Canadian hemlock Nana (Nana): description and care

One of the most demanded plants for gardening are evergreens, conifers, which can best create an atmosphere of comfort and relaxation. Canadian hemlock Nana not only decorates the garden design with its luxurious look, but also makes it possible to breathe in clean, fresh air. Indeed, like all conifers, it is a natural air purifier.

Description of Canadian hemlock Nana

Evergreen low plant up to 2 m tall with a wide cone-shaped crown is widespread in Western Europe. The shoots of Nana's hemlock hanging to the bottom, which visually creates a cascade of greenery. Smooth bark, closer to the venerable age of the tree, acquires a brown tint and deep grooves. The Canadian hemlock has small, flat needles up to 1.5 cm long, located on the branches in a comb-like manner. The color of the needles is dark green, shiny. She is gentle and pliable, very pleasant to the touch and in appearance. Cones are medium-sized, up to 2.5 cm long, oval in shape, grayish in color, appear in the 2nd year of plant life in the fall.

The Canadian hemlock grows long and slowly. Annual growth is only 3 cm in height and 5 cm in spread. The culture is most common in North America and Europe, but today it can be seen in other parts of the world. The central regions of Russia, in particular, the Moscow region, where Nana took an honorable place in private household plots, is no exception. A detailed description and a photo clearly demonstrate the Canadian hemlock Nana in all her modest, not flashy beauty, which can become an excellent backdrop for other cultures.

Application in design

Canadian hemlock Nana is an ideal decoration for any garden and is used:

  • for single landings;
  • group compositions;
  • creation of hedges;
  • sculptural trimming.

Even in small areas, the dwarf, compact culture of the Nana variety looks good. Its wide crown looks even more gorgeous against the background of flowering plants, and the hemlock transforms stony areas beyond recognition. She demonstrates all the charm of dark green needles and a hanging crown in single plantings on the lawn.

Planting and caring for Nana's Canadian hemlock

The main requirement for the successful cultivation of the Canadian hemlock Nana, so that it develops according to its description, is sufficient soil moisture. It can grow both in the sun and in the shade. Ephedra develops poorly on calcareous soils, well - on fertile, fresh lands. Nana does not tolerate dense soils with a lack of oxygen, therefore, loosening in this case is also one of the important agricultural techniques. The main characteristics of the coniferous tree are:

  • in frost resistance, keeping the air temperature up to 29 degrees below zero;
  • intolerance to gas pollution and smokiness of the air;
  • the need for protective shelter from strong winds;
  • sensitivity to soil compaction;
  • intolerance to drought and heat;
  • the ability to easily adapt to a haircut and maintain a curly shape.
Important! At a young age, the root system of the Nana hemlock grows in depth, then its branches take a superficial form, which must be taken into account when caring for an ephedra.

Recommended timing

Hemlock Nana is planted in the spring or before the onset of autumn. In the first case - in early April, in the second - at the end of August.When planting in spring, the period is calculated in such a way that at least 14 days remain before the onset of stable heat; in autumn - up to persistent snow cover, not less than 1 month.

Site selection and soil preparation

The landing site for the Canadian hemlock Nana should be protected from the winds. Provide such protection to coniferous species with the help of vertical landscaping, trellises, arbors or fences. Large deciduous trees will be an excellent protection for the Canadian hemlock. Soil for planting hemlock Nana is prepared from a mixture of turf and foliage with the addition of sand 3 to 4 days before planting.

Landing algorithm

  1. They dig planting holes measuring 70x80 cm with a distance between them of 1 - 1.5 m.
  2. On heavy soils, provide a drainage layer of gravel, sand or broken brick at least 20 cm.
  3. Fertile soil is poured onto the drainage and a seedling is installed, making sure that the junction of the root and stem remains at ground level.
  4. The soil is compacted and watered abundantly.
Important! When planting hemlock varieties Nana, mineral fertilizers can be added to the soil - superphosphate, nitroammophos.

