Columnar thuja is one of the varieties of western thuja used in landscape design as public places recreation, and personal plots.

Like all thuja, it is distinguished by good adaptation to various growing conditions.

Characteristic

Among the main characteristics of thuja should be noted:

1. The growth of an adult tree can reach 30 meters. At the same time, it grows for about 100 years. It adds up to 20 cm in height per year. The diameter reaches 1.5 meters.
2. It is highly resistant to low temperatures, due to which winter season may not be hidden. But at the same time, in a very hot weather requires additional watering.
3. It is highly resistant to pests and diseases.
4. Suitable for haircut. At the same time, a haircut from above stimulates growth in width, and from the sides - in height.

Landing and care

As a rule, thuja are able to adapt to any growing conditions.

But in order for the trees to grow and develop effectively, they need additional care, especially when it comes to young seedlings:

• watering once a week;
• in the evening at night, seedlings cover from coolness;
• regular feeding, mixtures for coniferous species for fertilizer can be bought in specialized stores;
• loosening the soil should be done from time to time, in parallel, mulching should be done - cover the ground around the tree with peat, dry grass or sawdust.

Such a layer will not only hold for more a long period time moisture, but also gradually feed the tree through the root system. When cold weather approaches, the layer will also protect the roots close to the surface from freezing.

Note: columnar thuja of all

varieties of western thuja

characterized by increased tolerance to low temperatures.

Caring for mature plants is also quite simple:

• in prolonged dry weather, the trees are watered twice a week and sprayed. This way, additional moistening of the needles is obtained twice a day and at the same time dust and dirt are washed off from the crown. This should be done in the early morning and evening at dusk;
• fertilizer is carried out in the spring;
• loosening the earth should also be carried out regularly.

For columnar thuja, animal urine is detrimental. Therefore, it is necessary to provide protection from animals.

Rules for breeding at home

As a rule, amateur gardeners propagate thuja by cuttings.

Slightly stiff cuttings are picked up, separating them from the branch by tearing, but not by cutting. The cultivation of future seedlings has its own characteristics, as well as their planting.

1. For germination, the cuttings are placed in a warm room.
2. The cuttings must be woody.
3. First of all, after collecting the cuttings, future seedlings are placed in water, then after 2 hours they are placed in the ground.
4. The soil should consist of peat, soddy soil and sand. Better fit river sand.
5. The landing is made in autumn season long before the onset of cold weather.

1. To create dense hedge from thuja, seedlings are planted in an even straight row at a distance of 0.5 meters from each other.
2. The first pruning of seedlings is carried out immediately after planting. In this case, the height is aligned with the lowest seedling in the entire row. If the planting was at the beginning of autumn, then the plant is cut off next spring.
3. The first time pruning thuja can be done with a regular pruner. But the older the tree becomes and the thicker its crown, the more powerful the tool is needed. For example, electric scissors.
4. When purchasing a thuja dug out of the ground, pay attention to the clod of earth resting on the root system. It should not crumble, be large in size. When planting a thuja, the pit should be wider than an earthen clod. The depth should be 80 cm.
5. With age, the thuja dries out a little and crumbles from below. To hide this annoying flaw, you can plant low-growing densely growing shrubs (for example, quince) in front.
6. A way to protect thuja from dog urine: you can surround the plants with a net or thorny bushes(for example, barberry).
7. For the winter, it is recommended to fix the top of the tree with a rope, as it can deform and ruin the entire appearance plants.

What a large columnar thuja looks like and how high it can be, see the following video:

In order for your favorite garden to please the eye, you need to observe only a few canons - arrange a lawn, pave a path, plant flowers, and settle gnomes. And the heart of any northerner gravitates towards the Christmas tree. It's bad enough to wait until forest beauty grows in breadth and up, it takes years. The corresponding charm is used mainly as a single decor, so many gardeners have long liked the thuja planting and care of which are in many ways similar to the agricultural technology of traditional conifers.

Thuja species and varieties

Information about thuja has come to us since ancient times, when people used needles for various rituals. In particular, we are talking about incense, which in Latin is pronounced as "Thuja". However, the heroine of the theme is also well known to the peoples of America and Far Asia. Otherwise, what other trees could cherry blossoms pass the baton to?

Although the definition of "tree" fits the thuja only conditionally: today the "life" plant has more than 100 varieties, some of which are represented by the so-called. cultural varieties. Their cultivation is relevant in landscape design, where there is not much to talk about century-old giants. But the corresponding segment only welcomes various coniferous dwarfs and cypresses higher. Well, thanks to the breeders, the thuja managed to transform different colors, sizes and even crowns. Regarding the last thuja, it happens:

• columnar;
• spherical;
• pyramidal;
• conical.

On a note

In the spring and summer, thuja in the country and in the garden requires pruning, thanks to which the plant can also be given a certain “hair”. But in a biological sense, its variety affects the shape of the thuja crown. It also determines the height. For example, columnar and cone-shaped varieties, as adults, can reach 8 meters or more in height, while globular shrubs– mostly 0.7-1.5-meter dwarfs”

Compared with a prickly Christmas tree, thuja needles, although needle-like, are soft. The latter feature is facilitated by the scaly arrangement of needles, which is especially noticeable when the age of the shrub is many years old. But the opposite position of small branches has a positive effect on the decorative appearance of coniferous culture.

The most grown western thuja - varieties

Here, in Russia and the CIS countries, western thuja is common, which can easily withstand extreme frosts. The number of its varieties exceeds a dozen, but the most popular can be counted on the fingers of one hand:

• Brabant;
• Golden Globe;
• Danica;
• Columna;
• Emerald.

The above five will not leave without answers to the most pressing questions: “How short is the garden thuja?”, “What is its height and diameter?”, “Does the thuja have non-green cultivars?”, “Is thuja good for hedges, which one is best suited?” etc. From here it makes a lot of sense to get to know each representative better.

Tuya Brabant

thuja western Brabant

First of all, great popularity western grade Brabant owes its size and ability not to change its green color in winter. Culture can reach a height of 7-12 meters, in diameter - 2-4 meters. By default, these indicators tie Brabant to the category of "thuja columnar", which is very beneficial to use to create a solid coniferous hedge.

Brabant requires frequent haircuts. It is very frost-resistant, which negates its pre-winter preparation: only young cuttings need shelter with spruce branches. With high-quality agricultural technology, the tree becomes 30-40 cm taller every year.

Thuya Golden Globe

Thuja occidentalis Golden Globe

Not every thuja in landscape design is able to combine the shape of a ball and a golden color. Therefore, the Golden Globe must appeal to gardeners looking for extravagant solutions. In particular, we are talking about rock gardens and color compositions that are very suitable for small gardens in Japanese or English style. Surrounded by variegated inflorescences and tall fir trees, the “golden” thuja will certainly delight.

Golden Globe develops up to 1 and 1.2 meters in height and diameter, respectively. Annual growth is 10 cm. The main thing is good lighting. Frost is experiencing 4+.

Tuya Danica

Thuja western Danica

Another representative of the thuja spherical family, but this time the representative is dwarf and green: the height of an adult Danica is 0.7-1 meter, the diameter is no more than one meter. small size and green color make the variety relevant for planting in small groups, mainly 3 bushes.

Like the Golden Globe, Danica is welcome in rock gardens. Also, miniature needles can be used to decorate large containers and patios, along paths, along with flowers, creating wonderful mikborders.

Compared to the Golden Globe, the Danica does not require landing in a well-lit area. With a good organization of shelter, it winters favorably. It grows slowly - up to 10 cm per year, but retains its shape " soft pillow» without the need for frequent pruning.

Thuja Columna

Thuja western Columna

If the site is large, made in the Art Nouveau or Art Nouveau style, then you should pay attention to the slender and dark green Columna. At 10 years old, it can reach a height of 3 meters and a diameter of 0.7 meters. Despite its narrow crown, the needles grow quite luxuriantly, which makes Columna suitable for solitary growth. But basically it is chosen for the organization high hedges. In addition to modern trends, narrow thuja is relevant in creating southern landscapes, in which Tuscan cypresses and poplars always take place.

