Thuja douglas pyramidalis. Thuja occidentalis - which winter-hardy varieties should you prefer? Types of thuja occidentalis

Western thuja (Latin name Thúja occidentális) is an evergreen tree of the Cypress family. The homeland of the thuja is North America; the plant was brought to Europe in the mid-16th century by Spanish and Portuguese sailors.

general information

The name "thuja" in Greek means sacrifice or incense. The fact is that when the wood of some types of thuja burns, a pleasant aroma is released, so it was used during worship and sacrifices.

Western thuja (occidentalis) is a tree with valuable strong and durable wood and tall decorative qualities, therefore it is bred everywhere, pursuing their own goals, which are different for gardeners, landscape designers, clergy, woodcarvers and furniture makers.

Description: Thuja occidentalis grows up to 12-20 meters, has a compact pyramidal or oval crown, and a compact root system. It grows slowly.

The bark of a young thuja is smooth, red-brown in color, over time it becomes gray-brown, and in old age it begins to peel off, separating long narrow strips.

The needles differ from the needles of other evergreen trees - they are scale-like and acquire a brownish tint in winter. The needles are small in size - 0.2-0.4 cm, tightly pressed to the branches. The needles live for 2-3 years, after which they fall off with small branches.

The fruits are small cones, 8-12 mm in size, scaly. Each cone contains two seeds with yellow wings.

The wood of almost all types of thuja is reddish in color, soft but durable, with a pleasant pine aroma, has no resin passages, is resistant to putrefactive bacteria.

Variety of varieties

Grow in nature different kinds thuja, on the basis of which various varieties were bred for planting in gardens and parks. In Russia, thuja occidentalis is represented by 10-14 winter-hardy varieties. Let us name some varieties of western thuja, adapted to Russian conditions, and provide a brief description of them.

(occidentalis Brabant) - a tree with a columnar crown and green needles that turn brown in winter time. Height is 4-5 meters, crown diameter is 1.5 meters, per year the growth in height reaches 30-35 cm, and in width - 15 cm.

Brabant is a frost-resistant variety that does not require complex care. Can be planted in sunny or shaded areas, but strong winds thuja must be protected. It tolerates shearing well, which allows you to form the desired crown shape. The cones are brown, small - within 1 cm, ripen in autumn. The variety is suitable for planting in alleys and hedges.

Variety Smaragd (occidentalis Smaragd) is a tree with a crown of dense structure and conical shape. Up to 4.5 meters high. The needles are dark green; in winter the color remains the same.

It grows very slowly, so frequent pruning is not needed, which makes care much easier. Smaragd is a light-loving, frost-resistant tree, but it must be protected from severe frosts and drafts.

Variety Columna (occidentalis Columna) - the tree is distinguished by a narrow, compact columnar crown and a height of about 7 meters, with a diameter of up to one and a half meters. The shoots are horizontal, dense, the needles are dark green, their color almost does not change in winter.

Height growth is about 20 cm per year. Does not tolerate drought well - caring for it requires abundant watering.

Variety Holmstrup (occidentalis Holmstrup) is a low tree, up to 3.5 meters in height, with a columnar crown with a diameter of 1 meter. The needles are green and do not change depending on the season.

It grows slowly - about 12 cm in height and 3-4 cm in width, does not require frequent pruning, and tolerates it well. It grows well in any soil, is resistant to frost and temperature changes, and can be planted in sunny or slightly shaded places. All this makes caring for Thuja Holmstrup quite easy.

The Fastigiata variety (occidentalis Fastigiata) is a winter-hardy tree with a columnar crown and branches compactly pressed to the trunk. The needles are soft, green in color, and do not change depending on the season. It has a strong aroma. It grows up to 6 meters in height, with an annual growth of about 30 cm. The cones are small and brown in color.

Caring for fastigiata consists of frequent cutting, watering, and mulching the soil with pine needles, which over time becomes fertilizer for it.

Prefers moderately moist loamy soil; planting in marshy areas is allowed, but with a high-quality drainage system.

Variety Sunkist (occidentalis ‘Sunkist’) is a frost-resistant tree or shrub 3-5 meters high, with a conical crown 1-2 meters in diameter. The branches are thick, lush, the needles are bright, golden, becoming lemon yellow with age, turning bronze in winter.

Growth is slow, in 10 years it grows up to two meters in height. Easily tolerates cutting and crown formation. Care is not difficult, but it does not tolerate drought well. With a lack of moisture, mass seed production begins, which is why the decorative effect suffers. Lack of light negatively affects the quality and shade of needles. Suitable for single planting or together with other trees and shrubs.

Variety Wagneri (occidentalis Wagneri) is a frost-resistant tree with a dense ovoid crown up to 3.5 meters high and about one and a half meters wide. The branches are vertical, drooping. The needles are gray-green in color, turning copper in winter. The growth is average, the crown shape is maintained well, so pruning does not need to be done too often.

No special care is required, but it is demanding on the soil; it can be planted in an open, bright place. The variety was bred for planting in alleys and containers.

Variety Cloth of Gold (occidentalis Cloth of Gold) – frost-resistant shrub about two meters high and a crown up to 1.2 meters in diameter. The crown is conical in shape, the needles are needle-shaped or scaly, lemon-yellow or yellow-orange in shade, and in winter it becomes copper-colored.

It grows slowly and requires simple care. It is better to plant the shrub in a bright place, protected from winds and drafts; in the shade the needles fade. Grows well in moderate, alkaline, fertile soil. Tolerant to drought, does not tolerate waterlogging well. The variety is suitable for planting in alleys and in compositions with other shrubs and trees.

Not only the western thuja is suitable for planting and growing in Russia, but also the oriental thuja (Thuja orientalis), an aurea native to the northwestern regions of China.

