El Laurin: description of the Canadian variety, planting and care, application

Canadian spruce Laurin is a rather interesting variety that was obtained from a seedling of Koniki. This culture was bred in 1952 in a German nursery. This tree is characterized by a rather slow growth, which allows it to be actively used in landscape design. In order for the culture to retain its decorative effect, it is important to properly carry out planting work. Compliance with the rules of agricultural technology is also of great importance.

What kind is this

Canadian Laurin Spruce is a perennial coniferous crop that belongs to the dwarf varieties. The height of the plant reaches 1.5 meters. However, she can grow to such a size only by the age of 30.

Ephedra is characterized by a cushion-shaped or conical crown and hard shoots. They are covered with short and thin needles. In structure, it is sufficiently thick, soft and tender. In this case, the spines are slightly bent at the edges. Due to this, the plant belongs to slightly prickly varieties. Laurin spruce needles are characterized by a rich green color that does not change under the influence of climatic factors.

Undemanding dwarf spruce makes a great addition to any yard. This is because it has many benefits:

high degree of resistance to frost - Laurin spruce can withstand temperatures as low as -30 degrees;
resistance to many pathologies;
good adaptation to growing in the city - culture is considered not too sensitive to gas, dust, smoke;
wide range of uses in landscape design;
high decorative properties;
resistance to transplanting and transportation;
moderate requirements for soil composition and growth zones.

The disadvantages of a coniferous plant include susceptibility to dry weather. Also, the culture often faces sunburn and pest attacks.

Different from other firs

In the description of spruce there are many characteristic features by which it can be distinguished from other plants. The Canadian variety is growing quite slowly. For a year it increases by a maximum of 2 centimeters. An adult tree reaches a height of 1.5 meters. At the same time, the diameter of its crown is 2-2.2 meters.

Another characteristic feature of spruce is the presence of rounded cones in adulthood. At the development stage, they are yellow-brown in color. Ripe fruits are dark brown in color and have a pronounced luster. The size of the cones is 2.5-5.5 centimeters.

Application in landscape design

El Laurin is great for use in landscape design. This culture is often used as a tapeworm or to create decorative compositions. This plant is allowed to decorate small arrays or alleys.

Culture is often used to decorate alpine slides and rockeries. The plant is often decorated with small rocky gardens and park areas. If desired, dwarf spruce can be used to create a hedge or zoning the territory. Also, culture is suitable for creating a cozy corner for relaxation. To do this, it is worth planting several copies in containers and decorating a terrace or gazebo with them.

Correct fit

Culture is considered not too sensitive to smoke and air pollution. The tree is able to grow in the shade, however, it is possible to obtain a beautiful and symmetrical crown only when grown in sunny and open areas.

The plant needs moist and symmetrical soil. A suitable option would be light or medium loam. At the same time, spruce does not develop well in dry sandy loamy soil. It is important that the top of the soil is well permeable. This provides the root system with enough air.

Planting work is recommended to be carried out in the spring, when the soil is warm enough and the temperature has stabilized. On the site, it is recommended in advance to make a recess for planting with a size of 70x70 centimeters.

With a high location of groundwater, it is worth laying drainage from crushed bricks or gravel to the bottom. In addition, fertilizers are added to the planting recess. A suitable option would be special formulations for conifers.

After planting spruce, it needs to be watered abundantly and cover the trunk circle with a layer of mulch. If you plan to plant several trees, it is worth making an interval between them of at least 2 meters.

Growing and care

El Laurin is considered an unpretentious culture and does not require complex care. However, to maintain its decorative effect, it is worth irrigating the plant in a timely manner, loosening the soil, and weeding the ground. Equally important is crown formation, shading in spring and preparation for cold weather.

This sort of spruce is considered quite moisture-loving. Therefore, the culture needs to be moderately moistened. On average, irrigation should be done once a week. In severe drought, it is recommended to do this more often. Experienced gardeners advise in hot weather to additionally carry out light sprinkling of the crown. Soil moisture is recommended to be constantly monitored to avoid water stagnation.

As a top dressing, it is worth using combined preparations for ornamental coniferous plants. If desired, it is permissible to use the nutrients twice. At the same time, in the spring it is recommended to apply nitroammophoska, and in the fall - products based on phosphorus and potassium.

Canadian Laurin Spruce is considered fairly frost resistant. However, preparation for winter is still required. At this stage, deep mulching with spruce branches is carried out. It is also recommended to tie the shoots of a tree with a rope around the trunk. This provides reliable protection against wind and snowfall.

El Laurin has a fairly strong immune system. Therefore, the plant practically does not suffer from pathologies. However, the culture is susceptible to pest attacks. The most dangerous for a tree are different types of aphids, spruce sawflies and spider mites. Insecticides and acaricides help get rid of parasites.

How to propagate spruce

Culture is propagated by cuttings. This procedure is required to be carried out in early summer. For cuttings, it is worth choosing branches from the bottom of the tree. Their length should be 10-12 centimeters. Before planting, cuttings are recommended to be treated with growth stimulants.

El Laurin is a fairly popular decorative culture, which is often used in landscape design. In order for the plant to retain its attractiveness, it is required to adhere to certain rules when growing it.