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Bird cherry Colorata is becoming more and more famous among amateur gardeners and landscape designers for its beautiful outfit of purple leaves and pink flowers, collected in lush brushes. A novice amateur gardener who knows the basics of agricultural technology can also take care of a tree.
History of variety breeding
Bird cherry is a species of deciduous low trees belonging to the Pink family of the Plum genus. Bird cherry variety Colorata was bred in Sweden. The variety has already gained popularity among gardeners due to its decorative effect, unpretentiousness in any climatic region and active growth at a young age.
Description of bird cherry Colorata
For the spectacular appearance of the crown of a rounded shape with purple foliage, bird cherry Colorata is classified as an ornamental variety. It is especially beautiful in spring, when pink inflorescences hang in clusters on branches. A description of the bird cherry of the Colorata variety and a photo depicting a tree will help you understand how best to use it in garden plantings.
Botanical description of bird cherry:
- in height grows from 5 to 6 m;
- the crown of an adult plant reaches a diameter of 5 m;
- lateral branches are located with strong sagging;
- bark and shoots are brown-violet;
- leaves are simple, alternate, longitudinal in shape (up to 10 cm long). During spring growth, they have a purple color with a red tint, which is why the Colorata bird cherry is called red-leaved, in summer a green color is added to their color, and in autumn they take on a red-yellow appearance;
- flowers are small, with pink petals, collected in large brushes, bloom in May, have a specific almond aroma;
- drupe fruits of spherical shape, thick black color with a sheen, edible, tasty, astringent, ripen in late July – early August;
- the root system is located in the upper layer of the soil, highly branched, lets offspring at a distance of up to 10 m.
The plant is useful for growing in the garden or at their summer cottage. It releases volatile phytoncides in large quantities, which destroy pathogens and repel insects such as flies, midges, ticks and mosquitoes.
Bird cherry varieties Colorata partially self-fertile plant. For better pollination and fruiting, it is recommended to have plants of other varieties of this crop with the same flowering time in the garden.
It must be borne in mind that for the full development of the root system and successful growth, the bird cherry Colorata needs a plot of at least 5-6 m in diameter.
Characteristic of the variety
Bird cherry varieties Colorata is considered one of the best honey plants. It provides a lot of pollen and nectar. The soil on which the tree grows becomes more fertile due to fallen leaves, which reduce the acidity of the soil.
Drought resistance, frost resistance
Bird cherry of the Kolorata variety tolerates cold well and is considered a frost-resistant plant with a winter hardiness zone of 4. In this zone, the air temperature in winter can drop to -350C.
Bird cherry can be called moisture-loving. She feels great during short-term waterlogging. This plant is also considered drought tolerant. The amount of watering depends on the climatic and territorial zone. You just need to make sure that the ground is not dry.
Yield and fruiting
Starting from the 5-6th year of life, with the necessary care, the Colorata variety tree gives an annual, plentiful harvest. The main crop is formed on the growth of the previous year. The fruits begin to ripen in July. Berry picking takes place until September.
Bird cherry drupes are juicy, sweet (up to 5% sugar), highly astringent, as they contain a lot of tannins. The average yield of the Kolorata variety is 7-9 kg per tree. Berries are not baked in the sun and do not crumble for a long time.
Scope of fruits
Bird cherry berries of the Colorata variety are edible, black in color with a sheen, as in the photo above. Reach a size of 7-8 mm in diameter. They have a sweet astringent taste. They are consumed raw, dried, used for baking, jam, jam, compotes, both bird cherry and in combination with other berries. Very tasty liqueurs, tinctures, wine and soft drinks are prepared from bird cherry.
The beneficial properties of various parts (leaves, berries, bark) of bird cherry, which are widely used in medicine, have long been known.
Fresh berries of the Colorata variety can be stored for up to a month in a cool place and are well transported. To do this, they should be placed in a box or box, alternating layers of berries with leaves.