Description: Thuja aurea is most often a tree 15-20 meters high. However, specimens are known to grow in wildlife, the height of which reached 35 meters, and the diameter of the crown - up to 14 meters.

The crown of young trees is pyramidal in shape; in adults it becomes round, irregular shape, which is easily corrected with a haircut. Thuja orientalis aurea is a multi-stemmed plant, but can also grow as a shrub.

The cones of the eastern thuja differ from the cones of the western thuja. In thuja aurea they are juicy, fleshy and green, with hook-shaped outgrowths. When ripe, they change color and become brown, and they form seeds similar to wheat grains.

Thuja aurea grows well in neutral, slightly alkaline and even chalky soil. For the first two months, caring for it consists of watering every 10 days. If the seedling takes root well, you can do without watering. Thuja aurea is a long-lived plant; in favorable conditions it can live 1000 years.

All types of thuja - both western and eastern - are suitable for forming hedges, alleys, rocky gardens, and Mediterranean landscapes. Despite some differences, almost all types of thuja are frost-resistant, decorative and well adapted to a new area.

Growing

Thuja occidentalis is an unpretentious plant that can grow in any type of soil and in any conditions, but it also has its own preferences.

Western thuja loves bright places, but in the shade the decorative properties of its needles are better preserved. The tree grows well in dry soil, but it can also be planted in areas with high groundwater levels. In gratitude for compassionate care and optimal watering, thuja occidentalis will grow into a beautiful tree with a beautiful luxurious crown.

Thuja is propagated by cuttings, seeds or seedlings. Since thuja grows very slowly, the easiest way is to purchase ready-made seedlings from a nursery, but if you wish, the entire process of growing thuja from a seed to a large tree can be done independently.

Thuja seeds rarely retain all the characteristics of the parent tree, especially hybrid varieties, and seedlings in garden centers and nurseries are quite expensive. Therefore, it is best to propagate thuja at home by cuttings - only in this case can you get the right type with all varietal characteristics.

At the same time, you can experiment with seeds - perhaps many new specimens will have excellent decorative qualities and you will want to breed them in the future.

Seeds for planting are collected in the fall; in winter, the cones open and the seeds fall out. The cut cones are dried in a room with a temperature no higher than +7 degrees. When the scales are dry, you can remove the seeds and store them in a fabric bag. With the first snow, the bags are taken out of the room, placed on the ground and sprinkled with a 30 cm layer of snow - this is how the seeds undergo the necessary stratification.

Planting of seeds is carried out in the spring, in grooves, with a distance of 10-15 cm. The seeds of thuja are small, so they are not planted deep - 0.5 cm is enough. The grooves for planting are filled with water, and after sowing the seeds, they are sprinkled with dry soil and mulched on top. pine needles or sawdust.

The seedlings are watered regularly, but in moderate amounts; at first they are shaded from the strong rays of the sun. Western thuja grows for a very long time - in the first year it grows by 4-5 cm, in the next two years by 10-20 cm and 25-40 cm.

Caring for seedlings involves mulching the soil around them with peat or sawdust. Diving is carried out three years after sowing, landing on permanent place allowed after 4-5 years.

Thuja occidentalis from cuttings. Cuttings are cut in the spring in the morning or evening, as well as in cloudy weather. It is better to take cuttings from the apical side shoots of this year, from a tree aged 4 to 8 years. The length of the cuttings should be within 10-12 cm.

The cuttings are placed in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for 24 hours. After which they are planted in the soil to a depth of 5-6 cm, at a slight angle of 20-30 degrees. Cuttings can be planted in containers, pots or open ground, but under the film, at a distance of 10-15 cm from each other.

The cuttings are planted in a soil mixture of leaf soil, humus and sand, since the western thuja loves fertile, light soil.

Containers with cuttings are stored in the basement, and with the arrival of real warmth they are transplanted into open ground, preferably together with a lump of earth.

Cuttings in the spring allow the cuttings to take root well in the first year and begin to grow. Summer cuttings less fruitful - in the first year, callus appears in such cuttings, but mass rooting occurs only in the second year.

Thuja occidentalis light-loving plant, she needs the sun 6-7 hours a day, otherwise she will begin to stretch out, and the crown will be sparse.

Planting seedlings from the nursery. The hole for this purpose is made larger than the pot in which the seedling is still growing. Pine needles, a little humus and the top layer of soil are poured into the hole, and a bucket of water is poured. The seedling is carefully removed from the pot, placed in the hole and the roots are straightened, after which it is covered with soil and watered again.

There is no need to fertilize the seedling at first; this will interfere with its normal adaptation to the new place. IN further care care for a grown seedling should consist of watering, loosening the soil, weeding and fertilizing with nitrophoska.

Let's consider 14 winter-hardy varieties of western thuja for middle zone Russia. Western thuja (Thuja occidentalis) is an evergreen tree or shrub from the cypress family, has many decorative forms, which are used both for creating hedges and for single and group plantings.

Thuja varieties often used to create hedges:

Thuja occidentalis Brabant(Thuja occidentalis Brabant)

Brabant is a tree, 4-5 meters high and with a crown diameter of up to 1.5 meters. The crown is columnar. The needles are green, turning brown winter months. A fast-growing variety with an annual growth of 30-35 cm in height and 15 centimeters in width. Very frost-resistant.

It tolerates shearing well and is undemanding to growing conditions.

Thuja Brabant can grow as sunny places, and in slightly shaded ones. The tree feels better in places protected from the wind.

Blooms in spring, April-May. After flowering, brown, egg-shaped cones of small sizes (from 0.8 to 1.2 cm) are formed, which fully ripen by autumn.