Despite its lush appearance characteristic of the south, Columna is hardy. Therefore, it remains green even in winter. The coniferous giant needs to create only good lighting. Columna is also responsive to fertilizing, regular watering and shearing.

Tuya Smaragd

Thuja western Smaragd

The Smaragd variety closes the chain of leaders. The growth of this thuja and the narrowness of its top make it cone-shaped. At the age of ten, Smaragd reaches 2-2.5 meters in height and a meter in diameter. On this western thuja does not stop in the garden, and continues to develop up to 4-5 meters. The appropriate height, coupled with a sharp top, makes Smaragd perfect tree for group landings if the garden is kept in southern style, or for isolated cases when undersized flower beds lack a giant.

The versatility of Smaragda is also manifested in agricultural technology: the variety is resistant to an unstable climate, never loses its magical emerald color, and can grow in partial shade.

Summing up regarding the common varieties of Tui, it would not be superfluous to review the characteristics of each representative, but already in table format:

Table " a brief description of varieties of thuja western "

On a note

Some designers have learned how to trim the "tops" to give a lush cone-shaped and columnar thuja a spiral shape. This look is best suited to modern styles. And here globular thuja it is convenient to set the image of animals, stars, etc.

Planting and caring for thuja

Reproduction of decorative needles is carried out by seed and cuttings. You can do it easier - purchase an adult thuja or a more or less strengthened seedling in big pot. But then you have to spend more money. In addition, a logical question arises: “how to choose a thuja?”. The guide here is simple:

1. First, the most quality products sold in thematic establishments - in nurseries, garden shops;
2. Secondly, good seedling publishes pleasant aroma needles, has a fresh and bright color that matches the variety;
3. Thirdly, the absence of dry needles, brittle branches and various spots indicates that thuja agricultural technology was carried out with a bang;
4. Fourthly, when buying, you need to ask when irrigation was carried out (root watering and spraying), was the land fertilized? This will allow you to observe the correct mode of care for the thuja after its relocation.

Video "Tips when buying conifers - choose thuja"

Thuja planting time

Indeed, much still depends on the time when the landing is made. The fact is that the heroine of the topic must take root in a new place. To do this, she puts down fresh roots. In order for the corresponding process to proceed fruitfully, decorative needles must be planted in spring and summer, when the soil has time to warm up.

A hole is dug under each adult seedling. It should be twice as big earthy coma where thuja grows. This is necessary so that the hole can be additionally filled with a nutrient substrate from three equal parts:

• Sod land - loosens the soil, equalizes the ratio of useful elements;
• Peat - saturates the earth with nitrogen and contributes to the preservation of moisture;
• River sand - stabilizes the drainage system.

If a ground water fit high, the pit must be made deeper by 15 cm in order to be able to fill its bottom with rubble, pebbles or broken bricks. This bedding will drain excess water down.

On a note

Adult thuja can be purchased in the fall. But then it will have to be kept indoors or on the balcony throughout the winter. Moreover, the plant will have to be covered with a film so that it enters the hibernation period.

Planting cuttings

cuttings repeat biological features thuja from which they were plucked. So cutting method breeding is widespread. Let's consider it step by step:

1. Firstly, thuja propagation by cuttings requires 15-20 cm seedlings aged 2-3 years. Respectively, planting material must be taken from a long-term healthy thuja;
2. Secondly, the cuttings should not be cut, but broken off, pulling out the bark, so that a pod is formed at the end of the planting branch, which is also called the “heel” or “foot”. The latter on the back has large area for the growth of roots, which cannot be said about a straight cut;
3. Thirdly, for planting it is necessary to use a nutrient soil of three components (it was discussed above);
4. Fourthly, before planting, it is recommended to dip the root in a stimulant like Kornevin;
5. Fifth, planting holes are best done at a 45-degree slope. This will increase the capture of the "heel" by the earth and, accordingly, accelerate the rooting of seedlings, so as not to once again ask the question: "how to plant thuja?". The depth of the holes themselves should be 5-7 cm;

Sixthly, after planting, the seedlings should be poured with 10-15 liters of barely warm water. The latter will not only give impetus to the growth of the root system, but also warm the soil.

In order for the seedling to release more energy to the roots, 20-40% of the green needles growing along the edges of the branches can be cut. In the future, she will still grow

Planting seeds

With the seed method of reproduction of thuja, the varietal characteristics of the mother tree are not transmitted. Therefore, it is used primarily by breeders who wish to breed new variety. For this they collect late autumn small brown thuja fruits that form at its tips, and then stratify them. That is, the cones must first completely dry and open. So they are ready for wintering under a large layer of snow. Moreover, the fruits must be laid in bags, which will increase the level of survival to harsh conditions. In early spring seeds should be planted in centimeter holes. The surviving cones will sprout, and it remains to take care of them, as required by the thuja agrotechnics of seedlings.

On a note! When planting-transplanting thuja, a lot of attention will have to be paid to the quality of lighting. From February to April, being unprepared for an increase in daylight hours, the thuja turns yellow and dries. Therefore, for the winter it is recommended to cover it with spandbond or spruce branches. The exception is light-loving varieties (Golden Globe, etc.). Also, thuja turns yellow after winter due to a lack of minerals in the soil. To fill this gap, in the spring upper layer land must be mixed with fresh peat. This must be done carefully, because. thuja has a superficial root system. There will be no superfluous root dressing with fertilizer for plant wars

Diseases and pests of thuja

In general, yellowness and dryness can serve as signs of both improper care and invasions of diseases and pests. It is very difficult to see thuja pests with the naked eye, because. among them there are:

• Spider mite;
• Coniferous aphid;
• bark beetle;
• leaf roller;
• Click beetle.

Fufanon proved to be excellent against the corresponding insects. But thuja diseases are best treated with Acrobat or Fundazol. They do an excellent job with the following ailments:

• Rust;
• False shield;
• Brown spotting;
• Phytophthora.

On a note

For effectiveness, fungicides for fungal diseases and pesticides for pests must be alternated every month. Moreover, spraying is necessarily preceded by pruning of the thuja: all dried branches must be removed with a pruner

As a result, the main care for thujas after planting includes:

1. Watering - every week (water consumption for each bush - 10-50 liters) or 2 times a week if it's hot;
2. Spraying from a hose - every week (thuja loves to take a "refreshing shower") or 2-3 times a week in hot weather;
3. Pruning - every 2-3 months;
4. Top dressing - 2 times per season;
5. Loosening - in the summer after each watering (surface roots should be tried not to damage);
6. Preventive treatment - every month.

On a note

Preparing the thuja for winter is carried out if the culture is young or belongs to low-growing spherical varieties. As already mentioned, spruce branches or spandbond are used for shelter. About how to cut the needles, its variety will tell, as well as the style that the gardener is striving for. Flight of fancy here is limitless

In pursuit of high-quality landscape design, it becomes clear how beautiful the thuja planting and care of which seem difficult only at first glance. If you approach the matter responsibly, the thuja will surely thank you with a wonderful coniferous charm!

Thuja - evergreen coniferous plant belonging to the cypress family.

It is a tree or shrub with scale-like leaves and cracked bark. The crown is dense, dense, the branches grow in the same plane. In young specimens, the needles are needle-shaped. The color range of plants varies from pale green to red. There are many bicolor variegated varieties.

The title photo shows Thuja occidentalis "Golden Smaragd".

According to the shape of the crown, thuja is divided into:

1. columnar;
2. pyramidal;
3. wide-conical;
4. spherical.

Thuja columnar - a compact plant, 1.5-2.5 m in height and 0.5 - 0.8 m in width.

Columnar varieties

"Brabant" (Thuja occidentalis "Brabant")

By the age of 10, it grows more than 3.5 m, 1 - 1.5 m wide. It grows rapidly, the form is wide-columnar. Growth per year 30 cm. Whimsical to moisture and soil composition. Excellent for forming hedges. Planting density in a row is 0.5 - 0.7 m.

