrubs that are 4 years old. The grafted culture takes on the properties of the mother culture. However, the procedure is considered quite complicated. Therefore, this method is used very rarely.
How can a pine tree get sick?
The culture has a strong immune system, but if the rules of care are violated, it can suffer from the following pathologies:
- Fungus Schutte. In this case, the needles become dark brown and covered with a white coating, similar to a cobweb. Typically, plants that suffer are those that lack moisture or are planted too densely. Copper-containing preparations help eliminate the problem.
- Rust mushroom. With the development of this pathology, the needles become covered with a yellow coating. To eliminate it, it is permissible to use chemical or biological agents. Lepidocid is considered an effective drug.
- Scleroderriosis. This is a fairly common disease that is accompanied by drying out of branches. Trimming the affected area will help deal with it.
Application
This culture is often used in landscape design. It can be placed in the central part of the rock garden or grown in bonsai style. You can plant flowers with large rosettes near the mountain pine. The culture also goes well with other conifers. It can be planted with deciduous or heather plants.
Mountain Pug pine is a fairly common crop that fits well into a variety of compositions. In order for a plant to develop normally, it needs to be provided with complete and high-quality care.