Disease and pest resistance
The bird cherry of the Colorata variety is susceptible to fungal diseases and the attack of insect pests, in particular the bird cherry moth. Therefore, regular preventive treatment of the plant is necessary, especially in the spring season and before fruiting.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
Variety Kolorata has a number of advantages that can advantageously distinguish it from other inhabitants of the backyard. Here are some of the benefits:
- unpretentiousness in care;
- spectacular appearance;
- pleasant aroma of flowers;
- high drought and frost resistance;
- edible, healthy and tasty fruits.
The culture also has some disadvantages that the gardener should be aware of. There are few of them:
- susceptible to attack by pests, which is why it is necessary to regularly carry out preventive measures;
- takes up a lot of space, which should be taken into account when planting and not planted in a small area.
Planting and caring for bird cherry Colorata
The planting time of bird cherry variety Colorata depends on the territorial zone. The tree is planted in the spring before the formation of buds and in the fall before the onset of frost. In the central and southern parts of Our Country, this is best done in the spring – the plant has time to strengthen the roots before the active movement of juices begins. In the Northern regions, it is recommended to plant a tree in the fall.
It is advisable to choose a landing site with good sunlight. Bird cherry varieties Colorata can grow in partial shade, but the lack of sunlight will cause the flowering to not be plentiful, and the foliage will lose its purple hue and become more green.
Bird cherry is known for its unpretentious care and can grow on any soil. For the successful growth of bird cherry of the Colorata variety, it is better to plant it on loamy soil with a neutral reaction, without close groundwater.
The soil must be prepared in advance:
- during autumn planting – in 2-3 weeks;
- in spring – autumn.
The sequence of preparation:
- Dig up the area.
- Make a planting hole large enough to freely position the roots. Approximate size – 40×50 cm.
- Put a part of the prepared fertile mixture of manure, sand and earth on the bottom of the pit.
- Leave to infuse until planting.
Planting seedlings is carried out according to the usual agrotechnical rules:
- Seedlings with an open root system are soaked in a stimulating solution for 3-4 days, roots with an earthen lump can not be soaked, and after planting, pour plenty of water.
- Installed in a hole, straightening the roots well.
- Fall asleep with the rest of the fertile mixture so that the root neck is 1-2 cm above the ground.
- They tamp the earth in the trunk circle, water and mulch.
It is recommended to cut the crown immediately after planting and remove the side branches, leaving the 4 most developed shoots to form the crown. It is desirable to carry out such a pruning procedure every year.
Further care for the bird cherry of the Colorata variety consists of the usual and necessary procedures for the life of the plant:
- watering;
- sanitary and thinning pruning;
- application of fertilizers;
- soil loosening and mulching.
Bird cherry does not require special shelter for the winter. Mulching the trunk circle with sawdust or peat will be sufficient to cover the roots from severe frosts.
Bird cherry Colorata in landscape design
Due to the color of the leaves, which changes from spring to autumn, and the beautiful abundant spring flowering, the bird cherry of the Colorata variety is widely used in landscape design, creating beautiful tree and shrub compositions with other plants. It decorates parks, squares, lawns. Trees look spectacular on the banks of reservoirs and against the background of coniferous plantations.
Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention
In order to preserve the decorative appearance of plants of the Kolorata variety, it is necessary to regularly carry out preventive measures to prevent fungal diseases, such as:
- gray rot;
- powdery mildew;
- cytosporosis;
- clusterosporiosis.
Spring spraying of trees with soapy water or ash, timely sanitary pruning will help prevent the onset of the disease.
The fragrant floral aroma of bird cherry attracts many different insects:
- bird cherry moth;
- odd silkworm;
- beetle weevil;
- bedbugs.
The most effective way to get rid of pests is to treat the trees of the Colorata variety with special chemicals, infusion of tobacco or nightshade. You can hang traps on the trunk of a tree.
Conclusion
Bird cherry Colorata can please those who plant it to decorate the garden plot, and those who wish to try its delicious fruits. This tree does not require special care. You could even say that it grows on its own. The main wish when planting is to allocate enough space so that the root system and the lush openwork crown are enough.
