Thuja in the garden not only decorates the site, but also cleans the air from harmful components. She fills the territory with a pleasant fresh scent. Various varieties of this plant are used in landscaping.
Thuja usually grows as a shrub or small tree. Shoots are numerous and develop in one direction. This makes the crown thick and dense. The foliage is tough, needle-like. The scales of the leaf plate adhere tightly to each other, creating a strong outer layer. The needles are colored bright green and are arranged in opposite order. Some varieties of thuja have a mixed color or red tone. Cones are elongated and light brown in color. They begin to form in the first year of life.
Thuja varieties differ in properties and aesthetic characteristics.
Ephedra grows naturally in Asia and America. The adapted varieties can be grown in any climate. 2 types of plants are common:
- East – the branches are arranged in a fan-like pattern. This makes the needles of the bush openwork. Develops well in the shade. Differs in poor frost resistance, which is why it is grown preferably in mild climates.
- Western – the green crown is compact and densely formed. In the cold season, its color changes to brown-red. The plant does not tolerate the lack of sunlight. Its advantage is the ability to grow in any soil, regardless of composition.
The western variety is popular for its increased durability. Plants of this species tolerate frost, drought, pruning and pest attacks well.
The eastern variety is represented by shrubs and trees, the length of which does not exceed 8 m. This species is distinguished by the presence of resin glands located on the surface of the needles. The most common varieties are:
- “Aurea variegata” – the crown forms a volumetric ball of golden color;
- “Elegantus” – needles have a variegated yellow-green tone and an elongated pyramidal shape;
- “Rosentalis” – the crown is egg-shaped and golden-green in color.
The western species stands out for its persistent and expressive aroma due to the high content of phytoncides. Common varieties are:
- “Smaragd” – branches are arranged in a fan-like manner and form a pyramidal green crown;
- “Globoza” is a small globular shrub of a dark green hue;
- “Reingold” – spherical needles are painted in variegated colors.
All varieties tolerate pruning well. They can be shaped in different ways.
Tui can grow in single plantings and coniferous compositions. They are stable and undemanding.