Evergreen thuja are loved by gardeners and professional landscape designers, because they will delight you 12 months a year with their greenery and splendor of the crown. Thuja have an amazing ability to purify the air, filling the garden with a subtle resinous aroma. Tui can be safely called conifers, which occupy a leading position in the garden. A variety of crown shapes, heights, colors of needles give a wide range of applications in landscape design. Tall varieties form dense and dense hedges, spherical and topiary forms act as tapeworms on an emerald lawn, and dwarf varieties are snugly located in rockeries and rock gardens. Thuja western - the most common type, has many varieties, from which you can create almost any design solution.
General description of thuja
Thuja has excellent decorative properties. Considering a photo of a western thuja, you can get a certain idea of how it will look in the landscape.
This tree is very durable. Many gardeners are engaged in breeding it; it is quite popular with landscape designers. Wood is used for carving and furniture making.
The crown of the tree has a pyramidal or oval shape, the roots are compact. The tree is characterized by slow growth, reaching a height of 12-20 meters.
The young plant has a smooth bark, its color is red-brown, with age the bark acquires a gray-brown tint. In an old tree, it peels off, narrow stripes are separated from the trunk.
Thuja needles are scaly green, have a size of 0.2-0.4 cm, fit snugly to the branches. In winter, it acquires a brownish color. The lifespan of the needles is 2-3 years, after this period it falls off along with the small branches.
The fruits are small scaly buds (8-12 mm in diameter). The wood of almost all varieties of this plant is reddish, has a pleasant coniferous smell, and is resistant to decay.
Variations of coniferous forms
For most people, conifers are Christmas trees and pines, which are usually decorated on New Year's holidays. They also include Siberian and Lebanese cedars, and how they differ is not known to the inhabitants. What the branches of larch, thuja, cypress or juniper look like are lost in conjecture.
It is interesting. Each conifer species has its own subspecies, with large variations in the color of the cones or berries, the shape of the crown and the length of the needles. Italian weeping pines are the same pines, but the needles can reach 20-30 cm in length. And there are coniferous forms with large purple cones and small red, rose-like cones. For landscaping arboretums, a juniper with blue edible berries is used, and the variety with bright red fruits is poisonous. Young branches of decorative fir trees can have a light green, golden and blue hue, examples are in the photo.
Coniferous composition at their summer cottage
Decorating a summer cottage with conifers
When choosing coniferous compositions in landscape design, it is advisable to get acquainted in more detail with the species diversity of these relict plants. Botanists claim that conifers or gymnosperms reigned in the era of dinosaurs, replacing the era of treelike horsetails and ferns.But they also find it difficult to answer how many natural varieties and subspecies these representatives of the kingdom of flora and fauna have.
Scientists annually discover new endemics in the impenetrable virgin forests, which are used by breeders to breed decorative subspecies.
Landscaping with conifers
Landscape design in a coniferous composition
The main classification of conifers in nurseries is according to the shape of the crown:
- spherical;
- ovoid,
- spiral;
- spreading flat-topped;
- weeping;
- pyramidal;
- columnar;
- oval;
- creeping (flat);
- squat;
- rare crown.
There are also the following forms:
- tall;
- medium-sized;
- undersized;
- creeping.
Attention! Over time, low-growing plants will look like medium-sized, dwarf and compact conifers will take up more space. You should not plant them densely, so as not to spoil the original concept in landscape design.
Cottage design with conifers
Coniferous composition at their summer cottage
Thuja western Brabant
The columnar crown is 1.5 meters in diameter and reaches a height of five meters. The green shade of the needles changes to brown in winter. During the year, it increases in height by 30-35 cm, in width - by 15 cm.
Frost-resistant, easy to care for. It can be planted both in well-lit and shaded areas. However, the plant must be protected from strong winds.
A haircut allows him to form a beautiful crown. It has brown buds about 1 cm in size. Great for use in hedges and alleys.
What types and varieties of thuja are used in landscape design
The genus Thuja of the Cypress family is represented mainly by evergreen shrubs. But it also includes several types of tall trees, growing up to 70 m in height with a trunk girth of up to 6 m. In landscape gardening design, there has long been a tradition of using a small group of thujas. It consists of plants with the most spectacular crown, hardy and not requiring complex maintenance.
Pyramidal
Thuja is associated with many people with a tree with a pyramidal crown. And this is no coincidence, since it is these specimens that are most widely used in the design of gardens and parks.
Belokonchikovaya
The genus Western thuja includes several varieties, among which Belokonchikovaya (Alba) is the most decorative. This is a tall tree (up to 6 m), the crown of which reaches 2.5 m in diameter. Slow-growing with an annual growth of no more than 15 cm, it is most effective in the first years of life. At this time, the color of the needles is brighter and more intense.
