The evergreen tree, which our ancestors identified with the house for spirits and considered to have magical powers, is not only a spruce and a pine, it also includes numerous species of arborvitae. Varieties are surprised by the variety of shapes and colors, some have a high conical shape, others are small and spread on the surface of the earth.
Healing properties
Inhalation of thuja therapeutic vapors relieves accumulated fatigue and stress, quickly recovers after an illness. This species of conifers emits a large number of volatile and biologically active substances, inhibits the reproduction of harmful microorganisms, and has a healing effect on the body. Air filled with volatile production stimulates the human immune system to strengthen. Numerous European countries have legislatively secured the landing of thujas near hospitals, child care facilities and office buildings.
The selection of dwarf conifers available for home gardeners has increased significantly in the last decade. Western thuja Teddy is a relatively new variety of ornamental conifers, but it has already become very common in Europe. Due to their neat growth and evergreen leaves, they are recommended for creating alpine slides, decorating landscapes, heather gardens, restricting zones, and well-decorated Japanese-style rocky gardens. For those who live in cities, dwarf thuja can serve as a wonderful decoration for balconies, terraces and loggias. Colors range from blue-green to dark green; at extreme temperatures, the color changes from golden to bronze. It feels good in winter at low temperatures, but can change color to brown. Unpretentious in care, durable, ideal for small sunny patios. Due to the unusual magnificent appearance, she was given the name - Teddy Bear.
Appearance
This native of eastern North America grows wild in moist forests, where it is commonly called the "tree of life." The root system of these trees is branched and located on the surface, does not like solid compacted soil. In height, they vary in size from 0.5 m to 1.2 m.
Among the smallest evergreen shrubs , the western Teddy thuja is known, which has a globe shape from 0.3 m to 0.6 m high, thin, densely spaced shoots with needles, while not prickly. Has a spherical crown, which with age becomes more loose.
Growth rate
The western thuja Teddy is growing quite slowly. According to the American Conifer Society, dwarf conifers grow from 7 to 15 cm per year, reaching sizes from 1 to 2 meters ranging from 10 to 15 years. Although their final growth is always taken into account when planting, these small evergreens will change the appearance of the landscape very slowly.
Landing instructions
The plant grown in the container is abundantly watered.
Dig a hole twice the size of the width of the root.
If the soil is in very poor condition, add compost and drainage of expanded clay and gravel 15 cm thick into the pit. Fresh manure is unacceptable.
Carefully move the tree from the container and place it in the hole.
Around the root, soil, sand and peat are poured in a ratio of 1: 1: 1 and compacted.
Thoroughly watered.
It is advisable to sprinkle the soil around the planted plant with pine bark, peat or mowed grass. This makes it possible to keep moisture at the roots and nutrients during watering.
In winter, a spruce tree lies at the roots, which scares away field mice and prevents them from digging up the plant.
Care
In the first year after planting, regular watering is needed, this requires the root system, which has a thuja western Teddy. Planting and care takes place in acidic, slightly alkaline and well-drained soil. The need for water is moderate, plants prefer constantly moist soil and air, do not tolerate wetlands or chronically dry land. Weekly watering stimulates good growth; irrigation is increased during hot, dry periods in the morning or evening. They grow best in well-warmed and sunlit areas, although many varieties can tear down shaded areas. If the dwarf thuja grows in poor soil, the addition of fertilizers is necessary. The recommendations for fertilizing are different, but there is a common opinion - to apply fertilizers in small quantities in the spring, after the snow has melted and the earth has softened. When overfertilized with fertilizers, it can quickly grow and lose its round shape. Fertilizers containing herbicides should be avoided. A young, recently planted bush is best hidden, covering it with covering material or kraft paper.
Pruning and protection
The western thuja Teddy is best formed in the spring, although pruning is not necessary for this species, as it maintains its shape well without external help. Constant soil moisture and good air circulation contribute to healthy growth. Winter shedding of the inner brown foliage is part of the normal growth process.
Depending on the variety and location, dwarf thuja can be attacked by a spider mite, bugs or insects. To control pests, an evergreen plant is treated with fungicides. For the prevention of fungal diseases, Bordeaux liquid 1% can be used. If the bush has been attacked by aphids, insecticide treatment is necessary for a period of 7-10 days.