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Pendula larch, or weeping larch, which is often sold grafted onto a stem, creates an interesting accent in the garden with its shape, refreshing, healing aroma and different colors according to the seasons. By winter, a low tree loses its needles, according to the type, but the original bends of the branches with the rudiments of shoots and cones are picturesque in their own way. Caring for frost-resistant larch is somewhat easier than for other conifers.
Description of European larch Pendula
The species of larch with drooping branches was systematized by botanists at the beginning of the 19th century, found in the mountains of Europe. The tree grows up to 10-30 m. Unlike its powerful relatives, the decorative form of Pendula, which is usually sold in nurseries, rises up to 1.5-2 m. Sometimes, under favorable conditions, weeping larch grows up to 3 m, but usually not higher than the trunk size , on which the graft of the variety is grafted. Long branches and a central conductor are bent downward, over 1-1.5 m. Lateral shoots of weeping larches are short. The diameter of the dense crown of the Pendula variety is 1 m.
Young branches with grayish bark; in adult larches, the cover turns dark brown. The root system is located deep, reliably protected from low temperatures and freezing of the upper earth layer.
Pendula-shaped needles are short - 3-3.5 cm, soft, growing in bunches. The color changes with the seasons:
- young, only growing in spring - light green;
- in summer, bluish-green in color with a gray tint;
- from September - bright, golden yellow.
Larch needles crumble with cold weather. Ovate cones up to 2-3 cm in size, green-yellowish and reddish-brown. They appear on mature trees after 8-10 years of development.
The type of larch is winter-hardy, suitable for growing in the middle climatic zone. For the good development of the Pendula form, a sunny area or with light partial shade is needed. The tree prefers moderately moist, slightly acidic or alkaline soil. The decorative form is planted in well-drained areas, avoiding low-lying areas. Drought is relatively easy to tolerate in adulthood, when a powerful root system develops. In the first years of growth, weeping larch must be provided with regular watering. The Pendula variety is highly resistant to polluted city air, is not susceptible to pests and diseases, so a picturesque undersized tree is a real find for landscaping.
Pendula larch in landscape design
The weeping form is popular in garden decoration in small areas. Herbaceous plants thrive at the foot of the Pendula variety, since its crown allows sunlight to pass through and does not take up much space in width. Low-growing larch is combined with junipers, spruces, lindens, ash trees, oaks, rhododendrons, provided that they are planted in the sunny part of the garden. Short partners - ferns, stonecrops, astilbe.
The Pendula shape is used in different design options:
- larch looks beautiful in a single planting on a lawn or in a flower bed with undersized flowers;
- effective in rocky and Japanese gardens;
- near the gazebos and in the entrance area;
- it is found grown in the form of an arch and for framing resting places with the help of special pruning and shaping;
- element of hedges.
Planting and caring for Pendula larch
The Pendula form is recommended to be planted in the spring, when the tree is guaranteed to take root during the warm season.
Seedling and planting plot preparation
This type of coniferous tree does not like acidic soils, and therefore, in such areas, a substrate is specially prepared for a planting pit. Loams of the middle lane are good soil for larch. Humus and 200-300 g of dolomite flour are added to the garden soil. The depth of the pit is 80-90 cm, the diameter is 60-70 cm. Drainage is also required. Before planting, the container with larch is watered abundantly. The seedling is carefully removed from the container, keeping an earthen ball when the pit is ready for transshipment. The roots that are entangled in the container are gently straightened, and if necessary, the tips are cut off with a sharp disinfected knife.
Landing rules
It is necessary to preserve the earthen lump from the container, because larch, like other conifers, lives in symbiosis with the mycorrhiza of fungi.
Landing Algorithm:
- 10-20 liters of water are poured onto a part of the substrate in the pit;
- then place the seedling along with the support, which usually goes in the container, or replace it with a stronger one;
- the root collar remains above the ground;
- fill up the rest of the soil, compact;
- put on top a layer of mulch 5 cm from peat, sawdust, crushed bark.
Watering and feeding
Pendula sapling is regularly watered, making sure that the near-stem circle does not dry out. Sprinkling is useful for the plant in the evening. In the first year, larch can not be fed, given the amount of fertilizer in the container, as well as humus when planting. Further, the weeping form is maintained with special phosphorus-potassium fertilizers:
- "Kemira";
- "Pokon";
- Greenworld;
- Osmocote.
Mulching and loosening
With the advent of weeds the mulch is removed, and the soil is loosened, chopping off all the blades of grass. The appearance of sod under a young weeping form should not be allowed at first. Then mulch again. By autumn, the layer of mulch is doubled.
Pruning
In the spring, all annual shoots are cut off, each of which will then sprout new branches, and the crown will become thicker. Gardeners themselves regulate the length of the falling branches. If they are not allowed to the soil itself, spring regular pruning is carried out. The formation of the crown is also carried out. To obtain the longline Pendula shape, the uppermost branches are tied to a high vertical support for several years. Then the grown shoots are trimmed next spring, creating a new lush layer of the crown.
Preparing for winter
At the end of September, in October, larch is given water-charging irrigation, 30-60 liters, the trunk circle is mulched. During the first 4-5 years, the seedlings are covered with burlap, agrotextile. It is also necessary to monitor the condition of the support so that it can withstand the winter weather.
Pendula larch on a trunk
For small garden plots, it is better to buy only a grafted Pendula form on a trunk, a low-growing tree up to 1.5-3 m tall. Tall natural larch trees rise by the age of 15 to 8-10 m. Standard trees are universal for design, combined with many other plants.
Reproduction
The Pendula variety is propagated by seeds that are harvested from cones:
- first, the seeds are kept in water for a day;
- then mixed with sand in a wooden box and refrigerated for stratification for 30 days;
- seeds are sown on a mixture of peat and compost to a depth of 2 cm;
- sowing is covered with a film;
- after germination, the film is removed, mulched with old sawdust or crushed bark, moderately moistened, but so that the soil does not dry out;
- the transplant is carried out after 1-2 years of development.
Rooting of larch cuttings is problematic, it is possible only for specialists with the use of growth stimulants and film mini-greenhouses.The spread of Pendula larch usually occurs through grafting of cuttings onto stems, which is also done by professionals from nurseries.
Pests and diseases of Pendula larch
During the rainy and cold spring and summer months, needles of the Pendula variety can get sick with shute. Against fungi, pathogens, during dangerous periods, wood is treated with drugs:
- bordeaux liquid;
- copper oxychloride;
- fungicide "Cineb" or others.
Aphids of conifers (hermes) spoil the needles that turn yellow. In addition to them, larch suffers from spider moths, sawflies, and various bark beetles. Use against pests:
- "Decis";
- Fozalon;
- Rogor.
Conclusion
Pendula larch is an unpretentious, fast-growing and durable tree. The luxurious decoration of the garden enriches the air with coniferous aroma and healing phytoncides. The breed is quite resistant to diseases and pests, but spring prophylaxis will ensure trouble-free development of the tree.