"Yellow Ribbon" (Thuja occidentalis "Yellow Ribbon")

By the age of 10, it grows to 2 - 3 m, 0.8 - 1.2 m wide. Narrow conical loose shape and bright yellow needles. Loves nutritious soil. Looks great in contrasting color compositions, ideal for tapestries.

"Columna" (Thuja occidentalis "Columna")

By the age of 10, it grows to 3 m, 0.5 - 0.8 m wide. It grows rapidly, the crown is narrow-columnar. The leaves are dark green. Whimsical to growing conditions. It looks beautiful in the form of hedges, and as a vertical dominant in landscape compositions. Landing in a row at a width of 0.6 - 0.7 m.

"Smaragd" (Thuja occidentalis "Smaragd")

At 10 years old, it grows to 2.5 m, with a width of 0.5 - 0.8 m. The crown is narrowly columnar. One of the most popular varieties. The needles are dark green, do not turn brown in winter. Demanding on soil and watering. Used for single landings. When disembarking in a row, a distance of 0.5 - 0.6 m is observed.

"Aurea Piramidalis" (Thuja occidentalis "Aurea Piramidalis")

At 10 years old, the height is up to 2.5 m. The crown is narrow, over the years it increases in volume due to the formation of 1 - 3 trunks. Shoots are flexible, slightly twisted. Ideal for planting in groups and as tapeworms. Demanding on soil and watering.

"Holmstrup" (Thuja occidentalis "Holmstrup")

At 10 years old it grows up to 2 m, 0.5 - 0.8 m wide. It grows slowly, the form is narrow-columnar. The shoots grow fan-shaped, the needles are thick with an intense dark green color scheme. Likes nutritious and moist soil. Suitable for single landings and compositions, cemeteries. For hedges, the distance in a row is 0.6 - 0.7 m.

Thuja folded "Aurescens" (Thuja plicata "Aurescens")

Height up to 8m - 12m, 3 - 4m width. Evergreen columnar tree with dense branches. The needles are dark green, with white stripes. Demanding on the composition of the soil. Suitable for large-scale gardens and parks, group and single plantings.

Thuja folded "Excelsa" (Thuja plicata "Excelsa")

Height 9 - 12m, 3 - 4m wide. The tree grows in the form of a column with arcuate, upward directed branches. The needles are dark green, dense, shiny. Likes nutritious soils. Suitable for spacious gardens and parks, solitary and group plantings and for vertical accents in powerful landscape compositions.

Landing

Tui older than 3 years, it is desirable to plant with a preserved lump, the dimensions of which should be approximately half the diameter of the crown. The size of the planting hole is usually 60 to 100 cm for plants up to 3 m in size.

Important: when planting in the ground, the root neck should be at ground level.

Therefore, initially it is necessary to plant so that the root collar is about 5 - 10 cm above ground level, because. after watering, the soil compacts and settles.

For planting, a soil mixture is taken from soddy or hardwood, peat and sand in a ratio of 2: 1: 1.

Be sure to use complex mineral supplements(nitroammophoska, etc.) - approximately 150 - 200 g per one landing pit. Pre-mixing them with the soil.

After planting, abundant watering is required - at least 2-3 buckets of water per pit for an adult seedling.

Tip: to improve the development of the root system and growth, it is advisable to use preparations such as Kornevin.

Care

In the first month after landing on permanent place thuja is watered 1 - 2 times a week for about 1 - 3 buckets per plant. If planting was carried out in the spring, then sprinkling of the crown is favorable for survival.

Attention: to prevent moisture loss should be mulched trunk circle.

For this purpose, the bark of conifers, wet peat, leaf humus, garden compost, needles. In addition, the mulch, decomposing, serves as food for the roots, and also protects against freezing in winter.

Thuja has a shallow root system, therefore, soil moisture must be monitored. With insufficient watering or drying out, its crown may partially crumble and thin out. During the growth period, the plant is watered twice a week, 1.5 - 2 buckets of water per seedling.

In the process of care, it is necessary to loosen the soil to a depth of about 10 cm.

For a successful wintering, it is advisable to wrap the thuja with agrofiber. This will protect it from freezing, sunburn, and from fraying the crown with snow.

top dressing

If the plant is planted in well-prepared soil, then 1 - 2 top dressings per year will be enough. In the spring, nitrogen-containing mineral fertilizers(ammonium and calcium nitrate, urea). At the end of summer - calcium and top dressing containing phosphorus (superphosphate, nitroammophoska)

Complex top dressings for long-acting coniferous plants work well, for example, Kemira and Osmokot.

It is important to know: if top dressing is made at planting, then the next top dressing should be carried out after 2 years.

reproduction

Thuja is propagated in two ways: generative (sowing seeds) or vegetative (cutting).

With the vegetative method of propagation, the resulting young plant will fully retain the characteristics of the mother. The generative method is used for all types of conifers. However, its disadvantage is that it does not guarantee the preservation of the varietal qualities of some forms and varieties.

So, for example, when sowing the seeds of a columnar arborvitae, not all seedlings will inherit the columnar shape of the crown, but only a small part of them.

Growing from seeds

This method is quite laborious, but it allows you to get many strong beautiful plants.

In September, it is necessary to collect the bumps that have grown on the thuja and place them for some time in a warm, dry place. When they dry and open, the seeds must be collected, placed in a paper bag and put in the refrigerator until spring.

There they will go through the process of stratification. This will improve their germination, disease resistance. Before sowing, it is recommended to soak the seeds for 12 hours in warm water or wet sand.

Another option provides sowing seeds in autumn.

On the bed chosen for sowing, the soil must be loosened, sand and leaf humus should be added there. This will make the earth lighter and more breathable, thereby improving the development of the root system of future plants.

Sowing seeds should be carried out according to the scheme 8 cm by 20 cm (spacing), to a depth of 1 cm.

Cover the winter bed with burlap and spruce branches on top, which will need to be removed in the middle - end of March.

Seeds sown in autumn will germinate as soon as the earth warms up to 15 - 20 degrees.

Further care of the seedlings includes a one-time top dressing with a root growth stimulator, and periodic top dressing (1 time per month) with growth fertilizers, for example, Kemira or Agricol.

Don't forget to make preventive treatment from fungal diseases with fungicides.

Seedlings need constant moisture and light loosening. It will not be superfluous to mulch young plants with sawdust.

The growth of the first year will be about 8 cm. It will be possible to transplant thuja to a permanent place for 3-4 years.

How much do seedlings cost

The range of coniferous plants is quite wide and varied.

The price of western thuja seedlings depends on the specific species and variety, as well as on the size of the seedling.

Thuja western Smaragd - from 200 rubles for small plants 15 - 20 cm high to 6000 rubles for plants over 2 meters high.

Thuja western Braband - from 180 rubles per seedling 15 - 20 cm to 3300 rubles per 2 m seedling.

Thuja western Columna - a meter-long seedling costs within 750 rubles, a two-meter one - 3300 rubles. A seedling 15 - 20 cm costs about 180 rubles.

Thuja western Holmstrup - a seedling 0.2 - 0.4 m tall will cost within 420 rubles, and 2500 rubles for a copy of 160 - 180 cm.

Thuja western Aurea Piramidalis - from 320 rubles for a seedling 0.15 - 0.20 m and more than 4000 rubles for a seedling 2 m or more high.

How to apply in landscape design and how many seedlings will be required

For landscaping the selected area, thujas act as:

• hedges;
• single trees;
• group landings.

To form a hedge, take species such as Smaragd, Braband, Yellow Ribbon, Columna etc. Seedlings are planted at a distance of 0.5 - 0.8 m. The needles of these species do not turn brown in the winter season and do not change decorative look all year round.
Tui Excelsa, Aurescens suitable for group and single plantings, large-scale gardens and large parks, as these are tall plants. By the age of 10, they grow to 8 - 12 m, 3 - 4 m wide. They sit in groups at a distance of 5 - 8 m.

For alpine slides and small flower beds fit undersized dwarf varieties: Aurea Piramidalis (Thuja occidentalis "Aurea Piramidalis"), Smaragd (Smaragd), Holmstrup ("Holmstrup"). By the age of 10, these species reach no more than 2–3 m and have a crown width of 0.5–0.8 m.

