Western thuja Woodwardi is a very popular ephedra variety in European countries. First described in 1753 by Karl Linnaeus. The name is of Greek origin, meaning "incense" or "sacrifice". It is associated with aromatic properties and a pleasant smell that is formed when wood is burned. It is known that they began to grow as a crop until 1923.
Western thuja woodwardie
Description of the plant
Thuja western Woodwardi is a slow-growing tree. The shape of the crown is ovoid or spherical, with time it can become oval.
The needles are bright green at any time of the year. It can be both deep dark and lighter shades. Does not fade even with a lack of sunlight.
Shoots are dense, straight, dense, then the branches can diverge to the sides.
The height of an adult ephedra can reach 2.5 m.At the age of 10, it is close to a compact shrub up to 1 m in height.
Fruits are small-sized brown cones.
Growing regions
Woodwardy is distinguished by unpretentious care. The plant is frost-resistant, calmly tolerates cold weather down to -40 °. North America is considered the natural habitat of western thuja.
In Russia, due to its resistance to seasonal temperature changes, frost and heat, the ephedra feels great (both in the middle lane and in the Urals).
Life expectancy is up to 100-150 years.
Landing
Vurvardi, like all conifers, is a light-loving culture. The best place for planting is sunny or partial shade. In good light, the color of the crown becomes brighter.
To soils, like all western types of thuja, it is undemanding. However, a well-moistened, nutritious and drained soil gives a more decorative result.
Moisture stagnation is negative. Excess water can lead to root rot and the formation of fungus.
Sapling selection
Young seedlings should only be purchased with a closed root system. As a last resort, with an earthen lump wrapped in a dense dark-colored cloth.
If the roots of the plant are visible through the drainage holes, this indicates a long period of keeping in the container. When landing on a permanent place, Woodwardy will be ill for a long time and may die.
The crown of the seedling should be lush, shaped like a ball. Strong color, no dry or yellowed areas.
Site preparation
Planting in a permanent place is carried out in the spring. It is better if it is sunny or an area in partial shade. The distance between several similar plants should be at least half a meter.
Landing technology
Down the prepared pit (not 60-80 cm deep), you need to pour drainage, for example, expanded clay or brick chips. Layer - at least 15 cm. After that add sand, peat. The last layer is turf.
Important! The root collar of the plant should be above ground level.
Care
Only healthy seedlings are suitable for planting.
Thuja Woodwardi does not require special care and daily attention. But you still need to adhere to some rules.
Watering
After planting the plant in a permanent place, watering should be regular and accurate. One bush - a bucket of water. This procedure is carried out once a week. With high readings of the thermometer, the frequency can be increased. The main thing is not to overdo it. Otherwise, the roots will rot.
Thuja is a plant that intensively evaporates moisture. Therefore, sprinkling will be an additional plus to watering. The procedure should be carried out in the morning, while the sun is not so active - it washes away the accumulated dust well.
Top dressing
Top dressing after planting and during the period of intensive growth is an important component of thuja care.
The first fertilization is done the following spring, preferably in March. Timing may vary depending on climatic conditions.
"Zircon" is one of the favorite products of gardeners. The solution strengthens the roots of the plant, promotes the intensity of absorption of substances necessary for growth, and helps to fight various diseases. You can also use any complex fertilizers.
Mulching and loosening the soil
During the growing season, the soil under the ephedra should be loosened regularly. This procedure should be carried out carefully, because thuja has a superficial root system, when processing to a depth of more than 10 cm, it can be injured.
Mulching a section of the root circle can reduce moisture evaporation and weed growth. Peat, compost or bark are used as mulch.
Pruning
With the onset of spring, dry branches are removed and sanitary pruning is carried out. As you grow, this procedure can be done in summer and shallow autumn.
To give the thuja the appearance of a dense ball, you need to cut off only those branches that are knocked out of the general outline.
Inside, trimming is usually not carried out. An exception is dry areas.