Thuja Brabant does not tolerate long thaws with temperature changes very well, as this can cause early sap flow.

Grows especially well in fertile, moist soil. Growing on dry and poor soils will lead to the further appearance of sparse branches with faded needles and abundant fruiting.

Planted in a mixture of turf/leaf soil (2 parts), peat (1 part) and sand (1 part). When planting, you can add 0.5 kg of nitroammophoska per adult plant. Very wet soils make drainage up to 20 cm.

Container plants must be thoroughly watered before planting. The root collar should be at ground level when planting.

Watering of plants is carried out after planting weekly for a month, 10 liters per plant. After watering twice a week, 15-20 liters per plant.

Loosening is used taking into account the superficial root system, loosening no deeper than 10 cm. Mulching with the addition of peat or wood chips is recommended. Layer up to 7 cm. Dry shoots are easily removed in spring.

Newly planted plants must be covered during the first winter. This will help protect their vulnerable needles from winter and spring sunburn. Shelter is made using spruce branches or craft paper.

The variety is widely used for creating hedges, creating the effect of a “solid green wall”; planting frequency should be 0.5-0.7 m per row. To create a dense green wall, it is recommended to prune twice per season (in March and August). If you systematically trim the shoots at the top and side shoots, you can ensure that the hedge remains 0.4 m wide and 2 m high.

(Thuja occidentalis Smaragd)

Smaragd is a tree up to 4-4.5 meters high, with a pronounced conical shape and a very dense structure. The needles are dark green, rich in color, and do not change color in winter.

The growth rate is low.

The variety prefers highly fertile soil and regular watering.

In a “hedge” it does not close in the upper part, therefore it is used to conditionally delimit the garden space. Good as a tapeworm when planted alone.

Thuja occidentalis Smaragd has obvious differences from its “brothers” - it grows slowly in height and width, due to which it does not require frequent cutting.

Prefers fertile, moist soils without stagnant water. Does not tolerate drought well. In dry times, watering is necessary. Light-loving, but can grow in partial shade.

Tolerates haircuts well. In winter it practically does not fade.

Winter hardiness is high, but for planting it is better to choose areas protected from the winds. It is advisable to protect young plants from early spring sunburn by covering them with covering material or burlap.

Smaragd is suitable for creating a free-growing hedge in the “southern landscape” style (planting step 0.5-0.6 m).

Used for both single and group plantings.

Suitable for container growing and creating various forms through topiary trimming, row, alley plantings and as an accent in tree and shrub compositions. This variety looks great in regular style gardens.

(Thuja occidentalis Columna)

Columna is a tree with a narrow columnar crown up to 6-7 meters high and up to 1.3 meters in diameter. The crown structure is dense, compact, with short, horizontally extending dense shoots. The needles are scaly. The color of the needles is dark green, almost unchanged in winter.

Grows quickly, up to 20 cm per year. Undemanding to soils. Winter hardiness is high.

Suitable for creating hedges in the “Mediterranean” style, and as a single solo plant, reminiscent of Crimean cypress trees in its silhouette.

It is undemanding to soil conditions, but achieves best development on moderately fertile soils with average moisture. Does not tolerate drought well. For planting, it is better to choose semi-shaded areas.

It tolerates haircuts well, formative pruning is carried out as necessary.

In the first two years after planting, it is advisable to cover young plants with material for the winter to avoid early spring sunburn.

The columnar variety of thuja western Columna is often used for tall (up to 4 m in height) formed and free-growing hedges (planting spacing in a row is 0.5-0.7 m).

It is also used for single, group and alley plantings, as an accent in tree and shrub compositions and for container growing. Suitable for gardens in a regular style.

Can be used for topiary cutting.

Thuja occidentalis Holmstrup(Thuja occidentalis Holmstrup)

Holmstrup is a tree up to 3-3.5 meters high with a crown diameter of up to 1 meter, with a columnar crown. The structure of the needles is very dense “curly”. Does not change color in winter.

The homeland of the thuja is Denmark, 1951.

Undemanding to soil, frost-resistant, tolerates shearing well.

The variety is suitable " lazy gardeners" The growth rate is very low. The annual growth is 12 cm in height and 4 cm in width. It grows to its final height in about 20-40 years. Hedges can be pruned once every two years.

Prefers sunny places, can grow in partial shade. Grows better in moist soil, tolerates stagnant moisture, and tolerates some dryness.

The soil is preferably loose and fertile.

2-3 years after planting the seedling in a permanent place, it is protected from early spring burns; it is better to cover the trunk circle in the fall with spruce branches, which will repel field mice.

Can be used for single plantings and rockeries.

For hedges, the distance in a row between plants should be 0.7 m.

Thuja occidentalis Fastigiata(Thuja occidentalis Fastigiata)

Fastigiata is a thuja with a columnar crown shape, with shoots tightly pressed to the trunk. The needles are from light green to dark green. Reaches a height of up to 6 meters in central Russia.

Annual growth up to 30 cm. The needles are soft, dark green with a strong characteristic odor.

Tolerates haircuts well. Almost does not change color in winter. Winter-hardy.

The shape resembles a cypress. The bumps are inconspicuous, brown.

Thuja occidentalis Fastigiata prefers a sunny location and fertile, moderately moist loamy soil.

When planting in a wetland, care should be taken to create a good drainage system.

Thuja seedlings need shading from late winter and early spring sunlight using burlap.

To create conditions for better plant survival, mulching is recommended. trunk circle mowed grass, which will improve the soil structure. In late autumn, the mulch should be replaced with spruce branches to prevent field mice from appearing.

Thuja occidentalis Fastigata is well suited for creating tall hedges that reliably cover the area and do not take up much space.