On average, a tree lives for about 200 years. Alba is highly resistant to severe frosts and droughts, and is recommended for growing in regions with harsh climates. In landscape design, it is mainly used as a solo plant.
Thuja brings positive energy to any landscape
Pyramidalis compact
Artificially bred dwarf thuja is a low tree or shrub. As it grows, the pyramidal crown becomes more and more dense, it can change its shape to ovoid. The needles are dense and dense, of a rich green color; young plants have a pronounced bluish tint. It has a small annual growth and is suitable for hedges.
Thuja Pyramidalis compacta prefers well-drained soils
Yellow Ribbon
Another representative of the western thuja genus. Differs in a conical, well-defined crown with yellow-golden needles. At a young age, sensitive to cold snaps and frosts, requires insulation for the winter. After 5–7 years, it acquires endurance and frost resistance.The shoots of the current year are distinguished by the brightness of the needles with a yellow-orange tint.
It belongs to the number of slow-growing trees, by the age of 15 it reaches a height of no more than 2 m. In this regard, it is of particular value for decorating a garden: for many years it retains its beautiful shape without growing into a tree with a bare lower part of the trunk.
Once a year in the spring, thuja Yellow Ribbon requires pruning of shoots
Columna
The crown of this beautiful thuja is rather columnar than pyramidal. The branches of the tree are short, close to each other, extending horizontally from the trunk. Like all other members of the genus, it grows slowly. Reaches 10 m in height.
Over the year it grows in width by no more than 5 cm. It is undemanding to the quality of the soil, it is distinguished by high winter hardiness. In landscape design, it is most effective as a tapeworm. Good in a group of 2-3 evergreens.
Thuja Columna is quite resistant to urban smog
Emerald
A beautiful tree that grows up to 3 m. One of the most demanded in design and landscaping. The color of the needles is constant throughout the life of the plant. Thuja is undemanding to the quality of the soil, but grows best on breathable, nutrient-rich soils.
It is important that the surface layer does not dry out, which requires regular watering. The tree is effective in single plantings and group compositions. When choosing a place for a plant, it is necessary to take into account the required protection from the wind.
Thuja Smaragd can be grown in a container
Columnar
Tall tree up to 8 m tall. Grows well in the shade, winter-hardy and drought-resistant. Prefers loams. It has a spectacular conical crown with dense needles. When grown on soils with an insufficient amount of nutrients, it does not lose its decorative effect, but the needles acquire a yellowish tint.
It is an excellent choice for the formation of hedges. When properly cut, forms an impenetrable barbed wall.
Thuja Columnar can be used for any garden composition
Holmstrup
A beautiful tree 3–3.5 m high. In the lower part, the crown diameter reaches 100 cm. The branches are curved at the ends, often intertwined, which gives the plant a certain curl appearance. Dense crown of a pyramidal shape. The needles are juicy green and do not change their color. The tree has shown high winter hardiness, tolerates long-term lack of watering well.
Landscape designers recommend it to those gardeners who do not want or do not have time to regularly care for the plant. Holmstrup is unpretentious and will grow in any conditions. Thuja is great for creating hedges. Often in the design of the site they use this technique: they plant three trees in a triangle, at a distance of 60–80 cm from each other. In such a composition, each copy is clearly visible.
In the shade of the crown of Tui Holmstrup thins due to the lack of photosynthesis
Spherical (round)
In the group of thuja with a spherical crown, mainly low and medium-sized plants. Such shrubs are not used to create hedges. Round-crowned trees look most advantageous in single and group plantings.
Danica
One of the dwarf species with a maximum trunk height of up to 60 cm. A distinctive feature is dense dense scaly needles of a beautiful bright green color. Due to its high decorativeness, it is very popular with landscape designers. It is used in the design of alpine hills, adjoining territories, to create evergreen flower beds. Among the advantages of this tree are shade tolerance, unpretentiousness and good winter hardiness.
In the first winter after planting Tui Danica needs shelter
Woodwardy
Another representative of the group of dwarf evergreens. Has a wide, rounded crown. Its diameter, with a tree height of 1.5 m, can reach 3.5 m.
Very beautiful in single plantings, surrounded by tall trees and medium-sized deciduous shrubs. The crown is formed by straight and flat branches growing perpendicular to the trunk. The color of the needles is dark green, does not lose its saturation throughout the year.
Thuja Woodwardi endures winter frosts almost throughout Russia
Teddy
A low tree with a crown close in shape to the correct spherical. The maximum diameter is 50–60 cm. It has a very slow growth, so it does not require annual molding. Thuja is frost-resistant, prefers moist soils. Grows equally well in places exposed to sunlight and in the shade.