Growing rules

The Canadian hemlock does not tolerate a transplant, so a permanent place on the site is initially selected for it. Adult plants are unpretentious, but young seedlings require special care. So, they must be protected from direct sunlight, frost, strong winds and drafts. In addition, the coniferous species of the Nana variety:

  • tolerates shading well;
  • absolutely not afraid of frost;
  • feels great in soils with high acidity and high humidity;
  • normally grows and develops in conditions of constant lack of sun: the Canadian hemlock Nana has enough 5 sunny days to delight the owner with its luxurious appearance.
Important! For the successful cultivation of hemlock, it is necessary to ensure optimal soil moisture and cool air.

Watering and feeding schedule

Watering is a mandatory agricultural technique that the Canadian hemlock requires. At the same time, it is important to prevent the soil from drying out in the summer season. The minimum watering rate for an adult tree is 1 bucket per week, provided that the entire plant is regularly watered with a watering can or hose. During a drought, the frequency of irrigation is increased by 2 - 3 times.

The first 2 - 3 years after planting Tsuga Nana does not require additional fertilizing, since the soil contains all the supply of nutrients necessary for active growth and development. In the future, Nana's hemlock is annually fed in the spring with an organic solution or complex fertilizer for conifers. Mulching with humus ensures the retention of moisture in the soil and provides additional nutrition to the roots. The trunk circle is loosened shallowly - up to 10 cm.

Important! In order not to burn the hemlock root system, nutrient mixtures for fertilization are applied along with abundant watering.

Pruning rules

Proper planting and subsequent care of Nana's hemlock consists of regular pruning. It is carried out in the summer, forming a volumetric figure or giving the crown a spherical, conical, square shape. As the shoots grow back, corrective pruning is performed, removing protruding, excess branches. The plant tolerates formative pruning well and retains its shape for a long time. In the first 3 years, the perennial does not need pruning, as it grows very slowly.

Preparing for winter

Nana's hemlock prepares for winter in early November, when the first frosts have already declared themselves. The soil of the trunk circle is mulched, and young seedlings are covered with spruce branches or non-woven material. The same procedure for preparing for winter is carried out for adult breeds in regions where the air temperature drops below 29 degrees below zero. The shelter protects not only from cold weather, but also from bright sunlight in spring, which the hemlock also does not tolerate well.If the shelter of an adult plant was not carried out for the winter, then at the end of February and in March the trees are protected precisely from the sun and burning.

Pests and diseases

The Nana Canadian hemlock is resistant to disease and pests with optimal care. However, young or weakened trees often settle:

  • spider mite;
  • shield;
  • moth butterfly;
  • hemlock tick.

All of these pests are dangerous not only because they eat young needles, but also transmit infectious diseases. They are fought with chemicals that can be used for hemlock. To prevent the appearance of pests and diseases, the tree must be regularly sprayed with water from a hose, and damaged shoots must be removed. Of the diseases, the hemlock is most often subjected to root rot, caused by waterlogging and lack of fresh air. Only favorable conditions for the life of the coniferous species will be able to exclude the risk of developing this disease.

Like all garden trees, the Canadian hemlock is often attacked by rodents and hares, which feed on young roots, branches and bark. Special traps and nets are placed against them, mulching is carried out with plants, the smell of which scares away the animals.

Conclusion

Canadian hemlock Nana is great for landscaping a garden. Thanks to winter hardiness, shade tolerance and slow growth, it feels great in places where other perennials cannot develop, decorating them with their original appearance and shape.

Testimonials

Olga Orlova 40 years old, Irkutsk
Two years ago, we bought Canadian hemlock seedlings, planted it according to all the rules. It grows very slowly, but the decorativeness of the tree and the unusualness of its needles are already visible. In caring for young seedlings, first of all, I adhere to regular watering. For the winter I cover it with sacking and tie it with ropes, since our temperatures drop to 35 degrees below zero. I planted hemlock seedlings behind the gazebo, in the coming spring I want to add other perennials to the composition.
Peter Polyakov 50 years old, Saransk
Not all gardeners use conifers for decoration. On the contrary, I appreciate them for their unpretentiousness and decorative appearance. In my garden, besides other conifers, there is a Canadian hemlock of the Nana variety. I created an original sculpture in the shape of a bear out of it, which is a decoration of my site and is very popular with children. Care is watering, including sprinkling, as well as top dressing and mandatory loosening. The hemlock is frost-hardy, and I do not cover it for the winter.
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