Today, a large number of various ornamental plants are grown on personal plots. Previously, such trees, shrubs were rare. Today the market offers a huge selection of different plants. They are adapted to the characteristics of the domestic climate.
Ornamental trees and shrubs are able to decorate the landscape, make novelty and originality in the design. One of these plants is Korean fir. Features of the growth and care of this tree will be discussed later.
Description
Korean fir (photo below) belongs to the category of evergreen trees. It has a wide and fairly dense crown. Its shape visually resembles a cone. Young shoots are yellowish. They have a furrowed surface. Over time, young shoots become purple.
In trees ready for planting in the ground, the bark has a smooth texture. She is in this period is light gray. With age, the bark darkens and acquires a brownish-red hue. The tree can grow up to 15 m.
Branches cover upwardly curved needles. It has a rich green tint. The needles are tough enough. They cover the shoots with thick flooring. The length of the needles is about 15 mm. Moreover, their width is quite large - up to 2.5 mm. In young plants, the needles are stiff and prickly. With age, its apexes acquire a slightly pronounced notched shape. The needles at the base are shiny. They have two wide bright stripes here. The tops are distinguished by a dark green color.
Fir cones have a special shape. They have a cylindrical shape and can grow up to 7 cm in length and 2.8 cm in width. With age, they acquire a purple hue.
Natural habitat
Korean fir (photo can be considered further) is found in Korea. The main place to grow these evergreen trees is Jeju Island. Here, almost all forests consist of this type of fir. If a tree develops in conditions comfortable for it, it can live up to 150 years and even more.
Korean fir species prefer to grow in open areas. This plant loves light. It can develop in the shade, but the tree feels better in the open.
In the wild, this type of tree prefers slightly acidic, loamy or slightly alkaline soils. They need a fairly large amount of moisture. Therefore, they prefer to be near water bodies.
In nature, this type of fir can most often be found in the mountains. They like to grow at an altitude of 1-2 km above sea level.
Taxonomy
A photo of Korean fir, the description of which should be considered before purchase, can be studied further. This tree was first included in the classification of conifers in 1907. Its description is similar to other members of the family. However, there are a number of obvious differences.
The official name for this plant is Abies Koreana. The tree belongs to the class of Conifers . She enters a large department of gymnosperms. Abies Koreana is also a member of the Pinaceae family (translated from Pine). The plant got its name solely due to its place of growth.
Over time, fir began to grow in Europe and Russia. The tree is adapted to the climatic conditions of the middle zone of our country. Therefore, it is actively grown in various household plots. Due to the peculiarities of its development in the wild, the fir of this species has a powerful root system. This allows the tree to hold firmly on rocky terrain, withstand wind and weather.
Varieties
In our country, various varieties of Korean fir are grown. They differ not only in appearance, but also in developmental features, requirements for environmental conditions. Experts say that by choosing a variety of fir at random, you can subsequently regret such a rash act.
Site conditions must satisfy the plant's requirements for growing conditions. Otherwise, it simply cannot develop here and die. Also existing varieties of fir of this species can vary significantly in size. There are tall and short trees.
Varieties may differ visually in the shape of the crown, the color of the needles. The shape of the cones also varies. This plant is planted for decorative purposes. It is also able to provide a large amount of oxygen in the area. In order not to make a mistake in the choice, you need to consider the features of the most popular varieties.
Varieties of Silverberlock and Diamond
In our country, a variety of Korean fir silverberlock is popular. This is a fairly tall plant. It grows up to 5 m tall and even higher. Therefore, planting it on its site, you need to provide around a sufficient amount of free space. Also, this variety is not suitable for small, limited spaces.
Gardeners note that Silberlock grows quite slowly (no more than 12 cm / year). Another disadvantage is the fragility of the branches. However, the appearance of the needles is very unusual and beautiful. She resembles her curls. The plant is suitable for growth in cold climates, is not afraid of severe frosts. Silberlok firs feel good on loose, acidic soils.
For small household plots, it is recommended to plant a dwarf grade Diamond. His crown visually resembles a pillow. Fir reaches a diameter of only 65 cm. It is about 50 cm high. The needles are soft and have a bluish tint from the bottom. Cones do not appear. This variety is very fond of light and does not tolerate drafts. The soil should be slightly acidic, loose.
Grade Molly
The description of Korean fir can vary significantly for each variety. So, the tallest tree of this species, which is cultivated in the Russian climate, is Molly. This fir can grow up to 7 m high. Its crown has a conical crown. In this case, the tree is distinguished by gentle branches. They can reach up to 50 cm long.
This type of fir requires a lot of free space. It is planted in spacious garden plots, in parks and squares. Molly has unusual bumps. They are very beautiful, differ in a blue-violet shade. The needles of this tree have a dark green color. Bottom needles have a silvery sheen.