Western thuja varieties for single and group plantings:

Thuja occidentalis Sunkist(Thuja occidentalis Sunkist)

Sunkist is a large, dense shrub or small coniferous tree. Height 3-5 m, crown diameter 1-2 m. The crown is conical with densely branched branches, slightly ruffled.

Originally from Canada.

The needles of young plants are bright golden yellow, changing to lemon yellow with age, and bronze in winter.

It grows slowly, at the age of 10 years it reaches 2 m in height.

It is undemanding to soil conditions, light-loving, and tolerates pruning well. Frost-resistant.

Prefers wet fertile soils. Does not tolerate drought well, after a long dry period, in the absence of regular watering and other unfavorable conditions may enter the phase of mass seeding, which leads to loss of decorativeness.

Photophilous. It can grow in partial shade, but the color of the needles fades and may take on a green tint. For planting, it is advisable to select areas protected from the wind.

It tolerates pruning well, crown shaping is carried out as needed.

To protect against early spring burns in the first year after planting, it is advisable to cover the plants with covering material for the winter.

One of the most brightly colored varieties of western thuja for planting as part of colorful tree and shrub compositions, for container growing and single planting.

Can be used to create a bright, formed hedge (for single-row planting, the distance between plants is 0.5-0.6 m).

Suitable for creating various geometric shapes by topiary cutting.

Thuja occidentalis Wagneri(Thuja occidentalis Wagneri)

Thuja Wagneri is a tree up to 3.5 m high and up to 1.5 m wide. With a pronounced ovoid dense crown and numerous thin, vertically located shoots, slightly drooping at the ends.

The needles are gray-green, acquiring a copper tint in winter. The growth rate is average.

Demanding about soil conditions, prefers fertile, sufficiently moist soils. Grows better on open places. Photophilous.

The variety holds its crown shape well, so formative pruning is carried out only when necessary.

To prevent damage to the crown under the weight of snow, at the beginning of winter it is advisable to loosely tie the shoots together. Frost resistance is high.

A variety with an original crown shape, best use for which there is a soliter planting. It can also be used in single, group and alley plantings, in tree and shrub compositions and for container growing.

(Thuja occidentalis Cloth of Gold)

Claude of Gold is a low shrub up to 2 meters high, up to 1.2 m wide. The crown is elongated-ovate or dense conical. The needles are tender, of two types - needle-shaped and scaly, from lemon-yellow to yellow-orange in color, in winter they acquire a copper tint.

It grows slowly.

It is demanding regarding soil conditions, prefers light, well-drained, moderately fertile soils with an alkaline reaction. Does not tolerate prolonged waterlogging.

Photophilous. It can grow in partial shade, but the color of the needles becomes less expressive.

To maintain the shape of the crown, moderate trimming can be done, no more than 1/3 of the shoot.

It is frost-resistant; in the first year after planting, it is advisable to protect the plant from burns for the winter; in subsequent years it does not require shelter.

Variety with interesting shape crowns, the color and structure of the needles, used as a tapeworm, in single and group plantings, as a color accent in tree and shrub compositions, suitable for rocky and heather gardens.

(Thuja occidentalis Globosa)

Thuja western Globoza is a spherical shrub with a height and diameter of up to 2 m.

The needles are scaly, light green in spring, green in summer and gray-green or brownish in winter. The shoots are straight and flat, raised up, densely located, overlapping, evenly growing to the sides.

The needles are shiny green, gray-green or brownish in winter.

Growth is slow, by ten years the crown diameter reaches 1 m, by twenty – 1.5 m.

The crown is dense. Anti-aging pruning should be done every two years.

Winter-hardy, shade-tolerant, drought-resistant. Requires fertile, moist soils.

Does not tolerate dry air well and needs more frequent watering than other types of thuja.

To protect it from being broken by snow cover in winter, it is recommended to tie the crown or make a frame, especially for young plants.

Used to create low hedges, borders, single and group plantings. Effectively dominates rock gardens and rocky hills.

It is also used for landscaping roofs and balconies, and for growing in containers.

Thuja occidentalis Woodwardy(Thuja occidentalis Woodwardii)

Woodwardie is a variety with a height of 1.5 - 2.0 m, width - up to 2 m. The shape of the crown is dense, spherical, and wide-round in old age. The shoots are straight and flat. The needles are dark green in summer and winter and do not change color.

At 10 years of age, the spherical crown reaches 0.4 m in height and width

The place of origin of Woodwardie is unknown; the time of its introduction into culture was before 1923.

It is winter-hardy, but in severe winters the ends of annual shoots freeze. Suitable for rocky gardens and lawn plantings.

The fruits are small brown.

Demanding on soil fertility and moisture. responds well to spring feeding, the color of the needles improves. For planting, you should choose sunny areas or partial shade.

After planting in a permanent place, the tree trunk circle should be mulched with mowed grass or peat.

Thuja Woodwardi, like other evergreens, may suffer from late winter and early spring sunlight in the first year or two after planting. Therefore, the seedling must be covered with burlap. The burlap should be removed after the snow cover melts, in the evening hours, preferably in cloudy weather.

Thuja Woodwardi is used to create landscape compositions of trees and shrubs with contrasting foliage colors and different architecture.

Planting in mixborders, as well as as a solo plant in open areas and on the sides of paths. Looks good when breaking up a monotonous row of fences.

Thuja occidentalis Stolvik(Thuja occidentalis Stolwijk)

Stolvik is a shrub up to 1.5 m high. The shape of the crown is hemispherical, Bottom part dense, sparse at the top with several trunks. The needles are green, young growths are yellow-white.

At 10 years of age, the height of the plant reaches 1 m.

The variety was obtained by propagation in a Dutch nursery in 1986.

