Thuja Smaragd is considered one of the most popular and attractive conifers. Evergreen needles, which can live up to 200 years, fascinate with their beauty all year round, have good resistance to adverse weather and diseases. Consider what varieties exist, how to plant and care for the crop.
Thuja Smaragd in landscape design
Brief information about the variety
- Color: depending on the variety - light green, golden, light green or emerald.
- Height: varies from 1.5 to 6 m.
- Diameter: 40-2.5 m.
- Regions of growth: grows almost everywhere - in the Moscow region, St. Petersburg, Central and Middle lane. When planting in the Urals, the North and Siberia, young seedlings will need good insulation.
- Planting features: large-sized trees are planted at a distance of 3 m with a distance in a row - 3.5 m, the optimal scheme for medium-sized trees is 2x2.5 m, for dwarf trees - 1.5x1 m.
- Immunity: good winter hardiness and resistance to diseases, subject to all the rules of cultivation.
- Life span: 100 to 200 years.
Detailed characteristics
The Latin name is Thuja occidentalis Smaragd. The description of a culture includes several distinctive qualities that help distinguish it from other species:
- the plant can reach 2-3 m in length, the maximum height is 5 m;
- has a beautiful, compact crown, 40-50 cm in diameter;
- the form is narrow-conical or pyramidal, consists of numerous shoots, tightly adjacent to each other;
- needles are soft, scaly, emerald;
- shoots are thin, light green, vertical;
- cones are oval or ovoid, sizes - 0.7x0.4 cm;
- the inside of the cones contains small brown seeds.
- the root system is strong, superficial, branched;
- the annual growth is 10-12 cm.
Unlike other varieties and species, the tree remains dark green all year round. Lives long: duration varies from 100 to 200 years.
Varieties
Golden
Pyramidal culture with green, scaly, soft needles.
The variety has an average height of 2.5-3 m. The shoots are thin, light green, densely covering the central conductor. It is used in various garden compositions and for decorating industrial areas.
Thuja has good resistance to diseases and temperature extremes, practically does not freeze.
White
Another decorative and sought-after look.
The height of the tree varies from 2 to 3.5 m. The shape is narrow pyramidal or conical, dense, and consists of numerous flexible shoots. The needles are soft, scaly, silvery blue.
Thuja is great for creating hedges, decorating alleys, parks and backyards.
Variegata
The plant reaches 3 m in height, has a dense crown with green, flat needles, small creamy blotches on the surface. The shape is conical, slightly spreading. Diameter from 50 to 80 cm.
The variety perfectly adapts to any climatic conditions, therefore it is widespread throughout Russia.
Witbont
Tuya will decorate your site
Native to North America and East Asia, the plant is one of the most successful mutating varieties.
Thuja looks very beautiful - the crown is correct, compact and dense, in the form of a cone with densely located vertical shoots. The height of an adult tree is 2.5-3 m, diameter is 1 m. By the age of 10, it grows to 1-1.7 m. The annual growth is 15-20 cm.
The plant is covered with dense, soft, scaly green needles, at the tips it is lighter, in winter it takes on a brown tint. The root system is superficial, fibrous.
Spiralis
This unusual species, which grows in a spiral shape, attracts many gardeners. The height of an adult tree is 4-6 m, width is 1-1.8 m. The growth rate is 10-25 cm per year.
Thuja is cone-shaped with soft, green, scaly needles. Forms oval, brown cones, their approximate size is 4-6x1-2 cm.
Throughout the year it retains its decorative effect and does not change color.
Spotty
An evergreen shrub with a cone-shaped crown, densely covered with vertical shoots. The needles are scaly, soft, emerald with milky splashes. The height of an adult plant is 4-6 m, width is 1-2 m.
Annual growth is 10 cm. Forms beautiful oblong brown cones 1 cm long.
Sunny
A beautiful plant with a conical crown, soft, golden needles with a green tint. The tree is characterized by rapid growth - in the first years of life it is small (up to 0.5 m in height), by the age of 10 it reaches 2.5-3 m.