When landscaping a summer cottage, courtyard, city flower beds, it is good to use several types of thuja at the same time, creating various compositions (photo). When planting, you should take into account the size of each plant in its adult form, reserving space for them to grow.

It is good to combine conifers of different crown shapes and needle colors (photo), choosing green and variegated, as well as two-color varieties.

Before starting work, it is good to draw up a diagram of the future flower bed, so that it is easier to visually imagine and plan the placement of plants and calculate their number and distances between them. An example would be a photo of the diagram below:

Due to its decorativeness, unpretentiousness and diversity, the pyramidal thuja has become the undoubted favorite in landscape design. It looks great both solo and in hedges, and in plantings along with other conifers, as well as together with annual and perennial deciduous plants. Thuja pyramidal is beautiful at all stages of its life, does not lose its decorative effect even in old age.

How not to get lost in the variety of tui?

In this article, we examined in detail only one form of thuja - columnar. Experts in the video below garden center Greensad introduce beginner gardeners to a variety of thujas.

It's coniferous evergreen, which has a charming aroma, dense crown and unpretentious care. Thuja western columnar can be used for absolutely any garden composition, to create a dense hedge, beautiful trees with an unusual crown shape, which is easily achieved due to the adjoining branches to the trunk, providing a columnar shape.

In this article, we will consider the features of growing columnar thuja, give a description of the most popular varieties of this variety of evergreen tree. We also note the important points of planting and caring for the western columnar thuja.

Morphological description and features of the columnar thuja

Thuja western columnar is an evergreen coniferous plant that belongs to the genus Gymnosperms. All varieties of thuja are included in the large Cypress family, which also includes juniper, cypress, cypress and many others. On the territory of Russia, representatives of the columnar thuja are not found in nature. Around the 16th century, this plant came to Europe from East Asia and America, which are natural habitat habitat of thuja columnar. Now, many varieties of the western columnar thuja are grown in gardens and household plots in temperate and northern latitudes.

The very name of the evergreen tree "thuja" is of ancient Greek origin. Scientific Latin name is based on the ancient Greek root, which in translation means "sacrifice, incense." This is due to the fact that some aromatic varieties of thuja were used in rituals in ancient times to obtain a pleasant smell.

Today there are 6 types of thuja, among which there are trees and shrubs that have various forms crowns. There are several forms of thuja crown:

• columnar;
• pyramidal;
• wide-conical;
• spherical.

All these varieties fit perfectly into any landscape design, creating the most incredible compositions and bizarre shapes. Among them, it is the columnar thuja that is especially popular, with the crown of which you can create incredible figures.

Description of thuja columnar:

• Thuja kolonovidnaya is an evergreen coniferous tree or shrub, which is naturally distributed in North America.
• In nature, this tree can reach a height of 20-25 m and is considered a tall representative of conifers, however, in gardens and on summer cottages thuja columnar can grow only 10-11 m, and most often this plant reaches 2-3 m.
• The root system of the columnar thuja is powerful, but compact and does not grow much.
• The bark of the tree is light brown or reddish, exfoliating.
• Thuja columnar is the most durable representative of this family and can grow in one place for about 100 years.
• In this type of tree, the crown has a pyramidal or columnar shape, hence the name thuja. In width, it can grow by about 1-1.5 m.
• The needles are very tight to the trunk, located on horizontal branches. The needles of the thuja are not represented by needles, as in other conifers, but by tightly fitting scales.
• In summer, the needles are dark green tint and brownish-green in winter. Updated about once every 2-3 years.
• The scales are very small, only 2-4 mm in length.
• The flowers of this plant are not at all decorative, monoecious, located singly.
• After the end of flowering, a large number of fruits in the form of small cones appear on the columnar thuja.
• The length of one cone is approximately 1 cm, they are ovoid in shape and have two seeds with wings inside.
• Thuja kolonovidnaya is an ideal evergreen for urban plantings, as this tree perfectly tolerates gas, dust and lack of oxygen.
• This variety is also distinguished by an excellent level of winter hardiness, it can withstand frost down to -36 degrees without shelter.
• Due to its dense crown, thuja columnar is often used to create hedges and for windproof plantings.
• The tree lends itself perfectly to pruning, however, the formation of a crown for a columnar thuja is not necessary, since it already keeps the shape of a column or cone.
• Thuja columnar easily tolerates transplantation and is absolutely unpretentious in planting and care.

A variety of varieties of thuja columnar

Today there are a large number of thuja varieties that have a columnar or pyramidal crown shape. All of these varieties have found popularity and love among gardeners who use the columnar thuja to create incredible landscape designs. All varieties of arborescent thuja are compact in size, reaching an average height of 3 meters. Consider the description of the most popular and common varieties of columnar thuja.

• Variety "Brabant". It is a beautiful evergreen coniferous tree, which by the age of 10 can reach about 3-3.5 meters. The crown has a broadly columnar shape, which can be about 1-1.5 m in diameter. This variety of columnar thuja is one of the fastest growing, a tree can grow by about 30-35 cm per year. Thuja needles of a rich green hue, which in winter time turns greenish-brown. Thuja columnar Brabant is different good level frost resistance. Flowering begins around spring, after which cones are formed on the branches, which are ovoid in shape. Cones in length reach 0.8-1.2 cm. Thuja of this variety perfectly tolerates a haircut, the tree is not demanding on the place of planting and care. Ideal for making dense hedge creations.

• Variety "Smaragd". The tree reaches a height of 2.5 m by 10 years, an adult thuja can grow up to 3.5-4 m. The crown has a narrow columnar shape up to 1 m in diameter. The needles of this tree have a bright green tint that does not change even in winter. The branches are located very close to each other, which makes the crown dense. This variety of columnar thuja is distinguished by a very slow growth rate, as well as a rather capricious attitude to soil and watering. Thuya Smaragd is rarely used to create a hedge, since the upper part of the crown does not close. Ideal for solitary plantings or for conditional demarcation of a garden or plot. It is a hardy tree that can be grown both outdoors and in a container.
• Variety of thuja columnar "Columna". An adult plant of the columnar thuja Columna reaches 5-6 meters, by the age of 10 the tree can be approximately 2.5-3 m. It is distinguished by a narrow columnar crown, reaching 1.3 m in diameter. The crown is formed short branches which are very close to each other. The needles have a rich green tint, which practically does not change in winter. Differs in fairly rapid growth - up to about 20 cm per year. The thuja of this variety has a good level of winter hardiness, the tree is not demanding on soils and tolerates shearing well. Tuyu Columna can be used to create hedges, as well as single and group plantings.

• Variety "Holmstrup". Thuja of this variety in height can reach 2 m by 10 years, mature plant can grow to 3-3.5 m. It is distinguished by a narrow columnar crown, which is formed by branches tightly adjacent to each other. The color of the needles is dark green, practically does not change in winter. The crown is very compact and dense. Thuja of this variety is very frost-resistant and unpretentious to soils, tolerates a haircut perfectly. It grows slowly, in a year it can grow by only 10 cm. It reaches its final height only by the age of 40. It is used to create a hedge, for single and group plantings.
• Variety "Yellow Ribbon". Thuja of this variety is a tree that by the age of 10 can reach a height of 2.5-3 m. It is distinguished by a narrow conical crown shape, which has a low density. The needles of a bright yellow hue. Whimsical to the composition of the soil, used in contrasting plantings.
• Variety "Aurea Pyramidalis". The columnar thuja of this variety can reach a height of 5-6 meters, by the age of 10 you can get an evergreen beauty up to 2-2.5 m in height. It is distinguished by a narrow pyramidal crown, which grows significantly over the years due to the fact that the tree has several trunks. The crown consists of flexible, slightly twisted shoots. The variety is demanding on soil and watering. Belongs to a group frost-resistant varieties thuja columnar. Used to create solitary and group plantings.