Winter-hardy variety, propagates well from cuttings.

Needs fertile and moist soils. The variety prefers a sunny location, becoming loose in the shade. It does not tolerate dry air well, so on hot days you should water the plant at the root, and use sprinkling in the evening.

Seedlings of this variety are usually planted low, so they overwinter under the snow and do not suffer from spring sunburn.

Can be formed. To make the crown more dense, you can shorten the shoots in spring.

Suitable for replanting in mixed borders and tree and shrub compositions, as the variety creates the effect of “lush” in the composition. Recommended for rock gardens, Japanese gardens, compositions. Can act as a tapeworm in an open place.

Should not be planted in a hedge due to the thinned top.

(Thuja occidentalis Danica)

Danica is a low shrub up to 60 cm high and up to 1 m in diameter. The crown is spherical. The shoots are short, densely spaced. The needles are thick, soft, light green, shiny, slightly bronze in winter.

It grows slowly. The annual increase in height is no more than 5 cm. Maximum height and reaches width at about 15 years of age

From a young age it retains an almost perfect spherical shape. Propagated exclusively by cuttings.

Thuja western Danica, from the cypress family, was bred in Denmark in 1948, from where it came to us.

Shade-tolerant, frost-resistant. It is used in compositions, rock gardens, to create borders, ideal for landscaping small areas.

The location that suits the plant best is sun and partial shade. Winter-hardy for central Russia, almost never suffers from spring sunburn, because winters under the snow.

Drought-resistant, but prefers moist, fertile loams. It needs good lighting, so it is better to plant it in the sun or partial shade. In shady areas, thuja Danika loses its shape, becomes loose and “shaggy”. Thuja also does not like temperature fluctuations, which causes drying out.

Fertile, moist loamy soils are preferable for it. The area for planting thuja should be protected from the wind. In case of proximity groundwater you will need crushed stone drainage. The soil mixture should consist of turf or leaf soil, peat and sand in a ratio of 2:1:1. When planting, it is necessary to add mineral fertilizers.

Danica is used to create decorative groups and landscape compositions, in which it is most often a solo plant. Plants with a columnar and ovoid crown shape are planted next to it to create a balanced triangle according to the rules of the “golden ratio”. It is also used to make borders and planted as a tapeworm.

Thuja occidentalis Golden Globe(Thuja occidentalis Golden Globe)

Thuja occidentalis Golden Globe - shrub round shape up to 1 m high and up to 1 m in diameter. The color of the needles is golden yellow. Yellow tips shoots that get a lot of sun completely cover the plant; inside the ball the foliage is bright green.

In autumn the needles acquire a copper tint, and in spring they turn golden again.

It grows slowly. It has a small increase of 8-10 cm per year, and reaches a maximum diameter of 1-1.2 m in twenty years.

Quite winter hardy.

It does not need a haircut, but in the spring it may require sanitary pruning.

Among gardeners, this variety is called “yellow spherical thuja” or “yellow ball”.

Prefers light loamy soils, so moderate doses of organic and mineral fertilizers, and after planting, mulch the tree trunk circle with mowed grass or peat.

In late autumn, the mulch should be replaced with spruce branches to prevent mice from nesting in the hay, which can damage or even destroy the seedling.

Thuja Golden Globe does not tolerate dry air well, so in the hot months of the year it needs regular watering and sprinkling.

If the plant becomes loose due to age or long cloudy weather, you need to shorten the shoots. A small trim will stimulate the growth of new shoots and make the crown thicker.

It acquires its golden color only in sunny areas or in partial shade. In the shade, the needles become light green, and the crown is loose and sparse. Resistant to smoke and gases.

Golden Globe is suitable for creating colorful landscape compositions using pebbles or wood chips. Due to its small growth, it looks great in rockeries, rock gardens and on retaining walls.

Thuja occidentalis Joseri(Thuja occidentalis Hoseri)

Thuja western Hoseri is a low-growing variety with a spherical crown with a diameter of up to 0.6 m. The needles are scale-like, thick, richly dark green, in winter gray-green with a bronze tint.

It grows very slowly, 4-5 cm per year. In adulthood, the ball becomes flattened.

The variety is demanding on soil fertility and moisture, and is quite winter-hardy. Prefers moderately fertile and moist soils.

Drought-resistant, but responds to watering in the hot season good growth and a wonderful view.

It does not suffer from spring sun rays, because... winters under the snow. During the first time after planting in open ground, it requires increased attention and good care. For better survival, you can mulch the tree trunk circle with mowed grass or peat. In the fall, the mulch should be replaced with spruce branches. Spruce thorns will scare away field mice, which can destroy the plant.

Shade-tolerant, but grows best in sunny or semi-shaded areas. Keeps the shape of the crown well and does not need cutting.

Low-growing spherical shrub for small gardens, tree and shrub compositions, rock gardens and compositions mixed with perennials. Suitable for creating borders and container growing.

Materials taken from the site www.vparnike.ru

Thuja is evergreen from the cypress family, which can develop over fifty or even a hundred years. Almost all types of thuja are winter-hardy. Many varieties surprise with their color palette, for example, you can find thujas of both blue and yellowish tints. Some are bushes, while others soar three meters into the air. There are even those that grow close to the ground, in the form of small lush balls, they are called dwarf trees. All types are similar to each other, and at the same time unique. Instructions for growing cotoneaster here:

Thuja, description and characteristics

Thuja feels comfortable both in damp space and in dry soil. The structure of the branches and needles of the tree resembles a thick cobweb. The juicy needles are directed vertically upward, some of the “paws” are a scaly structure.