Shoots are flat, close to each other. On the branches of the current year, the needles are golden, yellow or orange, the next year it becomes emerald.
The variety is great for creating hedges and other compositions in the garden and park areas.
Silver
An ornamental conifer with a loose conical crown, by the age of 10 it reaches 2-3 m. The shoots are spreading, not dense, covered with green or emerald, scaly needles.
The needles are soft and retain their color all year round. Young growth in thuja is white, then turns green.
Yellow (Yellow)
Another unique variety, bred by Polish breeders, with good frost resistance and unpretentious care. The dimensions of an adult tree are 4-6x1-1.5 m.
Up to five years old it grows slowly, upon reaching this age, the annual growth is 20 cm.
The plant has a superficial root system and a compact crown, densely covered with shoots.
Decorative needles - light green, soft, scaly. Forms beautiful egg-shaped cones up to 1 cm long.
Light (Light)
An unusual variety with bicolor, brightly colored needles. The inside of the needles is light green, at the tips they are golden or yellow. Hence the name of the variety came from.
The shape is regular, conical, dense, and consists of numerous soft shoots. Height - 3 m, diameter - 1.2 m.
The culture develops slowly - the annual growth is 15-17 cm. The root system is superficial, highly branched.
Growing regions
The plant can be grown in any region
Due to its good endurance to sudden changes in temperature, the western thuja Smaragd successfully grows and develops in almost all regions of our country - in the Moscow region, St. Petersburg, Central and Central regions.
When planting in the zone of risky farming - in the Urals, the North and in Siberia, where the climate is predominantly harsh, young seedlings in the first years of life will need good insulation before winter.
Landing rules
The successful cultivation and successful use of such an ephedra in the garden depends on high-quality planting material, choosing the right place, soil for planting, and subsequent care.
Selection of seedlings
If you want to grow a beautiful and healthy ephedra, go to buy a seedling in a horticultural nursery.
There you will find any varieties that match the true description. In addition, the sellers will tell you how to properly plant and care for them.
The cost of planting material is different and varies from 5300 to 12700 rubles. You can also buy seeds at a price of 500 to 700 rubles, but the costs of growing seedlings are very high, so gardeners prefer ready-made plants.
When choosing seedlings, you should pay attention to several points:
- aerial part - it must be vivid, uniform in color in accordance with the varietal description;
- roots, if they are open, without signs of disease, rot, and acidification;
- shoots without breaks and yellowness.
For planting, it is better to take seedlings with a closed root system - in an earthen coma or in plastic containers. They adapt better after transplanting in the garden. The optimal age is 1-2 years.
Site preparation
You can plant a thuja in a sunny area, but with the possibility of shading at noon. A light shade under trees, along a fence or outbuilding will protect delicate needles from burning and burning out under the sun.
It is necessary to plant on light loamy or sandy loam soil, where there is no stagnation of moisture and strong winds, otherwise the seedlings will quickly rot or dry out.
This conifer grows well in soil with a neutral level of acidity (5-6 units), therefore, if necessary, 350 g of dolomite flour, calcite, slaked lime or chalk are applied to a plot of 1 m². Vermiculite or sand is added to heavy and clogged soil - 20 kg. Then a deep digging is carried out.
Timing
Depending on the growing region, thuja should be planted in the open field at different times of the year:
- in areas with a harsh climate and unfavorable weather, this procedure is carried out in the spring - in April;
- in the south and in latitudes with moderate climatic conditions - in April, May or already in autumn (in September).
It is important that the plants have time to take root before the onset of stable autumn cold weather.
Landing technique
Tuya loves sunlight
The cultivation technology is no different from planting other conifers.
The step-by-step instruction consists of several steps:
- pits are dug two weeks before the planned planting, their dimensions should be 2-3 times larger than the root system or earthen coma (approximately - 70x80x80 cm);
- half a bucket of the drainage layer is poured to the bottom - pebbles, crushed stone, screenings or pieces of broken brick;
- upstairs, a nutritious soil is laid from turf, peat, sand and coniferous sawdust in a ratio of 3: 1: 1: 1;
- watered with water (use about 10 liters), sprinkle with ordinary earth on top to eliminate the risk of scalding the roots;
- the roots or lump are lowered to a depth so that the root collar remains 5-6 cm above the soil surface;
- fall asleep, tamp, watered at the rate of 10 liters per plant.