• Tui variety "Aurescens". An evergreen tree grows on average up to 8-12 m in height, therefore it is most often used for very large-scale plantings in parks and alleys. The crown is columnar, rather wide, formed by thick and dense branches. The needles have a dark green saturated shade with small white stripes. The variety is characterized by whimsicality to the place of planting and soil.
• Variety "Excelsa". This is a tall representative of thuja, which can reach a height of about 9-12 m. The tree grows 3-4 meters wide, so most often thuja of this variety are used for planting in parks and for decorating powerful large-scale landscape compositions. The crown has a columnar shape, which is formed by arcuate shoots directed upwards. The needles are dark green saturated color, very shiny.

Reproduction of thuja columnar: the most common methods

Thuja kolonovidnaya is one of the most popular evergreen trees for landscaping the site. This beautiful and bright tree can be easily bred on your own at home, for this you just need to know the most common methods and features of their use. Thuja columnar propagates in the following ways: by seeds and cuttings. Each option has its own rules, which are important to follow in order to get a healthy and strong tree.

Seed propagation of thuja columnar

• This method of reproduction is rarely used, as the result will be a plant without maternal characteristics and varietal differences. Most often it is used by breeders to develop new varieties of thuja.
• A young plant can be obtained only after 5-6 years.
• To breed a columnar thuja in this way, you will need freshly harvested seeds that ripen by autumn.
• They must first be removed from the cones. To do this, the collected ripe cones are placed in a warm place for a while - this is necessary in order for the scales to open. After that, the seeds are extracted.
• Before planting, the seeds must be soaked in water for about 10 hours.
• Further planting material needs stratification. This process can be carried out in natural conditions under snow, or you can place the seeds in the soil and put the container in the refrigerator.
• The seeds of the columnar thuja are sown immediately in open ground to a depth of only 0.5 cm. It is enough to sprinkle coniferous sawdust on top of the beds.
• It is important to cover thuja crops from the sun and constantly loosen and water.
• During the first season, young seedlings of the columnar thuja grow by only 7-8 cm.
• For the winter, crops must be covered with spruce branches and film.
• Tui seedlings are planted in a permanent place in the third year, when young plants grow up to 50 cm.

Reproduction of thuja columnar cuttings

• Propagation by cuttings is one of the most popular ways to obtain young seedlings of the columnar thuja.
• Planting material for planting is harvested in June. For this, two-year-old shoots about 20-40 cm long or annual twigs 10-15 cm long are used.
• Thuja cuttings cannot be cut, they must be torn off with a piece of bark, the so-called heel. After that, the cut site is treated with heteroauxin or charcoal.
• Before planting, all cuttings can be placed in a rooting solution for a while, which will contribute to the fastest rooting.
• Planting material is planted in greenhouses or a greenhouse, containers can also be used.
• A soil mixture of soddy soil, peat and sand is suitable for rooting cuttings. Before planting, it is recommended to shed the earth with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
• The cuttings are rooted to a depth of about 1.5-2 cm.
• After planting, all planting material is covered with a film to maintain required level humidity and temperature.
• The cuttings of the thuja columnar prefer very moist air, they do not water the plants, but spray them with a spray bottle.
• After rooting, the cuttings begin to gradually ventilate and harden, after which the film is completely removed.
• In deep autumn, the cuttings are covered with spruce branches and foliage, and in severe frosts they are covered with a film.

Preparation before planting thuja columnar

Thuja columnar is considered one of the most popular trees among gardeners, as this evergreen plant is characterized by unpretentiousness and good frost resistance, which is important when growing plantations in climatic conditions our country. Growing thuja is not difficult even for beginner gardeners, it is enough to conduct a competent preparatory work. First of all, you need to purchase high-quality and healthy seedlings and find an ideal place for planting on your site. young tree.

Stage 1. The choice of varieties and seedlings of the columnar thuja

• Success proper fit thuja columnar - this is the choice of a suitable type of tree. It is important to choose an evergreen tree with a good level of frost hardiness, especially if you intend to plant seedlings in a temperate climate.
• The choice of seedlings will also depend on the intended planting site, where it is important to consider the height of an adult plant. The approximate height of an adult columnar thuja is 2.5-3 meters.
• You can buy thuja columnar in specialized garden stores or nurseries that are professionally engaged in plant breeding.
• In the store you can buy seedlings of various ages and different heights. It is best to buy young plants from 2-3 years old, they will take root better.
• Before buying, be sure to check the condition of the seedlings. They should not have visible damage, dry or yellow branches of needles. The soil in the container should be moist and clean. The plant should also be free of signs of disease or pests.
• Seedlings with a closed root system can be purchased at any time of the year.

Stage 2. Choosing a place and soil for planting a columnar arborvitae

• Thuja columnar prefers to grow in well-lit areas. sunny places However, it is important that direct sunlight is only part of the day.
• It is necessary that the site has natural or artificial shading of young trees. In the open sun, the needles may turn yellow.
• The choice of a place for planting will also depend on the planned garden composition, for this you need to select seedlings of various heights.
• Also, when choosing a site, it is important to remember that the columnar thuja does not tolerate drafts, especially for young seedlings.
• The plant prefers nutritious and fertile soil, consisting of soddy soil, peat and sand, better than river. You can choose a place with loamy soil.
• Thuja loves moist soils, however, it has a negative attitude towards stagnant water at the roots, so choose slightly elevated areas and places where there is no close occurrence of groundwater. You can take care before boarding good layer drainage.

Planting thuja columnar in open ground

• In temperate latitudes, it is recommended to plant thuja seedlings in a columnar spring, since autumn planting does not guarantee rooting. young plant before the onset of winter.
• Before planting, it is important to prepare the soil for planting. To do this, the selected area must be carefully dug up and removed all the rhizomes of nettles and other weeds, as they can drown out the growth of thuja. After that, peat and humus are added to the soil, while natural fertilizer should not be fresh. Monthly manure is allowed.
• All arborvitae are columnar in height, reaching an average of 2-3 meters by the age of 10, respectively, their root system is quite powerful. Planting holes should be 20-30 cm larger than the roots with earthy clod. Approximate dimensions should be as follows: 60-100 cm in depth and width.
• When preparing planting holes, also consider how many seedlings will grow nearby. If you plant several thujas, keep a distance of about 1.5-2 m. When creating a hedge, the distance should be less, about 50-60 cm.
• at the bottom of each landing pit it is necessary to place a layer of drainage. This will remove the remaining moisture from the roots. Broken bricks, small stones or gravel can be used as drainage.
• Next, you need to prepare the seedlings. The soil in containers is watered abundantly, after which the plant is carefully removed along with an earthen clod around the roots.
• The soil mixture is poured onto the drainage layer, and then the seedlings are placed.
• It is important to ensure that the root neck is slightly above the soil surface.
• Fill the seedlings with soil and compact it very carefully with your hands, being careful not to damage the plant.
• After planting, each plant must be watered abundantly. One seedling should have about 2-3 buckets of water.
• The trunk circle must be mulched to protect the root system from temperature changes. As mulch, you can use sawdust, tree bark, peat. It is important to ensure that the mulch does not cover the trunk and lower branches. From this they can start to rush.

Agrotechnics of growing thuja columnar: secrets and nuances of care

Caring for the columnar thuja does not require additional knowledge - it is exactly the same as caring for other representatives of this genus. The main thing is to pay attention to the plant, especially in the first years after planting.

