Italian pine is a colorful ornamental plant that is found naturally on the Mediterranean coast. This tall evergreen crop can reach a height of 25-30 meters. In nature, it grows in well-lit places. At the same time, many gardeners use the culture to decorate their summer cottages. In order for a pine tree to develop normally, it needs proper care.
Description of the species
The Italian Pinia pine is distributed throughout the Mediterranean coast.This culture is distinguished by a dense, dome-shaped crown, which is decorated with dark green needles. The needles reach a length of 10-15 centimeters and form bundles of 2 pieces. Young trees are characterized by a light green crown, which consists of needles measuring 5-7 centimeters in size.
This crop reaches a height of 30 meters. Moreover, its life expectancy is 400-500 years. Mature trees have branches directed in different directions. Due to this, they are often formed into bonsai.
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Fruiting of the crop begins at the 12th year of life. Pinia is distinguished by egg-shaped nuts. Most often they are located singly, but there are also paired options. The cones are 8-20 centimeters in size. They are distinguished by a dark brown color and light inclusions. Fruit ripening is observed in October, but the scales open only in spring. After the nuts ripen, they fall to the ground, while the cone itself remains on the tree for several more years.
Popular varieties
Italian pine, which is widespread along the Mediterranean coast, has many varieties. Popular dwarf crops include:
- Winter Gold;
- Pinus mugo;
- Pinus pumila Globe.
The last 2 varieties are characterized by very slow development. In appearance, they are more like shrubs than trees. There is also a hybrid of Korean and Italian pine. It is called Korean cedar. The bark of the plant has a gray-brown tint and is covered with cracks. In this case, the crown has a cone-shaped shape.
Spanish Pinia is more common in rocky areas. It has a small height. In this case, the shoots of the tree almost rest against the ground. Thanks to this shape, the tree is resistant to strong winds.
Natural range
Such pines are found not only in Italy, but throughout the Mediterranean region. They can be seen in Europe, on the Iberian Peninsula. In this case, Asia Minor can be considered the end point. In the mountains, the crop can grow at an altitude of up to 1 thousand meters. Single specimens of the plant are found in Georgia, Crimea and the Caucasus.
How to plant correctly
When purchasing a crop to grow on your own plot, it is important to consider that it can hardly withstand the cold. For example, Italian pine does not grow at all in Siberia, like cedar. It is allowed to be planted only in the middle zone and in the south.
When planting a crop, it is worth considering the following features:
- Site selection and soil preparation. Pine tree needs enough sunlight. It is recommended to plant it away from large crops. Sandy loam would be a suitable option. However, the culture develops well in loose soil.
- Selection of seedlings and planting dates. Only a healthy tree no more than 50 centimeters high is suitable for growing on the site. Planting work is recommended to be carried out in early spring or autumn.
- Preparing the recess. Its minimum diameter is 60 centimeters and its depth is 50.
- Creating a drainage layer. It may consist of crushed stone. In this case, the thickness of such a layer should be 15-20 centimeters.
- Fertilizer preparation. Humus should be used as a nutrient. It is recommended to mix it with turf and sand in a ratio of 2:2:1.
- Planting a plant. It is important to remove the container from the roots as carefully as possible. The seedling must be installed so that it is in the center of the hole. After which the edges need to be covered with a nutrient composition and the soil compacted.
- Soil moistening. It is recommended to use 1-3 buckets of water for 1 plant.The larger the seedling, the more moisture it requires.
- Mulching the tree trunk circle. To do this, it is permissible to use peat or black soil.
Further care
In order for the plant to grow and develop normally, it needs to be properly cared for. Pine trees need to be watered as needed. The first soil moistening is carried out in early spring. Thanks to this, the crop will be able to recover from the cold and intensify its growth.
In summer, Italian pine is watered only in the most extreme heat. In this case, it is advisable to install an irrigation system that will supply the crown with moisture. Thanks to this, the needles will retain their rich color. It is recommended to water the pine tree only in the morning or evening.
It is recommended to add nutrients once a year. To do this, it is worth using special compounds for coniferous plants. It is best to feed pine in the spring - during the period of activation of growth processes. Trees older than 15 years should not be fertilized.
Pest Control
Italian pine is considered a fairly resilient crop. However, sometimes it is attacked by the following insects:
- Subcortical pine mite - causes yellowing and drying of shoots, and the appearance of cracks in the bark. In this case, the tree must be treated with acaricides.
- Hermes - in this case the needles become light in color and break.On the surface of the juice that is released from the shoots, there is a black sooty fungus. Insecticides will help destroy parasites.
- Pine scale insects cause needles to dry out and fall off. Dealing with these parasites can be very difficult. In this case, the tree trunk needs to be tied with straw or burlap. Before the buds open, the plant must be sprayed with insecticides.
- Coniferous bug - the activity of pests provokes curling and yellowing of the needles. If the plant is covered with insects, they look like frost. To eliminate parasites, it is recommended to spray the crop with tobacco solution once a week.
Reproduction methods
Most often, Italian pine is propagated by seed. Planting material ripens in October, so it is at this time that it needs to be collected. In this case, full ripening of the nuts occurs 3 years after the formation of the cone. It is best to pick the fruit and place it near the battery. When the cone opens, the seeds can be collected and planted. It is best to keep them at a low temperature for a while.
Experienced gardeners propagate Italian pine by grafting. However, this method is not suitable for beginners. It is considered very labor-intensive and requires appropriate knowledge and skills.
Application
Italian pine is a fairly common crop that has excellent decorative properties and has tasty and healthy fruits. Therefore, the plant has found wide application in various areas of life.
All parts of the culture have different medicinal characteristics. In folk medicine they are used to fight inflammation and parasites. These substances also have diuretic properties.
For decorative purposes
Italian pine is characterized by a very attractive appearance. Therefore, the culture looks great in any garden plot. The plant goes well with almost any plant. It is best to use the culture for decorating rocky flower beds. At the same time, it is important to avoid placing tall and dense plantings nearby, since pine tree can hardly tolerate crowded conditions. Moss is often planted in such areas to absorb remaining moisture.
An adult crop goes well with deciduous plants. Some designers plant several Italian pines on the site at once. In this case, the interval between them should be 3-4 meters.
The rich color of the needles goes well with any planting. Pine looks great with low shrubs and herbs. This design looks especially attractive in the fall. In this case, the green needles stand out effectively against the background of pale grass.
To make the pine tree not so wide, it can be tied decoratively. This design solution is perfect for small areas.
Uses of nuts
Trees older than 12 years bear fruit. 1 plant produces an average of 45 cones. A large crop can become a source of 7-9 kilograms of tasty and healthy seeds. Nuts from this type of pine are added to Italian dishes. They contain many vitamins and microelements. The plant contains phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, potassium, manganese, and iron.
Italian pine nuts can be used to marinate meat. To do this, they are fried, cooled and ground to a powder. Thanks to this, dishes acquire pine notes.
Italian pine is a fairly popular crop that has excellent decorative properties and bears tasty and healthy fruits. In order for a plant to develop normally, it needs to be provided with complete and high-quality care. Protection of crops from pests is of no small importance.
