Mountain pine Pumilio is a popular dwarf crop that is often used in the design of private gardens. It has excellent decorative properties and is characterized by low maintenance requirements. But in order for the plant to grow and develop normally, it is still necessary to follow some rules. It is of great importance to follow the recommendations for planting and care.
Appearance of the variety
According to the botanical description, the Pumilio pine is a dwarf subspecies of the mountain variety. Its main difference is considered to be its bush-like dwarf form.A mature tree reaches a maximum of 1.5 meters in height. Moreover, in 1 year it grows by 2-5 centimeters. The needles have a rich green color and increase by 5 centimeters in length.
Cone-shaped cones appear on trees older than 7 years. A characteristic feature of the plant is the shape of the crown. Young growth is directed vertically upward. As the tree develops, the branches acquire a horizontal position under their own weight. The crown diameter can be 3 meters.
The plant is distinguished by a dense arrangement of branches. Therefore, pine looks quite neat and has a compact shape. The width of a mature tree is almost twice the height. This is due to the creeping shape of the plant.
Distribution area
Pumilio pine is a dwarf variety and has a short height. This plant is native to Central and Southeastern Europe. There this species forms almost impenetrable thickets and thereby prevents avalanches and soil erosion. The crop is characterized by a developed root system, which reliably strengthens the soil. Thanks to this, the Pumilio variety has a high degree of resistance to wind.
Instructions for planting and care
The mountain pine Pumilio is characterized by a widely spread root system. The ideal soil for this species is a sandy or sandy loam substrate. However, the culture develops well in less permeable soil.Although Pumilio is an undemanding variety, for its planting it is better to give preference to areas with a slightly acidic reaction.
The plant develops well in urban conditions. Because of this, ephedra is often used to decorate parks and squares. For planting, it is best to use turf mixed with sand or clay. The ratio of components should be 2:1. Too heavy soil needs to be drained. In this case, you need to pour a layer of fine gravel or sand at the bottom of the hole. Its thickness should be 20 centimeters.
It is recommended to plant pine in the soil from late April to early May. Autumn planting is also acceptable - from late August to mid-September. The minimum spacing between low conifers is 1.5 meters. You cannot shake off a lump of soil from plants, as there is a risk of damaging small roots.
It is important that after planting the root collar is flush with the ground surface. When planting large trees, it is worth taking into account the peculiarities of shrinkage. The root collar should be installed a few centimeters higher. Thanks to this, when shrinking, it will take the zero position.
Then the hole needs to be filled in, and the tree trunk circle needs to be watered generously and covered with a mulch layer. Thanks to this, it will be possible to retain moisture and achieve the natural formation of humus.
Mountain pine Pumilio is highly resistant to drought. It needs to be watered regularly only for a month after planting if it was carried out in the autumn, and until the end of the season if work was carried out in the spring.
Water-recharging irrigation is of no small importance. In order for the plant to overwinter normally and to avoid frost marks on the bark, mountain pine needs to be watered several times in the fall.In this case, the soil will be saturated with moisture to a considerable depth.
Pine naturally grows in very poor soil. Therefore, the Pumilio variety does not require systematic fertilization. Sometimes it is fed in the first years - until full adaptation.
If mountain pine develops normally, it is recommended to feed it only until it is 10 years old. After that, nutrients can not be added. It is worth considering that bona fide nurseries do not sell seedlings younger than 4-5 years.
Mountain pine Pumilio responds well to foliar feeding. To do this, experienced gardeners spray the plantings with chelate complexes every 2 weeks. Since this variety has green needles, it is useful to fertilize it with magnesium sulfate.
The plant does not require formative pruning. In this case, the sanitary procedure is carried out before the buds begin to open. In this case, you need to get rid of dry and broken branches. Particular attention should be paid to the inside of the crown so that dead shoots do not accumulate there.
The Pumilio variety is highly resistant to frost. It can withstand temperatures down to -46 degrees. However, this applies to mature plants that are well rooted.
In the first year after planting, mountain pine must be covered with white agrofibre or spruce branches. In this case, the soil should be insulated with mulch. The thickness of this layer should be 7-10 centimeters. In cold areas, it is necessary to cover the pine tree in the second year.In addition, in winter the bush should be tied into a bundle. This will help prevent it from deforming when there is a lot of snow or ice.
Reproduction
The Pumilio variety can be propagated by seed or cuttings. In the first case, it is important to create special conditions. To do this, you need to prepare boxes for seedlings and fill them with loose and light soil. Before planting, the seeds need to be soaked in a solution of Fitosporin or Fundazol.
After this, you can begin to sow them. To do this, each seed needs to be deepened by a maximum of half a centimeter. In this case, the interval between grains should be 5 centimeters. Then it is recommended to spray the soil with a spray bottle, cover it with film and place it in a greenhouse.
Sprouts should be expected after 2-3 weeks. At this stage, the film must be removed. To maintain moisture, the soil must be sprayed with a spray bottle. Seedlings can be moved to open soil after 2 years.
Cuttings are considered a simpler and more effective method. It helps preserve all varietal characteristics of the crop. It is worth carrying out the manipulation in the spring. To select cuttings, you need to select a healthy tree. The length of the blanks should be about 10 centimeters. They need to be cut off along with part of the bark of the mother culture.
The prepared branches should be placed in a weak solution of potassium permanganate and soaked in a growth stimulator for 12 hours. For planting, you need to prepare the substrate by mixing the same amount of sand and turf. It is necessary to pour drainage on the bottom, and the prepared mixture on top.
It is recommended to plant cuttings to a depth of 4-5 centimeters with an interval of 10 centimeters. Rooting occurs throughout the year.If cuttings were carried out in the spring, the seedlings are moved to a permanent place the following autumn.
Possible diseases
Most often, mountain pine Pumilio suffers from resin cancer. The cause of problems is most often excessive watering and soaking soil. In this case, rot appears, which is difficult to treat. At the first signs of disease, the plant needs to be treated with a fungicidal substance. Preventive treatments and systematic inspection of bushes are of no small importance.
Application in design
Pumilio pine has excellent decorative qualities, which is why it is often used in landscape design. When creating a flower bed, rock garden or rock garden, the ephedra should be the main focus of the composition. Mountain pine can be planted in the background and surrounded by beautiful ground covers and trailing roses.
This plant is perfect for planting in rocky gardens, parterres or terraces. It is important to consider that it should not be used as a tapeworm. The beauty of a coniferous crop should be emphasized by other plants. If you plant it alone, the green needles will merge with the lawn.
Mountain pine Pumilio is an excellent ornamental crop that fits perfectly into a variety of compositions. The plant does not require complex care and develops well even in difficult conditions. However, to preserve its decorative quality, you still need to follow some rules.