• Watering. Thuja columnar needs regular and abundant watering, since when dried, the needles of a tree may begin to dry and turn yellow. Young seedlings are watered about 2 times in 7 days, using 2-3 buckets for each plant. During the growth period, thuja columnar is watered 1-2 times a week. For each seedling should be 1.5-2 buckets of water. This plant is also very supportive of sprinkling, so when spring planting it is recommended to spray the crown from a hose. If the summer is very hot, then you need to spray the thuja twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, this will remove dust from the tree and saturate it with moisture.
• Loosening and mulching. Regularly, the soil around the seedlings needs to be loosened. This must be done to a depth of 10 cm. After each loosening of the soil, it is important to add mulch to retain moisture at the roots and protect against direct sun rays. The bark of coniferous trees or peat is used as mulch. It is recommended to remove all weeds that may interfere with the full growth of seedlings.
• Top dressing of thuja columnar. If a thuja columnar seedling is planted in nutritious and fertile soil, then it is enough to fertilize the soil 2 times per season. In this case, the first top dressing is made only after 2 years. The first time they feed thuja in the spring, while using nitrogen-containing fertilizers such as ammonium nitrate. The second time top dressing is applied at the end of summer, during this period calcium and phosphorus fertilizers such as nitroammophoska can be used.
• Pruning thuja. Columnar thujas have a pyramidal or conical shape of a horse, but this does not mean that from the moment of planting, the crown of each plant grows perfectly even. There are varieties in which the needles are fluffy and require pruning. When buying, it is important to inspect the seedling, usually these plants have several leading shoots, it is important to remove all but one. Pruning should be done in the spring, removing all dry and broken branches. Forming a crown, it is allowed to cut branches to a maximum of 1/3 of the length.
• Preparing for winter. Thuja kolonovidnaya is a frost-resistant plant, however, its branches growing upwards can break off from snow and ice. To prevent this from happening, it is important to build a reliable shelter. You can put wooden slats around the seedling in the form of a hut and wrap them with burlap or white lutrasil.

Photo of thuja columnar

Thuja columnar is an evergreen beauty that can be grown without problems in a cooler climate than natural environment habitat. Do not be afraid, there will be no difficulties with planting and care, since this plant is quite unpretentious if all the rules of preparation and planting are followed. As a result, you will get a beautiful and modern site with chic coniferous trees.

Columnar thuja is one of the varieties of western thuja used in landscape design of both public recreational areas and household plots.

Like all thuja, it is distinguished by good adaptation to various growing conditions.

Characteristic

Among the main characteristics of thuja should be noted:

1. The growth of an adult tree can reach 30 meters. At the same time, it grows for about 100 years. It adds up to 20 cm in height per year. The diameter reaches 1.5 meters.
2. Differs in high resistance to low temperatures thanks to what in a winter season it is possible not to cover. But at the same time in very hot weather requires additional watering.
3. It is highly resistant to pests and diseases.

Note: when planting a thuja hedge on the site, not only a beautiful emerald tone appears for other plants of various shades, but also excellent protection from gusts of wind, dusty and smoky clouds from the road.

4. Suitable for haircut. At the same time, a haircut from above stimulates growth in width, and from the sides - in height.

Landing and care

As a rule, thuja are able to adapt to any growing conditions.

But in order for the trees to grow and develop effectively, they need additional care, especially when it comes to young seedlings:

• watering once a week;
• in the evening at night, seedlings cover from coolness;
• regular top dressing, mixtures for coniferous species for fertilizer can be bought in specialized stores;
• loosening the soil should be done from time to time, in parallel, mulching should be done - cover the ground around the tree with peat, dry grass or sawdust.

Such a layer will not only retain moisture for a longer period of time, but also gradually feed the tree through the root system. When cold weather approaches, the layer will also protect the roots close to the surface from freezing.

Caring for mature plants is also quite simple:

• in prolonged dry weather, the trees are watered twice a week and sprayed. This way, additional moistening of the needles is obtained twice a day and at the same time dust and dirt are washed off from the crown. This should be done in the early morning and evening at dusk;
• fertilizer is carried out in the spring;
• loosening the earth should also be carried out regularly.

For columnar thuja, animal urine is detrimental. Therefore, it is necessary to provide protection from animals.

Rules for breeding at home

As a rule, amateur gardeners.

Slightly stiff cuttings are picked up, separating them from the branch by tearing, but not by cutting. The cultivation of future seedlings has its own characteristics, as well as their planting.

1. For germination, the cuttings are placed in a warm room.
2. The cuttings must be woody.
3. First of all, after collecting the cuttings, future seedlings are placed in water, then after 2 hours they are placed in the ground.
4. The soil should consist of peat, soddy soil and sand. River sand is best.
5. Landing is done in the autumn season, long before the onset of cold weather.

1. To create a dense, seedlings are planted in an even straight row at a distance of 0.5 meters from each other.
2. The first pruning of seedlings is carried out immediately after planting. In this case, the height is aligned with the lowest seedling in the entire row. If the planting was at the beginning of autumn, then the plant is cut off next spring.
3. The first time can be spent with ordinary secateurs. But the older the tree becomes and the thicker its crown, the more powerful the tool is needed. For example, electric scissors.
4. When purchasing a thuja dug out of the ground, pay attention to the clod of earth resting on the root system. It should not crumble, be large in size. When the pit is wide, it should be wider than the earthen clod. The depth should be 80 cm.
5. With age, the thuja dries out a little and crumbles from below. To hide this annoying flaw, you can plant low-growing densely growing shrubs (for example, quince) in front.
6. A way to protect thuja from dog urine: you can surround the plants with a net or thorny shrubs (for example, barberry).
7. For the winter, it is recommended to fix the top of the tree with a rope, as it can deform and spoil the whole appearance of the plant.

What a large columnar thuja looks like and how high it can be, see the following video:

Thuja columnar and pyramidal shape:

• thuja western "Smaragd" (in Latin - Thuja occidentalis "Smaragd"),
• thuja western "Brabant" (in Latin - Thuja occidentalis "Brabant"),
• thuja western "Columna" (in Latin - Thuja occidentalis Columna).

Thuja western - Thuja occidentalis.

Thuja pyramidal - coniferous large-sized tree up to 20 meters high, depending on the variety or coniferous shrub with a pyramidal crown and short horizontal branches with needles flat on them.

Slow-growing coniferous species, quite frost-resistant, tolerates excessive soil moisture well and at the same time is quite drought-resistant. Shade-tolerant - can grow under the canopy of other trees. It is undemanding to the soil. Durable - thuja lives for more than 100 years.

The stability of the western arborvitae against smoke and soot allows this breed to be widely used in urban green construction, not excluding the territories of industrial enterprises.

Thuja western "Smaragd" (Thuja occidentalis "Smaragd"), thuja western "Brabant" (Thuja occidentalis "Brabant"), thuja western "Columna" (Thuja occidentalis Columna) can be planted in groups and small tapeworms in the foreground, not bulky alleys, evergreen edges, evergreen borders and hedges in the landscape design of the site.

Planting, care and description of the western thuja.

Can grow thuja in the sun and in partial shade. In sunny places it sometimes suffers from fluctuations in temperature or dries up roots from frost. It is better to plant in places protected from the wind.

The distance between thuja seedlings when planting trees is from 0.5 to 3 meters (rarely 5 meters).

Removal of dry branches. Shearing a hedge from a thuja should be moderate, no more than 1/3 of the length of the shoot.

Immediately after planting thuja seedlings, it is necessary to pour plenty of water and form a near-trunk circle around the tree.

Western thuja price (Thuja occidentalis):

• Thuja western "Smaragd" - Thuja occidentalis "Smaragd": height from 1.5 - 1.6 meters - cost from 2000 rubles.

• Thuja western "Brabant" - Thuja occidentalis "Brabant": height 0.8 - 1 meter - price from 600 rubles.

• Thuja western "Columna" - Thuja "Columna": height from 2 - 2.5 meters - cost from 3000 rubles.

*cm. price and photo of thuja - there are other varieties and heights of thuja seedlings.

Buy thuja columnar on credit from a plant nursery, in pots and with a clod of earth!

We carry out delivery and planting of thuja seedlings throughout Russia.

In order for your favorite garden to please the eye, you need to observe only a few canons - arrange a lawn, pave a path, plant flowers, and settle gnomes. And the heart of any northerner gravitates towards the Christmas tree. It is bad that it takes years to wait for the moment when the forest beauty grows in breadth and height. The corresponding charm is used mainly as a single decor, so many gardeners have long liked the thuja planting and care of which are in many ways similar to traditional agricultural technology.

Information about thuja has come to us since ancient times, when people used needles for various rituals. In particular, we are talking about incense, which in Latin is pronounced as "Thuja". However, the heroine of the theme is also well known to the peoples of America and Far Asia. Otherwise, what other trees could cherry blossoms pass the baton to?