When planting in groups, it is necessary to maintain a certain distance between seedlings, depending on the dimensions of the tree:
- vigorous plants are planted with an interval of 3 m, the distance in a row is 3.5 m;
- the optimal layout for medium-sized people - 2x2.5 m;
- for dwarf ones - 1.5x1 m.
Subject to these parameters, ephedra will grow fully, without competing with each other for space, moisture and nutrients.
Care requirements
The main care for Thuja Smaragd is not at all difficult, the main thing is to ensure good and regular moisture, loosening and feeding. To protect them from drying out, the first week the seedlings are covered with burlap or an awning from the scorching sun.
Watering
For 3 years after planting, the thuja is moistened often and regularly, the procedure is especially important for the first few months. With a sufficient amount of moisture, seedlings take root faster and begin to grow. Consumption for one tree - 10 liters.
In subsequent years, watering should be moderate and only as the soil dries out to a depth of 6-7 cm.
Crop care includes the procedure for sprinkling the crown in the evening - 2-3 times a week. This will protect against the invasion of parasites and increase the decorative qualities.
Loosening and mulching
The first procedure provides soil aeration. It is carried out superficially, so as not to damage the roots, the next day after watering. As they grow, weeds are removed, the aisles are weeded.
Mulching with peat, garden soil or coniferous sawdust protects the soil from drying out, prevents the appearance of weeds.
Top dressing
Starting at three years old, thuja is regularly fed, which increases its decorative effect, winter hardiness and resistance to disease.
Needles grow well, if it is fed with nitrogen-containing preparations in early spring - use nitrophoska or ammophoska at the rate of 20-25 g per 10 liters of water. Spring nutrition with these drugs improves growth, helps to build up green mass.
The second time fertilization is applied in the fall. Apply a composition of 15 g of superphosphate and 10 g of potassium salt in a bucket of water. Mineral components increase disease resistance and winter hardiness of seedlings.
Additionally, you can carry out two foliar feedings with chelating drugs - Epin or Quadris. They stimulate the growth of young growth.
Pruning
Plants can be given any shape
The main care for thuja Smaragd includes regular haircuts. This helps to accelerate the growth and development of young shoots, gives the plants a beautiful shape and protects against the invasion of infections and pests.
- Some varieties such as Golden and White do not require crown formation.
- The spiralis should be cut every spring to maintain its decorative effect. It is worth trimming the shoots to a length of no more than 2-3 cm so that the needles do not get severe stress and do not die.
- Many gardeners who grow the Spotti variety in their country house carry out a cardinal pruning and form different elements in the form of a ball or bonsai.
- It is also advised to form a Sunny variety in order to grow a tree on a trunk, annually cutting out organs and needles in the lower part of the trunk. It turns out a unique spherical crown on the leg.
In addition to each ephedra, a sanitary haircut is required — all yellowed branches damaged by frost, winds and diseases are removed.
During the procedure, you need to use a sterile and sharp knife, and after the operation, the places are treated with fungicides - a solution of copper sulfate or Bordeaux liquid.
Shelter for the winter
The cultivation of this culture includes annual warming - a month before the onset of winter.
In order for the seedlings to successfully survive the winter, they are first spud with a thick layer of peat or coniferous sawdust, then the twigs are carefully bent to the central conductor and tied with twine, covered with burlap or spruce branches.
The bushes can be opened only after the snow melts and the last spring frosts have passed.
Adult conifers are not afraid of frost - they are simply piled up with soil, and in winter they shake off snow to protect them from breaking off.
Reproduction
There are several ways of reproduction of thuja Smaragd - by seeds, layering, cuttings. The most effective and proven method is grafting.
Removal of cuttings for planting at home is carried out in the spring, during a sanitary haircut.