It is worth noting the fact that the health of the tree can be judged by the condition of the “jewelry” needles. If the needles are juicy, full of moisture and match the color of the tree crown, then the plant is healthy, but if, when touched, the branches are dry and have an unusual yellowish, and sometimes brownish tint, then most likely the plant lacks moisture or minerals.

Thuja is a plant that must be protected from the wind. For the first few years, young trees require shelter for the winter.

When growing thuja at home, it is necessary special meaning add to the container in which the thuja grows. With each new transplant the pot should increase one and a half times.

Thuja has many useful properties. For example, from cones of some varieties you can make decoctions that remove headache. Tree needles can also be brewed; teas of this kind can have an impact on a person’s psychological state. Thus, tea made from thuja needles has a calming effect.

Types and varieties of thuja with photos

On the market today garden plants The following varieties of garden cultivated thuja are presented in Russia:

1. Varieties of folded thuja:
   

   

2. Western thuja varieties:
   • thuja occidentalis golden globe

   

   The cute ball in the flower garden is Thuja occidentalis golden globe

   • Thuja occidentalis columna

   

   • thuja occidentalis teddy

   

   • Thuja occidentalis globeosa

   

   • Thuja occidentalis holmstrup

   

   • thuja occidentalis yellow ribbon

   

   Light colors in the column - thuja occidentalis yellow ribbon

   • Thuja occidentalis golden taffet

   

   • Thuja occidentalis aureospicata

   

   Almost like a Christmas tree - Thuja occidentalis aureospicata

   • thuja occidentalis miki

   

3. “geometric” varieties of thuja:
   
4. and others:
   • thuja orientalis aurea nana

   

   Unusual shape - Thuja orientalis aurea nana

   • thuja heather

   

   • Thuja Sunkist

   

   Bright fresh in the garden - thuja sunkist

   • Thuja Reingold

   

   • thuja woodwardy

   

   Another spherical thuja - Thuja woodwardi

   • golden thuja

   

   • thuja hoseri

   

   • Thuja Wagner

   

   • Thuja spiralis

   

   • dwarf thuja

   

   • thuja teeny tim

   

   Worthy resident alpine slide— thuja teeny tim

   • Thuja filiformis

   

   Thuja filiformis - green cascade on the lawn

   • thuja blue

   

   • thuja little giant

   

   • Thuja fastigiata

   

   • thuja cancan

   

   • thuja europa gold

   

   • Thuja Miriam

   

   • thuja little champion

   

   • thuja little jam

   

   • Thuja edas 801 - an excellent remedy for adenoids

   

   Medicine is made from thuja oil - Thuja Edas 801

Even the most experienced gardener will be able to choose exactly the variety that will delight him for many years. Read more and what types there are.

Photo of thuja in landscape design

Thanks to the chic variety of species and varieties, thuja will fit perfectly into the design of any space.




Eg, landscape designers Thuja is used as a hedge, used to frame compositions, to add liveliness stone garden, as well as for creating alpine slides.



Variations design solutions The uses of thuja are so varied that it would be difficult to describe even half of them.



Price of thuja seedlings and seeds

Thuja is an integral resident of garden plots. Its diversity is so great that you can choose a specimen that is ideal for any composition, from a garden near a private house to flowerbed areas near the administration. The cost of seedlings, cuttings and seeds varies depending on the variety and stage of development. An adult grown plant will cost several times more than a young seedling. If we talk about general price category for seeds, the range is from 150 to 700 rubles. When we're talking about about seedlings and cuttings, the cost of one copy can reach 25 thousand rubles.

Where to buy thuja?




Thuja dwarf is an evergreen coniferous plant that belongs to the cypress family. These shrubs have long been in great demand among gardeners, as they have a dense crown, which is of great importance in terms of decorative decoration of personal plots, parks or gardens.

This variety of coniferous plants is famous not only for its appearance, but also for its ability to influence human health, because a short, quiet walk along an alley lined with thujas helps calm the nerves. Landscape designers consider thuja to be one of the basic plants for creating a wide variety of decorative compositions in the garden.

Advantages

Why do many people prefer dwarf varieties:

1. First of all, thuja is a coniferous plant, which means it is capable of pleasing the eyes of people with its lush green pine needles throughout the year;
2. By nature, thujas are capable of purifying the air well. They enrich environment oxygen, due to which this plant is planted on the territory of hospitals, along alleys and parks where people constantly walk;
3. Low-growing varieties are excellent for creating hedges, which create a good decorative effect while reducing the permeability of noise from the street;
4. The plant is unpretentious in terms of caring for it;
5. Dwarf conifers tolerate temperature changes quite easily;
6. By planting thujas on your site, you can create a lot of interesting decorative options.



The most common varieties

This thuja low growing variety, has an unusual ball shape, with a diameter of no more than one meter. Small fluffy balls, fit very well into the design of the garden plot, especially if you combine them with other types of plants;



A short shrub with a beautiful branched crown, which looks very good in the composition of an alpine hill. A special feature of this variety is its ability to change colors depending on the time of year. In summer, the crown of the thuja Little Champion stands out for its light brown needles, and during the winter cold it becomes bronze in color;



Globular thuja, diameter about 50 centimeters. It grows very slowly and reaches its maximum size only 10 years after planting. Ideally combined with stones;



A low thuja that has a spherical crown with yellow-green needles in the form of small scales. This variety looks very good in rock gardens ( miniature garden). The growth rate is very slow (it grows to 50-60 centimeters in height only 10 years after planting);



Specialists who are engaged in breeding and growing decorative varieties thuja, it is recommended to plant dwarf varieties in areas with poor soil. This must be done so that they do not tend to grow upward and do not lose their usual shape.