Although the definition of "tree" fits the thuja only conditionally: today the "life" plant has more than 100 varieties, some of which are represented by the so-called. cultural varieties. Their cultivation is relevant in landscape design, where there is not much to talk about century-old giants. But the corresponding segment only welcomes various coniferous dwarfs and cypresses higher. Well, thanks to the breeders, the thuja managed to transform in different colors, sizes and even crowns. Regarding the last thuja, it happens:

• columnar;
• spherical;
• pyramidal;
• conical.

On a note

In the spring and summer, thuja in the country and in the garden requires pruning, thanks to which the plant can also be given a certain “hair”. But in a biological sense, its variety affects the shape of the thuja crown. It also determines the height. For example, columnar and cone-shaped varieties, as adults, can reach 8 meters or more in height, while spherical shrubs are mainly 0.7-1.5-meter dwarfs”

Compared with a prickly Christmas tree, thuja needles, although needle-like, are soft. The latter feature is facilitated by the scaly arrangement of needles, which is especially noticeable when the age of the shrub is many years old. But the opposite position of small branches has a positive effect on the decorative appearance of coniferous culture.

The most grown western thuja - varieties

Here, in Russia and the CIS countries, western thuja is common, which can easily withstand extreme frosts. The number of its varieties exceeds a dozen, but the most popular can be counted on the fingers of one hand:

• Brabant;
• Golden Globe;
• Danica;
• Columna;
• Emerald.

The above five will not leave unanswered the most pressing questions: “How short is the garden thuja?”, “What is its height and diameter?”, “Does the thuja have non-green cultivars?”, “Is the thuja good for a hedge which is better suits everything?" etc. From here it makes a lot of sense to get to know each representative better.

Tuya Brabant

Thuja western Brabant

First of all, the great popularity of the Western Brabant owes its size and ability to not change its green color in winter. Culture can reach a height of 7-12 meters, in diameter - 2-4 meters. By default, these indicators tie Brabant to the category of "thuja columnar", which is very beneficial to use to create a solid coniferous hedge.

Brabant requires frequent haircuts. It is very frost-resistant, which negates its pre-winter preparation: only young cuttings need shelter with spruce branches. With high-quality agricultural technology, the tree becomes 30-40 cm taller every year.

Thuya Golden Globe

Thuja occidentalis Golden Globe

Not every thuja in landscape design is able to combine the shape of a ball and a golden color. Therefore, the Golden Globe must appeal to gardeners looking for extravagant solutions. In particular, we are talking about rock gardens and colored compositions that are very suitable for small gardens in Japanese or English style. Surrounded by variegated inflorescences and tall fir trees, the “golden” thuja will certainly delight.

Golden Globe develops up to 1 and 1.2 meters in height and diameter, respectively. The annual growth is 10 cm. The main thing is good lighting. Frost is experiencing 4+.

Tuya Danica

Thuja western Danica

Another representative of the thuja spherical family, but this time the representative is dwarf and green: the height of an adult Danica is 0.7-1 meter, the diameter is no more than one meter. Small size and green color make the variety relevant for planting in small groups, mainly 3 bushes.

Like the Golden Globe, Danica is welcome in rock gardens. Also, miniature needles can be used to decorate large containers and patios, along paths, along with flowers, creating wonderful mikborders.

Compared to the Golden Globe, the Danica does not require landing in a well-lit area. With a good organization of shelter, it winters favorably. It grows slowly - up to 10 cm per year, but retains the shape of a "soft pillow" without the need for frequent pruning.

Thuja Columna

Thuja western Columna

If the site is large, made in the Art Nouveau or Art Nouveau style, then you should pay attention to the slender and dark green Columna. At 10 years old, it can reach a height of 3 meters and a diameter of 0.7 meters. Despite its narrow crown, the needles grow quite luxuriantly, which makes Columna suitable for solitary growth. But mostly it is chosen for organizing high hedges. In addition to modern trends, narrow thuja is relevant in creating southern landscapes, in which Tuscan cypresses and poplars always take place.

Despite its lush appearance characteristic of the south, Columna is hardy. Therefore, it remains green even in winter. The coniferous giant needs to create only good lighting. Columna is also responsive to fertilizing, regular watering and shearing.

Tuya Smaragd

Thuja western Smaragd

The Smaragd variety closes the chain of leaders. The growth of this thuja and the narrowness of its top make it cone-shaped. At the age of ten, Smaragd reaches 2-2.5 meters in height and a meter in diameter. The western thuja in the garden does not stop at this, and continues to develop up to 4-5 meters. The appropriate height, coupled with a sharp top, makes Smaragd an ideal tree for group plantings if the garden is designed in a southern style, or for isolated cases when undersized flower beds lack a giant.

The versatility of Smaragda is also manifested in agricultural technology: the variety is resistant to an unstable climate, never loses its magical emerald color, and can grow in partial shade.

Summing up regarding the common varieties of Tui, it would not be superfluous to review the characteristics of each representative, but already in table format:

Table "Brief characteristics of varieties of thuja western"

On a note

Some designers have learned how to trim the "tops" to give a lush cone-shaped and columnar thuja a spiral shape. This look is best suited to modern styles. But it is convenient for a spherical thuja to set the image of animals, stars, etc.

Planting and caring for thuja

Reproduction of decorative needles is carried out by seed and cuttings. You can do it easier - buy an adult thuja or a more or less strengthened seedling in a large pot. But then you have to spend more money. In addition, a logical question arises: “how to choose a thuja?”. The guide here is simple:

1. Firstly, the highest quality products are sold in thematic establishments - in nurseries, garden shops;
2. Secondly, a good seedling emits a pleasant aroma of needles, has a fresh and bright color that matches the variety;
3. Thirdly, the absence of dry needles, brittle branches and various spots indicates that thuja agricultural technology was carried out with a bang;
4. Fourthly, when buying, you need to ask when irrigation was carried out (root watering and spraying), was the land fertilized? This will allow you to observe the correct mode of care for the thuja after its relocation.

Video "Tips when buying conifers - choose thuja"

Thuja planting time

Indeed, much still depends on the time when the landing is made. The fact is that the heroine of the topic must take root in a new place. To do this, she puts down fresh roots. In order for the corresponding process to proceed fruitfully, decorative needles must be planted in spring and summer, when the soil has time to warm up.

A hole is dug under each adult seedling. It should be twice as large as the earthy coma where the thuja grows. This is necessary so that the hole can be additionally filled with a nutrient substrate from three equal parts:

• Sod land - loosens the soil, equalizes the ratio of useful elements;
• Peat - saturates the earth with nitrogen and contributes to the preservation of moisture;
• River sand - stabilizes the drainage system.

If groundwater is high, the pit must be made 15 cm deeper in order to be able to fill its bottom with rubble, pebbles or broken bricks. This bedding will drain excess water down.

On a note

Adult thuja can be purchased in the fall. But then it will have to be kept indoors or on the balcony throughout the winter. Moreover, the plant will have to be covered with a film so that it enters the hibernation period.

Planting cuttings

The cuttings repeat the biological characteristics of the thuja from which they were plucked. Therefore, the cutting method of reproduction is widespread. Let's consider it step by step:

1. Firstly, thuja propagation by cuttings requires 15-20 cm seedlings aged 2-3 years. Accordingly, planting material must be taken from a long-term healthy thuja;
2. Secondly, the cuttings should not be cut, but broken off, pulling out the bark, so that a pod is formed at the end of the planting branch, which is also called the “heel” or “foot”. The latter on the reverse side has a large area for the growth of roots, which cannot be said about a straight cut;
3. Thirdly, for planting it is necessary to use a nutrient soil of three components (it was discussed above);
4. Fourthly, before planting, it is recommended to dip the root in a stimulant like Kornevin;
5. Fifth, planting holes are best done at a 45-degree slope. This will increase the capture of the "heel" by the earth and, accordingly, accelerate the rooting of seedlings, so as not to once again ask the question: "how to plant thuja?". The depth of the holes themselves should be 5-7 cm;

Sixthly, after planting, the seedlings should be poured with 10-15 liters of barely warm water. The latter will not only give impetus to the growth of the root system, but also warm the soil.