Shoots with a length of 15-20 cm are cut off from the top of the tree, then any growth stimulator is used - Epin or Kornevin.
Propagation by cuttings is possible in a nutrient mixture of peat and sand (1: 1). They are planted to a depth of 3-4 cm, at an angle. Spray, cover with foil, put in a warm and lighted place.
Such a procedure at home will take 2 to 3 months.
During this time of planting, you need to periodically moisten, loosen, ventilate. After the first buds appear, the shelter is removed and kept at 17-19 ° C.
If the room does not allow, then the whole process is carried out in a greenhouse. The main thing is to provide humidity at the level of 60-70% and a stable temperature in the range of 20-21 ° С.
There are two growing options - in a pot or in a plastic container. A transplant into open ground is carried out six months later in early autumn.
Diseases and pests
The variety has a strong immunity to diseases
Subject to all the rules of agricultural technology, this culture rarely gets sick.
Infection and parasite damage is possible with thickening, using infected seedlings and lack of proper care.
The table provides a list of the most common ephedra diseases and pests.
Name | Signs | Prevention and treatment |
Rust | The appearance of this disease is possible on weakened and thickened conifers. The trunk, shoots and needles are covered with red, shapeless growths, which lead to rotting, then drying out of the plant. | For prevention, the soil and crown are irrigated with a solution of copper sulfate in spring and autumn. Heavily infected thuja are removed and burned. At the initial stage, lesions can be cured by double spraying with Skor, Hom or Ridomil Gold. Damaged parts are removed before processing. |
Brown shute | The peak of the development of fungal disease occurs in the first half of the summer.The needles, shoots, trunk turn yellow massively, then the tree drops the needles. Closer to autumn, the needles turn black. | For prevention, it is necessary to regularly remove weeds between plants, use healthy material for planting, irrigate the crown in spring and autumn with a solution of copper sulfate. It is impossible to save the thuja at an advanced stage, so it will be disposed of. At an early stage, the infected organs are cut off, sprayed twice with Ridomil Gold, Skor. |
Spider mite | Lumps of cobweb on internodes, needles and shoots. The sucking insect sucks the juices from the green parts, as a result of which the needles turn yellow and crumble. | Treatment is carried out with acaricides - Aktellik, Aktara. The crown is irrigated twice with an interval of 5 days. The same funds are used for spring and autumn prevention. |
Aphid | If the thuja turns yellow and crumbles, this is a clear sign of the appearance of aphids. The green insect settles in colonies and sucks juices from young organs - buds, needles and young shoots. | In the fight against this parasite, folk remedies are used - an infusion of garlic, onions, hot pepper or an ash and soap solution. At an advanced stage, the crown and the soil are irrigated with Fundazol or Confidor. |
Application in garden design
Almost all varieties of thuja Smaragd are highly decorative throughout the year, which is why they are so popular in landscape design:
- they are planted singly or in groups for an effective hedge, bright compositions in mixborders;
- combine in a flower bed with roses, azaleas, hydrangeas, ground cover conifers, decorative leafy and herbaceous perennials;
- they are used to decorate alleys, park areas, and are used to create protective zones.
What is the difference between Smaragd and Brabant
You can determine the difference between these plants by the description of the second type:
- intensive growth - in a year thuja grows by 50 cm;
- a spreading crown, which, without a shaping haircut, has an asymmetrical and irregular shape;
- more massive sizes - height 7-8 m, girth - 3-4 m.
The only similarity is the color of the needles, it is equally green, scaly, soft, and does not change throughout the year. Both species are very popular in landscaping and are readily used to create hedges.
Planting thuja western Smaragd
Thuja western Smaragd / Thuja planting and care
TUYA SMARAGD - The splendor of landscape design.
Reviews
Most gardeners are happy with this ephedra:
- it is cold-resistant, does not require shaping, grows on any type of soil enriched with organic matter and minerals;
- successful propagation by cuttings allows you to get a large number of new seedlings, which quickly take root after transplanting to the site;
- with good care, thuja Smaragd practically does not get sick in winter and goes well in different landscape design compositions.