Ideal for container growing. It is widely used to decorate patios, verandas, rockeries and gazebos. In single plantings, it looks most impressive against the background of rocky embankments.
dwarf thuja Teddy is popular on the alpine slide
Teeny Tim
One of the most beautiful dwarf thujas with a spherical crown. The maximum height is 1 m, but under normal conditions it does not grow higher than 50 cm. It is distinguished by the dense branches and reddish peeling bark. The needles are dark green.
Thuja grows extremely slowly. By the age of 10, it reaches a height of 30 cm. At the same time, the crown diameter is at least 40 cm. Recommended for growing in containers. Traditionally planted on alpine hills, along garden paths, in flower beds.
Tuya Tini Tim was bred relatively recently - in 1955
Aurea Nana
A tree up to 60 cm high with an oval crown extended upwards. The needles are yellow-green, in the cold season it takes on a brown tint. The plant is winter-hardy, grows best on fertile soils.
Requires protection from the wind and the scorching rays of the sun. It is advisable to plant in partial shade, not far from solid fences or dense thickets.
Tuya Aureya nana looks good in mixborders
Globoza
A medium-sized tree with a height of 1–1.2 m does not require crown formation: a few years after planting, it will itself acquire the correct round shape. The width of the crown is usually equal to the height of the tree.
Annual growth is no more than 5 cm. The branches are dense, stretching up and intertwining with each other. The needles are bright green until autumn. With the onset of cold weather, it takes on a brown tint. When grown in the shade, the crown may lose its density - it becomes looser and thinner.
That Globoza can be formed in the form of a standard tree
Golden
Thuja with golden needles are highly decorative. They bring a special flavor to the plantings of evergreens and are spectacular in compositions with deciduous ones.
Reingold
Popular in landscape design due to its high decorative value. The broad, dense crown of an ovoid shape has a golden yellow color. At the age of 10, the height of the tree is only 1 m.The annual growth is no more than 10 cm.
At a young age, the needles are needle-like, subsequently becoming scaly. Thuja of this variety is demanding on soil fertility. This fact must be taken into account when choosing a place for planting, regularly feed the plant and water it. The tree does not tolerate drought well, shows high winter hardiness.
Even a dull landscape Tuya Reingold can give a joyful mood
Sunkist
Medium-sized shrub with a wide conical crown of golden-yellow needles. When grown in the shade, it darkens and turns green. The branches are slightly twisted and intertwined, maintaining the shape of the crown well.
To preserve decorativeness, the growing conditions must be observed: the soil must be fertile, it must not be allowed to dry out. Sunkist is good for single plantings, is used to create low hedges, and is also grown in containers.
Tuya Sankist tolerates a haircut well for shaping the crown
Golden Tuffet
One of the varieties of western thuja, which has full-fledged needles like evergreens.The crown is round, flattened, outwardly reminiscent of a mushroom cap. The maximum height is 60 cm.In northern latitudes, it grows up to 30 cm.At the same time, the crown remains wide: at least 1 m in diameter.
The name of the tree in translation means "golden mound", which is quite consistent with its appearance. The color of the needles is warm golden, by winter it takes on a bronze tint.
In the shade, the exquisite color of thuja Golden Taffet fades
Thuja western Smaragd
A conical, rather dense crown is characteristic. Thuja reaches a height of 4.5 meters. In the cold season, the needles retain their dark green color.
This variety grows very slowly, which avoids frequent haircuts and simplifies maintenance. Smaragd is a frost-hardy and photophilous variety, but needs protection from too low temperatures and winds.
Transfer
If a thuja transplant is required, especially when you need to transplant a grown specimen to another place, pierce the soil around the trunk at a distance of about half a meter.
Then pry the root system with a shovel (preferably with helpers, pry it simultaneously with three shovels on three sides) and pull out the root along with a lump of soil.
Without destroying the lump, move the tree to a new place and lower it into the hole dug in advance. Sprinkle with soil, tamp and pour.
Columna
The narrow, columnar crown is about 7 meters high and 1.5 meters in diameter. The shoots are arranged horizontally, the color of the needles does not change in the cold season. Adds about twenty centimeters in height per year.
Needs abundant watering, does not tolerate dry soil.
Reproduction
Usually thuja is propagated by cuttings, they do it in autumn or spring. Cut off the apical shoot, reaching 15-20 cm, with a "heel". It is treated with a growth stimulant and deepened into the prepared substrate (a mixture of earth and peat, calcined in the oven and spilled with manganese).
The most important thing is to regularly moisten the soil using a spray bottle. However, this should be done in moderation - with excessive watering, young roots can rot. For effective rooting, cuttings are placed in a greenhouse or covered with a glass container.