In order for the seedling to release more energy to the roots, 20-40% of the green needles growing along the edges of the branches can be cut. In the future, she will still grow

Planting seeds

With the seed method of reproduction of thuja, the varietal characteristics of the mother tree are not transmitted. Therefore, it is used mainly by breeders who want to develop a new variety. To do this, they collect small brown thuja fruits in late autumn, which form at its tips, and then stratify them. That is, the cones must first completely dry and open. So they are ready for wintering under a large layer of snow. Moreover, the fruits must be laid in bags, which will increase the level of survival to harsh conditions. In early spring, seeds should be planted in centimeter holes. The surviving cones will sprout, and it remains to take care of them, as required by the thuja agrotechnics of seedlings.

On a note! When planting-transplanting thuja, a lot of attention will have to be paid to the quality of lighting. From February to April, being unprepared for an increase in daylight hours, the thuja turns yellow and dries. Therefore, for the winter it is recommended to cover it with spandbond or spruce branches. The exception is light-loving varieties (Golden Globe, etc.). Also, thuja turns yellow after winter due to a lack of minerals in the soil. To fill this gap, in the spring the top layer of the earth must be mixed with fresh peat. This must be done carefully, because. thuja has a superficial root system. There will be no superfluous root dressing with fertilizer for plant wars

Diseases and pests of thuja

In general, yellowness and dryness can serve as signs of both improper care and the invasion of diseases and pests. It is very difficult to see thuja pests with the naked eye, because. among them there are:

• Spider mite;
• Coniferous aphid;
• bark beetle;
• leaf roller;
• Click beetle.

Fufanon proved to be excellent against the corresponding insects. But thuja diseases are best treated with Acrobat or Fundazol. They do an excellent job with the following ailments:

• Rust;
• False shield;
• Brown spotting;
• Phytophthora.

On a note

For effectiveness, fungicides for fungal diseases and pesticides for pests must be alternated every month. Moreover, spraying is necessarily preceded by pruning of the thuja: all dried branches must be removed with a pruner

As a result, the main care for thujas after planting includes:

1. Watering - every week (water consumption for each bush - 10-50 liters) or 2 times a week if it's hot;
2. Spraying from a hose - every week (thuja loves to take a "refreshing shower") or 2-3 times a week in hot weather;
3. Pruning - every 2-3 months;
4. Top dressing - 2 times per season;
5. Loosening - in the summer after each watering (surface roots should be tried not to damage);
6. Preventive treatment - every month.

On a note

Preparing the thuja for winter is carried out if the culture is young or belongs to low-growing spherical varieties. As already mentioned, spruce branches or spandbond are used for shelter. About how to cut the needles, its variety will tell, as well as the style that the gardener is striving for. Flight of fancy here is limitless

In pursuit of high-quality landscape design, it becomes clear how beautiful the thuja planting and care of which seem difficult only at first glance. If you approach the matter responsibly, the thuja will surely thank you with a wonderful coniferous charm!

Thuja columnar is a coniferous plant, the thuja has the shape of a cone, therefore, it easily fits into the landscape design. Such a plant will perfectly decorate your garden or yard. They are often used for landscape design of parks and squares. This plant is coniferous, therefore, it is always green in both summer and winter. If you take care of the thuja, cut it, feed it, then you can enjoy the aesthetic beauty of its crown, moreover, thanks to the conical shape, you can give this tree a variety of shapes with the help of garden shears.

How to properly grow thuja at home, how to plant and what care should this plant have? All these questions must be answered in order.

There are two ways to plant this tree, the first by sowing seeds, the second by using previously harvested young sprouts. Of course, the easiest way is to buy a young tree from gardeners and plant it at home. Such a tree does not require very careful care, unlike young sprouts. And most importantly, when buying a young tree, you do not need to wait decades to admire mature trees. Depending on the age of the tree, you can choose the appropriate height for it. So, for example, a thuja, which is 3 years old, will be about 25 cm tall, but at the age of 7 years old, it will be one and a half meters tall. Naturally, the older it is, the more expensive it will cost, so it's up to you to decide which one is better to buy for your garden.

If you decide to grow a thuja columnar house from seeds on your own, then you need to be patient and take into account some of the nuances of caring for this plant. To begin with, what do you need to know in order to plant a seed?

Seeds need to be collected in the fall, when they dry out, green ones are not suitable. The seeds are inside small cones, see the photo below.

For a sprout to grow from a seed. He got stronger and was ready for planting on the street, at least 5 years should pass. Although it is long, but there is a huge plus in this. A sprout that you have grown from a seed will take root much better than a sprout that was brought from another region and planted at home. Since, you will use the same soil for cultivation as when transplanting a young tree.

Plant a seed in the spring, the place must be sunny, plant the seed no deeper than 5 cm so that it germinates. The landing site must be sprinkled with old coniferous sawdust and old needles. After the sprout comes down, it must be covered with something from direct sunlight. The thing is, while the sprout is small and fragile, it can get burned and die. Take care of the sprout very carefully and carefully, be sure to get rid of weeds, otherwise they will clog the growth of the young thuja. The earth periodically needs to be loosened and watered, but do not flood, the water should not stand in puddles, the sprout may rot.

Young shoots can be fertilized with manure, but only diluted in warm water. For 10 liters of water, half a kilogram of manure.

In order to choose a place for planting a young tree, you need to consider several factors. For example, thuja grows up to 30 meters in height, and the life expectancy of such a tree is up to 100 years. Therefore, choose a place to plant where the growth of the tree will not infringe anything. Thuja grows slowly large sizes it will reach only after many years. At the age of 10 years - this tree will have a height of no more than three meters.

The soil must also be loamy, this tree simply will not tolerate other soil, and if the soil is not fertile, the plant will constantly turn yellow, and the branches will dry out. To avoid this, be sure to fertilize the soil before planting. You can use peat or any other garden fertilizer. Such a tree tolerates drought with ease, but it is still better to choose moist soil. Do not be afraid to plant thuja in the shade, it grows well in dark areas. Harsh winters this tree is not afraid, therefore, for the winter, no need for any additional protection. The only thing you need is a frame for young plants to protect the branches from breaking. In winter, due to heavy snow, the branches of a young plant may not support the weight of the snow and break.

Before planting thuja, prepare the soil. If you wish, you can fertilize it, if you chose peat for fertilizer, then do it correctly, otherwise you will burn the roots of the tree. First you need to dig a piece of land where your trees will grow, then lay out a thick layer of peat and cover with a film. After 7-10 days, the soil is ready for planting, do not remove the peat, but simply mix it with the ground.

If this method of fertilizer is not for you or you urgently need to plant a tree, then use natural fertilizer. Mix earth with manure and plant a tree there. The main thing to remember is that manure should not be fresh, it should be at least a month old. Fresh manure will negatively affect the plant, and it may dry out.

Dig a hole for a tree 20-30 cm deeper than the length of the roots of the plant, and 30 cm wider than the roots. Be sure to use drainage - this is necessary in order to excess moisture did not accumulate and the roots simply did not simply rot. Drainage is best done from broken bricks. Line the bottom of the hole with broken bricks, and then plant your tree.

Thuja is usually sold at different ages, therefore, its sizes will be different, keep in mind when planting that it will still grow, both up and in breadth. Therefore, when planting between trees, keep a distance of at least half a meter. The normal distance between trees is 2-3 meters, sometimes gardeners plant at a distance of 5 meters, but this is very rare. Classic fit thuja in rows, trees are planted in a line, next to each other and thus form the so-called "hedge".

Care for the thuja should be of high quality, firstly, it cannot be watered often, once a week, it will be enough. The soil needs to be loosened, dry old branches cut off. The tree needs top dressing, but it should be in moderation, if the plant is overfed, the branches will grow chaotically and rapidly. Because of this, the tree will not have an aesthetic appearance, its shape will be ugly, and it will also hurt very often.

Most The best way watering with a hose and special nozzles. Watering should be done in such a way as to mimic natural rain watering. Thus, you will nourish not only the roots of the tree, but also wash away dirt and dust from the needles, this will give it a tone and a fresh appearance.

In any case, this tree is always not only a decoration of the garden, but also plays the role of a hedge.