Fastigiata pine: variety description, planting and care rules, application
Fastigiata pine is considered an excellent ornamental plant that fits perfectly into the landscape design of various sites. It can be planted in the northern regions of Russia and in the middle lane. The culture has a bluish-blue color and goes well with cinquefoil, turf plants, bright perennial flowers. This evergreen plant is fast growing and enhances the look of the park area.
Appearance and features
According to the botanical description, the Fastigiata pine is a medium-sized, slow-growing crop. It has a number of specific features and differences.
The Fastigiata Pine is a fairly showy tree that is medium in size. By the age of 30, the culture reaches 6-7 meters in height. Moreover, its diameter is 1.2-1.5 meters. However, these are not final values. The maximum size of the plant can be 13-15 meters. In the initial stages, the annual growth is 20-30 centimeters. After 30 years, this figure does not exceed 10 centimeters.
This pine variety is characterized by a narrow columnar crown and shoots directed upwards. From above, the branches and trunk are covered with red-orange bark. In young plants, it is smooth, but with age it acquires a rough texture and peels off in thin plates. The plant is characterized by dense and stiff needles, which form bundles of 2 pieces. The needles live for a maximum of 2 years, after which they turn yellow and fall off.
Pine blossom lasts from May to June. After that, twisted yellow-red male spikelets appear on the trees.They are located near the base of young shoots. Female spikelets at first have a reddish color with a greenish tint and are located one at a time on top of the branches. After that, they become gray-brown, and sometimes black. Fruiting is always kept at a high level.
The root system penetrates into the deep layers of the soil. However, this only applies to well-drained and loose substrate. At the same time, in heavy and dense soil, the rhizome is distinguished by its superficial location.
Features
The key characteristics of the plant include the following:
- high winter hardiness - adult pines can withstand frosts down to -40 degrees;
- light-loving;
- relative unpretentious care;
- drought and wind resistant;
- weak shoots - in snowy weather they can break under a mass of adhering snow;
- low resistance to soil salinity, smoke and environmental pollution.
Fit tips
The place for planting Scots pine Fastigiata should be chosen in accordance with the landscape design plan. However, it is important to take into account the requirements for soil and illumination. It is undesirable to plant tall trees of other species nearby, as they will create shade and hide the attractiveness of the pine tree.
Dry and elevated areas are ideal for planting, which are characterized by light loamy or sandy loamy soil without heavily compacted areas. In loose soil, the plant is characterized by taproots. In a dense, clay or rocky substrate, the root system becomes superficial.
To form the soil for the plant, you need to take the following:
- turf and sand in a ratio of 2:1;
- drainage from gravel and small crushed stone;
- 200-300 grams of lime.
The interval between plantings is 1.5-4 meters - this is determined by the size of the future crop. In the selected area, it is required to dig a recess according to the size of the soil clod or the dimensions of the roots. At the bottom of the pit, it is imperative to place a drainage of at least 20-30 centimeters in size - this depends on the level of groundwater. After that, you need to pour a layer of the prepared substrate, install the plant and cover it with earth.
Expert opinionZarechny Maxim ValerievichAgronomist with 12 years of experience. Our best gardening expert.Ask a QuestionDo not tamp the ground too hard, as this can damage the main root and break off the nutrient hairs. After planting the pine, the near-trunk circle needs to be covered with a mulch layer and watered well.Further cultivation
Fastigiata pine requires timely watering, fertilizing, loosening and mulching. Another important procedure is pruning the crop and preventing damage to the tree by pathologies and pests.
This crop is considered drought tolerant. Therefore, it is required to water mainly young seedlings. During the first 2-3 years after planting, it is worth moistening the plantings 1-2 times a week. However, it is important to take into account weather factors. Subsequently, the procedure is carried out once a month. At the same time, it is periodically worth sprinkling the crown.
To feed the plant, it is recommended to use a universal combined composition for conifers. It should be applied in early spring - after the last snow has melted. It is better not to use organic products, except for the autumn mulching of the near-stem circle with rotted compost.
Loosening and mulching the soil is of no small importance. When a hard coating appears in the near-stem circle, the supply of oxygen to the root system decreases. Loosening helps to cope with this problem.
It is recommended to carry out this procedure after each watering. However, it is permissible to loosen the soil by a maximum of 10 centimeters. After that, the trunk circle should be covered with a mulch layer of sawdust or pine bark. However, its thickness should not exceed 5-10 centimeters.
Treat Threats
Ornamental pine can suffer from a number of pathologies that are common to all conifers. The most dangerous diseases are:
- fungal rust;
- tar cancer;
- blister rust;
- fusarium;
- shutte;
- pine spinner;
- vascular bacteriosis.
From pests, the plant can suffer from Hermes, mealybugs and stem insects. Fungicides and insecticides will help to cope with diseases and parasites.
Use variety
Fastigiata is quite often used in landscape design. It is permissible to plant it as a tapeworm or use it as part of a group composition as part of rock gardens and when planting along fences.
The bluish-gray color of the needles and black flowers go well with other crops. However, this plant looks best in combination with turf, heather and cinquefoil. Such combinations complement both small and large gardens well.
Fastigiata pine is a very popular crop that fits well into a variety of compositions. In order for the plant to develop normally, it is important to follow the rules of agricultural technology.