Choosing the right plant

To achieve the best possible decorative effect, you need to be very careful when choosing a dwarf thuja that will grow in the garden. To begin with, experts advise taking into account all the features of the area, and the parameters of the site where the shrubs will be planted (soil and sunlight).

When choosing a variety of dwarf thuja, you need to consider the following nuances:

• Tolerates shady areas;
• Resistance to severe frosts;
• Demanding in terms of care;

Before buying a dwarf thuja, you need to pay attention to its appearance. After all, if you buy a plant with defects, in the future it will often get sick and will not be able to fulfill its purpose. main task- decorative decoration of the site.



What to look for when buying a shrub:

1. Bareness of the root system - the integrity of the earthen coma on the root system provides protection for shoots from the negative effects of low or high temperatures, as well as many others external factors. In addition, you should pay attention to the degree of development of the same root system. If the roots are cut off, the plant will most likely not take root at all;
2. Roots and trunk - A visual assessment of the condition of a seedling also includes assessing its dryness. If the upper layers of the dwarf thuja peel and flake off, then most likely such a shrub will die;
3. Crown – A careful examination of the crown and trunk will help to promptly determine the presence of any abnormalities in the seedling (presence of diseases or pests). It is immediately clear that buying an unhealthy seedling is not the best idea, because there is no guarantee that it will take root successfully;

Planting a low-growing variety

There are no restrictions regarding the season for planting dwarf thuja, but according to experts, the best period for planting thuja is autumn or early spring. If you follow this advice, the shrub will grow stronger and more resistant to the environment.

When planting thuja, the root collar should be at the same level with the soil; it should not be immersed too deeply, but raising it above the soil is also undesirable, as this may result in plant disease.

If there are areas with stagnant water in the garden (rainfall or melted snow), then to prevent rotting of the roots it is necessary to create a kind of drainage (a layer of gravel or broken brick, about 20 centimeters high, is poured at the bottom of the planting hole). To create a high-quality alley of thujas, the planting distance of thujas should be 1-2 meters.



In the case of planting dwarf thujas as a hedge in one row, it is necessary to maintain a distance of about 1 meter (but more accurate measurements, must be done taking into account final size bush).

Growing conditions

• A positive feature of the dwarf thuja is its ability to take root on any soil: it can be sand, clay, or even turf;
• Low-growing shrubs feel better in soil with a fairly good layer of humus and a slightly acidic reaction;
• Low shrubs exhibit good growth rates in sunny or semi-shady places. It is better not to plant them in the shade, as the needles will thin out and the thuja will lose its lush shape and greenery;
• The location of the thuja should be chosen in a place where the sun will not shine all day. The shrub does not really like drought;
• Thuja has a positive attitude towards moist soil. But you should not plant them in areas with abundant accumulation of groundwater. In addition, thuja tolerates drought quite well, and during a long dry period it is enough for it to carry out 2-3 waterings per week in the form of sprinkling so that the needles do not lose their decorative beauty;
• Thujas of the dwarf variety can be planted both in open ground and in a pot.



Shrub care

The main methods of caring for dwarf thuja are timely and precise organized watering. Within 1 month after planting in the ground, thuja should be watered at least once a week, adding about 10 liters of water. If the weather is dry outside, the number of waterings increases by two.

Maintaining a normal level of soil moisture is one of the main conditions that ensures luxurious and lush crown at the thuja. During the first three years after planting, it is necessary to regularly loosen the soil near the trunk, but not too deep (no more than 10 centimeters) so as not to damage the root system, which is located almost on the surface.



To mulch dwarf thujas, it is better to use peat or sawdust (a layer of about 6-7 centimeters). To prevent damage to the crown in winter, when heavy snowfalls may occur, it is necessary to tie down low shrubs.

When spring warming comes, it is best to place young thujas in the shade to reduce the influence of sunlight and avoid burns on the needles.

To trim adult shrubs, it is recommended to use sharp pruning shears. No more than 1/3 of the plant should be pruned.

Diseases and possible pests

Thuja quite rarely suffers from various diseases, unlike other types of plants, but in some cases unexpected yellowing of the needles may occur. This symptom can have several causes:

• Violation of planting rules - insufficient or excessive immersion of the root system into the soil;
• Burns from frequent exposure to sunlight;
• Infection of needles with a fungal disease.



Such a sign does not necessarily mean a disease. Some varieties of thuja are able to change the color of their crown depending on the time of year. For example, with the onset of the first winter frosts, the needles may acquire a yellow color, but with the arrival of spring they become green again.

The use of dwarf thujas in rock gardens

Rock garden is an artificially created landscape composition that recreates in miniature decorative area mountainous areas, that is, the place in which coniferous plants occupy an important place.

Small varieties of decorative thujas, which differ from their relatives in their compactness and slow pace of development, are ideal for the full creation of a miniature rock garden.

One of the most popular conifers among summer residents ornamental trees is thuja. This is an evergreen tree or shrub that belongs to the Cypress family. This family also includes such widespread conifers as cypress,. Young thujas have needle-like needles. The needles have a light green tint. Adults have scale-like foliage and are darker in color. A tree can develop for almost 100 years.

Most varieties are frost resistant. Colors Arborvitae are varied depending on the varieties. For example, wood can be blue or yellowish. There are tall three-meter thujas, as well as dwarf shrubs.

The western thuja is the most popular in Russia.



Western thuja: description and varieties

Western Thuja is a species. It can grow up to 20 meters, but in Russia the western thuja rarely grows above 7 meters. Crown shapes are:

• Globular.

A large number of varieties are grown western thuja. Among them are such common varieties: Smaragd, Barbant, Danika, Columna and others. However, some amateur gardeners look for less popular, but no less unusual varieties on gardening shelves. Below are the most common varieties with photos. Often gardeners and landscape designers, when deciding to plant thuja, ask the question: “Which one is better to plant in the country?”

