Almond shrubs are surprisingly beautiful small trees blooming in the gardens. They are especially effective during flowering in the spring. White-pink (or pure white) flowers, like foam, envelop the plant at a time when all the trees are still bare around. In addition, almonds bear fruit, and its fruits are very healthy.
Almonds have a root system that penetrates deep into the soil. This helps him tolerate drought. Shrubs (almonds) grow well and have a well-branched crown. If in winter the shoots freeze, then new shoots grow quickly. The bush blooms very early in May, sometimes even in April. By mid-summer, the fruits ripen. The peculiarity of the plant is that lovely flowers bloom first, and only then leaves appear. The flowers are quite large, single, jagged small leaves are collected in small bunches. When the fruits ripen, the pericarp becomes wrinkled and crack. It is from them that nuts fall. They taste sweet and bitter, and not all of them are edible.
Growing almonds on the plot, an ornamental shrub, is not difficult, but still there are some rules and restrictions. This frost-resistant plant tolerates frosty winters to -27 ° C without problems. But they do not tolerate such a cold during flowering, are not at all adapted to it in such a defenseless time.
Unpretentious shrubs (almonds) grow on any soil (except acidic). A place like bright, at least 6 hours a day in direct sunlight. If you plant them in the shade, then flowering can not wait.
Fertilizing is necessary, therefore, nitrogen is introduced in the spring, then phosphorus (nitrate, manure). As care, the soil is loosened around the trunk, weeding from weeds and watering. Especially moist soil is important during flowering.
For the development and proper formation of the crown, annual pruning is recommended. On the eve of flowering, you need to cut off all the extra and frozen shoots. Over the summer there will be a new shoot.
Almonds shrubs propagate by cuttings, root offspring, layering and seeds. Last fall planted in the ground freshly harvested. Be sure to stratify within 3-4 months. When the seedlings reach 30cm in height, they are transplanted to a permanent place. The first flowering can be obtained after 2 years.
Almonds have long been famous for their beneficial properties. Since ancient times, it has been used as a valuable nutritious product and medicinal plant. After all, it contains many minerals necessary for bone health. Almonds are also used for digestive problems and impaired renal function. It improves vision and heals wounds. Almond oil has a softening and nourishing effect. It is used to strengthen nails and hair, to heal the skin and for burns.
In Japan, there are entire gardens where almonds (shrubs) are planted. Photos of this stunning sight are simply mesmerizing! Once upon a time, such large-scale plantings were made for the imperial gardens. In general, in Japan, landscape gardening art expresses an ideological, peculiar attitude to nature, to the Japanese nation. During social upheavals and tribulations, Japanese gardens with flowering almonds were one of the few places where a person felt comfort and tranquility. Therefore, planting these shrubs, you can count on a sense of beauty and a sense of comfort.