Pine Compact Jam: description of the variety of the Geldreich species, planting and care
Compact Jam pine is a common plant that is perfect for decorating summer cottages and parks. With this conifer, you can get a unique garden composition. The plant has ideal parameters and compact size. It is characterized by a dense crown and graceful dense needles. This helps to make the culture a real decoration of the garden, park or rockery.
Botanical description
This variety belongs to the Geldreich species. This name is associated with the name of the botanist who first discovered the plant in Europe.It is worth noting that the researcher first identified a tall pine, but the Compact Jam variety is considered to be its miniature copy. The study of wood began to be engaged in 1851. The culture is now a symbol of one of the Italian national parks.
With proper care, the life of this plant reaches 50-100 years. Culture is characterized by slow development. As a result, it increases by 10-15 centimeters per year. The height of the plant is 3.5 meters, and the diameter is 2. By the age of 10, the culture reaches 1.5 meters in size. At the same time, its width is no more than 80 centimeters.
The plant is characterized by a decorative symmetrical crown of conical shape and high density. The culture has a dense arrangement of branches that are tightly pressed against each other and directed upwards. The tree has dark gray bark. Another characteristic of the variety is considered to be a well-developed branched root system, which deepens quite a lot.Thanks to this, the plant is characterized by high resistance to drought.
Compact Jam Pine has elongated glossy needles up to 10 centimeters in size. It is dense and forms bundles. The needles have a rigid and prickly structure and a dark green color. The cones on the tree are large, egg-shaped and brown in color.
The key advantages of this culture include the following:
- attractive appearance;
- the ability to bring fresh notes to any landscape;
- undemanding to the composition of the soil;
- ease of care;
- high drought tolerance.
At the same time, Compact Jam pine has a number of disadvantages. The main disadvantages of the plant include the following:
- slow growth;
- intolerance to moisture stagnation in the soil structure;
- medium winter hardiness.
Many combine this culture with other conifers. The culture looks especially good with blue spruces and junipers. It is also a great option to create whole compositions of two or more tiers, in which the Compact Jam variety is at the bottom level. Such options are decorative even in the winter season, since coniferous plants covered with snow look very attractive.
Also, this variety looks great in neat rocky gardens. At the same time, its attractiveness can be emphasized by different types of decor - for example, garden figures or lanterns.
Planting a tree
Geldreich whitebark pine requires proper planting. At the same time, it is important to pay attention to preparing the site and choosing a seedling.
Preparing the site
Dwarf pine Heldreichii is considered very unpretentious. It is important to ensure that the place is not too wet. Excess water negatively affects the roots of the culture and even leads to its death.
As for the type of soil, the tree will thrive even in poor and dry soil. However, it is much better to give preference to a drained loamy or sandy loamy substrate. Acidity parameters are of no small importance. They must be neutral. If necessary, the soil must be loosened and lime should be added to a depth of 20 centimeters.
The amount of this substance depends on the characteristics of the soil:
- at pH less than 4, 500-600 grams are required;
- at an even pH level, 300-400 grams of the substance is required;
- with an acidity of 5.1-5.5 you need 250-300 grams of lime for clay and loam;
- lime is not required when parameters are close to neutral.
Before planting the plant, the site must be cleared of weeds and its residues. After that, the selected area should be dug up.
How to prepare a seedling
Compact Gem pine seedling is worth buying in special nurseries. At the same time, it is recommended to give preference to crops that grow in special containers - pots or containers. This indicates well-developed roots. Such crops will be pulled into containers along with a clod of soil, which will help to avoid damage to the roots during transplantation.
Buying open-rooted seedlings is best avoided as they take root much worse.The rhizome of the culture stores important microorganisms that a small tree needs to absorb minerals from the soil. In open soil, bacteria die within 15 minutes.
To get a beautiful ornamental tree, you should buy plants under 5 years old. The younger the culture, the faster it will get used to the site.
Planting instructions
It is recommended to carry out planting work in the spring, when the temperature is set at +10 degrees and there is no risk of return frosts. It is also permissible to plant a crop in the fall. This is best done in early September.
To plant a plant in open soil, do the following:
- Dig a hole for planting. Its depth should exceed the length of the container by 20-30 centimeters, and the diameter - by 15-20.
- Lay drainage on the bottom of the hole. Its thickness should be 5-10 centimeters. For this purpose, gravel, sand, expanded clay, crushed brick or crushed stone are used.
- Fill the drainage layer with a fertile substrate. To make it, you need to mix turf, peat and sand in a ratio of 3:1:1.
- Plant the plant in the ground. The seedling needs to be placed in the central part of the hole and spread its root system.
- Fill the hole with earth. It is important to avoid deepening the root collar.
- Water the plant. It is worth using 10 liters of water for 1 seedling.
- Cover the bed with a layer of mulch. To do this, use sawdust or peat.
Care and its features
In order for a plant to grow and develop normally, it needs to be properly looked after. At the same time, it is important to water and feed the crop on time. Also of great importance is the loosening of the earth and the preparation of the plant for frost.
Water and fertilize
Young pine plants need to be watered 2 times a week. At the same time, 10 liters of water are used per crop.It is best to moisten the soil in the evening. Adult plants require less watering - enough 3-4 times during the season. In dry summers, it is recommended to water the plant twice a week.
Expert opinionZarechny Maxim ValerievichAgronomist with 12 years of experience. Our best gardening expert.Ask a QuestionAt the same time, it is worth watering not only the root system of the plant, but also irrigate its needles. To do this, it is recommended to use a watering can with a sprayer.You need to feed the culture so that it has a he althy and attractive appearance. For this purpose, it is worth using compost or fertilizer for coniferous plants. The best options include Plantafol, Novofert, Compo. Top dressing should be applied in the spring, as they cause the active development of shoots, and this is true in the warm season.
Cutting
Pruning a plant is aimed at a slight adjustment of its shape with asymmetric development of branches.This procedure can be formative or sanitary. The formation of the crown helps to make it more even and attractive. Sanitary pruning involves the removal of dry and damaged shoots. It should be held in spring and autumn.
Loosening the soil
With the arrival of spring heat, the soil needs to be well loosened and cleaned of weeds. In this case, it is undesirable to dive more than 10 centimeters. In the summer, loosening the soil is required once a month. It can also be done after rains. The procedure is also required in autumn.
It is important to constantly clear the near-trunk circle from weeds. The fact is that such plants are an ideal environment for the development of pathogens and parasites that provoke crop damage.
Preparing for cold weather
Compact Jam Pine has medium frost resistance parameters. It is able to withstand temperature drops from -18 to -23 degrees.Young trees in winter must be protected using burlap or other covering materials. You can also cover the crop with spruce branches and throw snow.
Adult plants can be covered with a layer of peat 10 centimeters in size. This is done if the temperature is not less than -23 degrees. If a too cold winter is expected, the same insulation is required as in the case of young crops.
After removing the insulation material, it is important to carefully inspect the plants and perform sanitary pruning. In this case, it is required to remove frozen branches. Then nutrients are applied under the plants. They are also recommended to be treated against parasites and diseases.
Compact Jam Pine is an excellent ornamental culture that fits perfectly into a variety of compositions in the field. In order for the plant to grow and develop normally, it needs to provide full and high-quality care.It should include timely watering, top dressing, loosening. Equally important is the preparation of culture for the cold.