Molly loves to grow in spacious but enclosed areas. The plant does not tolerate drafts. Also, fir is demanding on the amount of light. It should be a lot. The plant does not need abundant watering. However, Molly does not like drought.
Low-growing varieties Compact and Blue Emperor
The undersized varieties of Korean fir are Compact and Blue Emperor. The first of these plants belongs to the category of dwarf trees. In height, it reaches 80 cm. The shape is symmetrical, beautiful. The color of the needles is blue. Virtually no bumps. The variety loves open terrain and plenty of sun. The compact grows well on clay soils. This variety can decorate any site.
A somewhat large size is characterized by the Blue Emperor variety. This plant reaches a height of 1.5 m. This is a good option for both a small and spacious area. This is the only variety of firs of the presented type, which prefers to grow in the shade.
The needles of the Blue Emperor variety are very thick, but short. It is soft, pleasant to the touch. It has a purple hue. This gives the tree an unusual look. Cones also differ in a similar shade. They can be purple or bluish. This variety is not afraid of the wind. It is planted even next to fruit plants. Such fir protects other trees from the winds.
Preparation for landing
Korean fir, the planting and care of which require certain theoretical knowledge, needs to be examined in detail. It will depend on whether the tree can take root on the site. In the wild, this plant grows in the temperate and subtropical climatic zones. It is important to choose the right place for landing.
When choosing a site on which a seedling will grow, you need to be guided by the characteristics and requirements of a particular variety. Most firs of this species prefer light. They do not tolerate drafts, so the site should be protected from a gust of wind. The root system will need enough space. It is also worth considering the size of a fir grade.
Fir trees of this species do not have high soil requirements. It may not contain a large amount of nutrients. Soil can be almost anything. The tree will grow even on loamy soil types. However, it feels more comfortable on light sandy soils. To ensure the stable and proper development of the seedling, you need to add organic fertilizers to the soil. The tree will not grow in areas where water collects and stagnates.
Landing rules
Choosing the right place for planting Korean fir, you can begin to implement this process. It is important to choose the right time for such work. Landing is carried out in early spring. The procedure must be carried out before young shoots appear on the tree.
You can transplant fir, whose age has reached 4 years. Younger seedlings will not be able to adapt and develop in new conditions. In the summer, they most likely will not withstand the heat. Even if the tree can survive this period, it will freeze in winter. Also, a transplant is performed if the tree has not reached the age of 10 years.
Dig a hole in accordance with the characteristics of the root system of the variety. It should have a depth of 50 to 85 cm. Humus and peat mixed with earth are poured into the pit. These components fall asleep. On its slopes spread the roots of fir. Then they are covered with soil. The root neck should not be deep underground. Fir is watered with 2-3 buckets of water.
Care Rules
Korean fir, the care of which depends on the season, type of soil, type of tree, is quite simple. Dwarf varieties are planted in special containers. Their watering and top dressing should be done more often. In such containers they are limited in access to the necessary components for harmonious growth.
Watering should be carried out more often for seedlings and young trees. Their root system has not yet been fixed. Therefore, they need more water. Watering recently planted firs is carried out at least 3 times a month. Young trees can be watered 2-3 times a season. If the weather is hot and dry, you can carry out this procedure more often.
After watering, the soil near the fir must be loosened. So that the air flows well to the roots, you need to add sawdust near the trunk of the fir. This procedure is carried out in the fall and spring. Young trees need to be covered with paper for the winter. It is impossible to wrap them.
Feeding and trimming
Korean fir does not require a large number of top dressings. Fertilizers are applied to the soil 5 years after planting. In this case, special compositions intended for conifers are used.
Fir branches do not need to be trimmed. However, to give the plant greater splendor, you can use special care. It is necessary to ennoble the shoots that grow in the center. Every year, dry branches and cones must be removed from the tree. This procedure gives the plant a greater decorative effect.
It should be borne in mind that when planting fir, you should not transfer it to another place. The plant does not tolerate such stress well. Therefore, the choice of place for landing should be treated responsibly.
Fir Reviews
Korean fir, according to gardeners, is a fairly hardy, picky plant. It is able to decorate any household or summer cottage.
The plant is susceptible to various diseases and pests. The most dangerous among them are the spider mite, aphid-hermes, pseudoscutis, as well as the fir moth. Against these parasites, it is necessary to carry out appropriate preventive measures. Also, the tree is susceptible to fungal diseases. Therefore, it is not recommended to trim it.
Landscaping fir
Landscaping is actively applying this beautiful, original plant to create various compositions. This species looks good on the background of both deciduous and coniferous plants. Compositions of fir of this species with birch, juniper, cypress look harmonious.
Dwarf varieties are planted in tubs on rocky areas. From them you can form beautiful fences. Tall firs should be planted separately. They grow, forming a lush green crown. She does not lose her color in summer and winter.
Having considered the features of Korean fir, the requirements for its cultivation, we can decide on the appropriateness of using this plant in the landscape design of your garden or summer cottage.