Fastigiata
It is frost-resistant, the crown has branches tightly pressed to the trunk. It has soft needles, the color of which remains unchanged throughout the year. Strong aroma is characteristic.
Reaches six meters in height, and the growth per year is 30 cm. Frequent haircuts are required, needs a moist loamy substrate.
How to plant
If you are experienced in tree planting, success is almost guaranteed. Since it is recommended to plant thuja using conventional technology.
The depth and width of the hole depends on the size of the seedling, which is usually taken along with the clod of soil.
Dig a hole with a depth of 25-30 cm, and a width of 30-40 cm. Pour earth mixed with a small amount of humus at the bottom.
Moisten the roots well. Place the seedling strictly in the middle of the pit. Carefully straighten the roots and bury.
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The root collar should be above ground level. Compact the hole and water liberally.
When all the water is absorbed into the ground, mulch the trunk space. To do this, you can take wood chips, pine cones, shavings. This will help retain moisture in the soil and protect the roots in hot or cold weather.
Claude of Gold
It is a shrub of two meters in height, the cone-shaped crown has a diameter of 1.2 meters. The needles are most often lemon-colored, there are also yellowish-orange species. In winter, it changes its color to copper.
Caring for it is simple, a bright place with protection from the wind is required. In poor lighting conditions, the color may fade. It tolerates drought well, poorly - too abundant watering. Looks great in compositions with other plants.
Care after landing
During the first month after planting the seedling, watering is necessary. This should be done once a week. The approximate water consumption per plant is 8-10 liters. Thuja also loves sprinkling. This procedure is especially good on dry days. Allows not only to saturate the roots with moisture, but also to remove dust.
After the tree grows up, the number of waterings will need to be increased 2-3 times. Many novice gardeners believe that such a noble plant as thuja needs careful care, a lot of effort and time. In reality, this is not entirely true. Not much more attention is needed than other tree species. The main care is watering, feeding, circumcision (does not apply to all thujas) and preparation for cold weather.
Formed crowns Source
Particular attention should be paid to young trees planted in autumn, since the roots did not have time to get stronger and it will be more difficult to endure the cold.
Thuja are not demanding for feeding, but they should be saturated 2-3 times per season. 1 time in the spring, and the rest during the summer. It is recommended not to remove the fallen needles; in the process of decomposition, it turns into organic fertilizing.
There is no need to use fertilizers and water in the fall, at this time the tree is being prepared for winter. Young plants should be covered with spunbond-like sheaths. A layer of sawdust or peat is poured around the trunk: this approach allows you to protect the roots of the tree from frost. In the spring, this can simply be spread evenly around the tree like mulch.
In regions where a large amount of snow falls in winter, branches should be tied to mature trees that do not take shelter in the cold. So that the snow doesn't break them, crushing them with its weight.
Thuja should be trimmed in spring and summer. Many varieties are sheared to give shape, an aesthetic appearance, and some need only sanitary cutting, cutting off dying and drying branches with a pruner.
There are times when the trunk of a thuja is bifurcated. It is necessary to completely remove one, then the tree will continue to grow with one trunk and will delight the owner's eye.
Design in the courtyard of the house
Gardeners reviews
According to the description of gardeners, thuja Amber takes root well and grows in temperate climates, but it is better to insulate it for the winter, protect it from wet snow and strong winds (especially young plants).
Evergreen crops with yellow needles are no longer a rarity today, and all thanks to the work of breeders. One of these amazing plants is the western thuja variety Amber (Thuja occidentalis Jantar). Its elegant look will delight everyone who sees this culture in your garden. It will not be difficult for you to take care of this ephedra, since it is not too picky about growing and care conditions.
Wintering
Trees less than five years old should be covered with spruce branches. Place a thick trunk of mulch such as peat, pine cones, or pine needles around the trunk.
If there is a lot of snow during winter, the branches can break under heavy weight. To prevent the unpleasant consequences of snowfalls, experienced gardeners in the fall fix the crown with a rope.
In the last days of February, it is advisable to cover the plant with light material that will protect the green branches from direct sunlight.
Sometimes the bark undergoes cracking as a result of large temperature fluctuations during the night and during the day. With the first thaw, such cracks must be covered with garden var.
Diseases and pests
Fusarium, Thomas and others mushrooms are the most common cause of lesions. An effective remedy for tree restoration is cardocide and Bordeaux liquid.
Processing is done with the onset of the spring thaw with an interval of fifteen days until complete recovery.
If the thuja has turned yellow, look for pests. Of the harmful insects, thuja aphids and false shields should be distinguished. From their invasion, the needles turn yellow and begin to fall off.
Measures to combat these pests are spraying with rogor or karbofos two to three times a month.
