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The Pendula larch, or weeping larch, which is often sold grafted onto a trunk, makes an interesting accent in the garden with its shape, refreshing, healing aroma, and different colors for the seasons. By winter, a low tree loses its needles, according to its appearance, but the original bends of 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
A type of larch with drooping branches was systematized by botanists at the beginning of the 10th century, found in the mountains of Europe. The tree grows up to 30-1,5 m. Unlike its mighty relatives, the decorative form of Pendula, which is usually sold in nurseries, rises to 2-3 m. Sometimes, under favorable conditions, weeping larch grows up to 1 m, but usually not higher than the size of the trunk , on which the cutting of the variety is grafted. Long, over 1,5-1 m, branches and a central conductor bend down. Lateral shoots of weeping larches are short. The diameter of the dense crown of the Pendula variety is XNUMX m.
Young branches with a grayish bark, in adult larches the cover becomes dark brown. The root system is located deep, reliably protected from low temperatures and freezing of the upper earthen layer.
The needle needles of the Pendula form are short – 3-3,5 cm, soft, grow in bunches. The color changes with the seasons:
- young, only growing in spring – light green;
- bluish-green in summer with a gray tint;
- from September – bright, golden yellow.
With cold weather, larch needles crumble. Egg-shaped cones up to 2-3 cm in size, green-yellowish and reddish-brown. 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 a good development of the Pendula form, you need a sunny area or with light partial shade. The tree prefers moderately moist, slightly acidic or alkaline soil. The decorative form is planted in well-drained areas, avoiding low-lying places. 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 the picturesque undersized tree is a real find for landscaping.
Larch Pendula in landscape design
Weeping form is popular in garden design in small areas. Herbaceous plants develop well at the foot of the Pendula variety, since its crown allows sunlight to pass through and does not take up much space in width. Undersized larch is combined with junipers, spruces, lindens, ash trees, oaks, rhododendrons, provided they are planted in the sunny part of the garden. Low partners – ferns, stonecrops, astilbes.
The Pendula shape is used in different designs:
- larch looks beautiful in a single planting on a lawn or in a flower bed with undersized flowers;
- spectacular in rocky and Japanese gardens;
- near the gazebos and in the entrance area;
- found grown in the form of an arch and for framing recreation areas with the help of special pruning and shaping;
- hedge element.
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 preparation
This type of conifer does not like acidic soils, and therefore, in such areas, the substrate for the planting pit is specially prepared. Loams of the middle lane are a 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 needed. Before planting, the container with larch is watered abundantly. The seedling is carefully removed from the container, keeping the earth ball when the pit is ready for transshipment. The roots that are tangled in the container are carefully straightened, and if necessary, cut off the tips with a sharp, disinfected knife.
Rules of landing
It is necessary to save the earthen clod from the container, because larch, like other conifers, lives in symbiosis with fungal mycorrhiza.
Landing algorithm:
- 10-20 liters of water are poured onto a part of the substrate in the pit;
- then the seedling is placed along with the support, which usually comes in a container, or replaced with a stronger one;
- the root neck remains above the ground;
- fill up the rest of the soil, compact;
- a 5 cm layer of mulch is placed on top of peat, sawdust, crushed bark.
Watering and top dressing
The Pendula seedling 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 during planting. Further, the weeping form is supported 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, burning all the blades of grass. It is impossible to allow at first the appearance of turf under a young weeping form. Then mulch again. By autumn, the layer of mulch is doubled.
Trimming
In the spring, all annual shoots are pruned, each of which will then start up new branches, and the crown will become thicker. Gardeners themselves regulate the length of the falling branches. If they do not allow them to the soil itself, carry out regular spring pruning. Carry out the formation of the crown. To get the tiered form of Pendula, the topmost branches are tied to a high vertical support for several years. Then the overgrown shoots are cut next spring, creating a new lush layer of the crown.
Preparation for winter
At the end of September, in October, larch is given water-charging watering, 30-60 liters, the trunk circle is mulched. During the first 4-5 years, seedlings are covered with burlap, agrotextiles. It is also necessary to monitor the condition of the support so that it can withstand the winter weather.
Larch Pendula on trunk
For small garden plots, it is better to buy only the grafted Pendula form on a trunk, a low-growing tree up to 1,5-3 m tall. Tall natural larches rise up to 15-8 m by the age of 10. 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 put in the refrigerator 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, moistened moderately, but so that the soil does not dry out;
- transplantation is carried out after 1-2 years of development.
Rooting cuttings of larch is problematic, it is possible only for specialists with the use of growth stimulants and film mini-greenhouses. Propagation of Pendula larches usually occurs by grafting cuttings onto boles, which is also done by nursery professionals.
Pests and diseases of Pendula larch
In the rainy and cold spring and summer months, the needles of the Pendula variety can become sick with schütte. Against fungi, pathogens, during dangerous periods, wood treatment with preparations is used:
- Bordeaux liquid;
- copper oxychloride;
- fungicide “Tsineb” or others.
Aphids of coniferous plants (hermes) spoil the needles, which turn yellow. In addition to them, larch suffers from cobweb leafworms, sawflies, and various bark beetles. Use against pests:
- “Decis”;
- “Fozalon”;
- “Rogor”.
Conclusion
Pendula larch is an unpretentious, fast-growing and long-lived tree. Luxurious decoration of the garden enriches the air with coniferous aroma and healing phytoncides. The breed is quite resistant against diseases and pests, but spring prevention will ensure the tree develops without problems.