Pruning shears, garden or electric shears are used as tools. So that there are no creases on the branches, all tools must be well sharpened.
Important! Branches with signs of disease should be cut off immediately, as there is a risk of infection of the entire plant.
Preparing for winter
Like all evergreen crops, for the first time after planting (a year or two), Woodwardy may suffer from the late winter and early spring sun. To avoid thermal burns, the measles system is covered with a dense cloth, for example, burlap.
Before the onset of winter, the crown is pulled together with a ribbon so that wet snow does not harm it.
In late autumn, before the start of frost, the ephedra can be prevented from diseases and pests.
Against fungal diseases, copper sulfate or Bordeaux mixture is used (30 g per 10 l - for treatment, 10 g per 10 l - prevention).
From pests, they are treated with Actellik, Fufanon-Nova (according to the instructions).
Reproduction
Pruning is done only on the outside of the tree
In nature, all coniferous plants reproduce by seeds or vegetatively. In nurseries or at home, another method is used - cuttings. This saves time for germination and rooting and helps to maintain all the maternal varietal qualities.
The end of March and April is the optimal period for harvesting planting material.
In developed shrubs, the tops of at least 10–12 cm are removed. The diameter of the cut branch should not be thinner than 8 mm.
The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- Cut off the handle obliquely with a sharp tool at the base.
- carefully remove the bark from the cut.
- along the shoot, above the cut, make several longitudinal cuts.
- remove all needles except for the tips of the shoot.
He performs manipulations as quickly as possible so that the cuttings do not dry out.
After that, the shoots are placed in a rooting stimulator. Withstand 12-24 hours. While the cuttings are being stimulated, we prepare the planting soil.
Containers are selected with drainage holes. A mixture of disinfected sand and peat is suitable for the substrate.
Potassium permanganate solution or phytosporin is used as disinfectants. You can ignite the soil in the oven or spill thoroughly with boiling water.
Cuttings are planted at a distance of at least 3-5 centimeters from each other. The same distance must be maintained from the edge of the container. Planting depth up to 15 mm. Tilt angle 45 °. Then the soil is slightly compacted and watered.
Before root formation, seedlings must be protected from frost, rain and drafts. The best place to live during this time may be a greenhouse or greenhouse, and they need to ensure regular watering.
The root system will form over the summer, and closer to autumn, young trees are transplanted into separate containers. They will stay there for another 2-3 years. They will gain strength and then they can be transplanted into open ground.
Diseases and pests
Brown shoots are a consequence of the fungus. Most often seen in early spring. Preventive measure: in the fall, before wintering, thoroughly clean the root circle from the remnants of vegetation.
Rust is a disease of young crops. The consequence of improper care: waterlogged soil, lack of nutrition, high temperatures and dry air.
Phytophthora. The reason is nearby groundwater or poor soil drainage. The disease cannot be cured. The plant is dug up and burned, and the earth is disinfected.
Pests can also threaten Woodwardy. Among them:
- weevils
- spider mite
- wireworm
- thuya false shield
- thuy bark beetle
- mottled moth
- thuja aphid
Prevention is the best way to get rid of diseases and pests. Proper care is the guarantor of successful growth and health of coniferous beauties.
Use in landscape design
In landscape design, Woodwardy's thuja is often used. She is a recognized favorite among gardeners. This ephedra is prized for its short stature, relative shade tolerance and getting along with other cultures.
🏡 The splendor of landscape design - thuja Woodwardii
Conifers in composition by Tuya Woodwardi
It is planted as a single tree, as well as in a composition. It looks very impressive if you plant bright flowers nearby. It is ideal for creating hedges.
As a leading plant, it looks great on alpine slides.
Gardeners' opinion
Gardeners appreciate Woodwardy for decorativeness, small annual growth (which saves time for a haircut), winter hardiness, ease of maintenance, year-round attractiveness and livable disposition.