Degroot Spire - a variety for lovers of sophistication

Degroot Spire- a varietal variety of western thuja. It has a unique columnar shape, has a narrow and straight crown and is considered the narrowest among the columnar species. The height of this crop is up to 3 meters. Degroot Spire is widespread in the West.

This is a tree - perfect option For landscape design and landscaping areas. For example, Degroot Spire will help to arrange any fence, even if its height reaches 5 meters. Tall but thin green wall will not take up much space on the site.



Thuja occidentalis Degroot Spire.

Degroot Spire has such advantages as frost resistance and undemanding soil conditions. It is better to plant a tree in places that are well lit sun rays. The shadow makes the crown looser. The ideal soil for growing this variety is a combination of the following components:

• Sand;
• Peat;
• Listyev.

One bucket of water is enough for watering. Regular watering - once a week. In the spring the tree is fed. The soil needs to be mulched and loosened periodically. In spring, the tree is covered to avoid sunburn. In winter, the crown needs to be tied with tape so that wet snow does not damage the crown.

Holmstrup - beauty from Denmark

Holmstrup is evergreen shrub. The crown shape is columnar. Mature tree grows up to 4 meters in height. The crown color is rich green. IN winter periods the color of the needles does not change. The needles of the shrub are dense and consist of scales.



Thuja Holmstrup (“Holmstrup”).

This variety is frost-resistant, shade-tolerant and tolerates windy weather well. The shrub does not require high soil fertility. This bush is great option For Russia. It is best to plant it in places well lit by sunlight. Or you should choose places that are not too shaded.

The shrub is an excellent choice for planting in groups or individually. Hedges are rarely created using Holmstrup.

Fastigiata - a valuable variety for experienced gardeners

One of the varieties of narrow-shaped thujas is Fastigiata. This varietal variety was first grown in Germany. A mature tree grows up to 12 meters in height. It grows very quickly. Visually similar to cypress. The needles of the tree are soft and have a pleasant aroma. The cones are small in size.



Thuja occidentalis Fastigiata (“Fastigiata”).

This variety loves the sun and prefers fertile soil. In spring, it is advisable to cover young seedlings so that the spring sun does not damage them. To improve the soil structure, mulch it. Cut grass is used for mulching. In winter, spruce branches are used for mulching. Lapnik prevents the reproduction of mice.

With the help of Fastigiata, hedges are often formed. They are not only beautiful, but also do not take up much space. The varietal variety is not afraid of decorative haircuts. Designers use wood in large landscape compositions, use it in group plantings. It goes well with a variety of flowers and shrubs.

Yellow varieties of thuja occidentalis

They are extremely popular, refresh the landscape, and look great in any composition. Unfortunately, many of them are “capricious”. The most common varieties in Russia are described below.

Thuja occidentalis Yellow Ribon - for lovers of yellow thuja varieties

Yellow Ribon - yellow variety thuja. It has small sizes. The crown shape is conical. An adult thuja has a height of up to 2 meters. It grows quite quickly. The crown is loose, so it is advisable to trim the tree regularly to give it density.

The needles of young trees are orange, becoming green as they mature. In winter, the crown turns brown. The sunnier the place where this thuja grows, the brighter color crowns

The variety is distinguished by its demanding growing conditions. The soil must be fertile and moist for the plant to delight with its beauty.



Thuja Yellow Ribbon.

Beautiful golden needles make this variety very valuable. In landscape design, with the help of thuja Yellow Ribon, walls are formed that have a rich yellow tint. They are planted in containers, and they are also used to create hedges and memorial walls.

Thuja Golden Globe - yellow balls for summer cottages

Golden Globe is notable for its slow growth. The crown shape of this coniferous crop is spherical. The height of an adult bush does not exceed 1 meter.

The needles are loose. Regular haircuts help achieve density. The ends of the shoots have a golden color; inside the crown the needles have green color. In the autumn, the needles take on a copper tint, and in the spring they become golden again. To make the shrub happy with its golden color, it is recommended to plant it in sunny or slightly shaded places.



Thuja Golden Globe (“Golden Globe”).

This shrub does not require high soil fertility, but loves lime-rich soil. To avoid branches breaking off, the crown is tied up for the winter.

Shrubs are used in plantings in groups; they can also be planted individually. They are also used to create beautiful hedges and borders.

The most interesting varieties

Many other varieties of this crop are known. The following varieties are extremely popular: Brabant, Smaragd, Danika, Globoza. Specialty stores and nurseries also have more unique and less common varieties. Below are the names of the western thuja varieties and their brief descriptions.

Little Boy is a relatively new dwarf spherical variety. The height does not exceed 0.5 meters. Growth is slow. The needles of this thuja have an emerald color. Little Boy requires high soil fertility. Loves the sun, but is not averse to growing in partial shade. This thuja is used to create:

• Japanese gardens;
• Living borders.

Hoseri- This is an original variety originally from Poland. This is another dwarf globular tree species. The scale-like needles are dark green in color. In autumn, the needles take on a bronze hue. Hoseri loves moisture, is not picky about the soil and is shade-tolerant. This crop is also frost-resistant and not afraid of winds.

Mircem- this is another one dwarf variety thuja. Mature plant grows up to 80 cm. The needles have bright yellow, becoming bronze by autumn. Plant growth is slow. Due to its size, this thuja is an ideal option for rock gardens and planting in pots.

Question answer

For planting along fences, varieties such as Holmstrup, Fastigiata, Brabant, and Smaragd are often used.

Which thuja is the most unpretentious?

Many species of this crop are unpretentious. Brabant, Smaragd, Holmstrup are often chosen.

How much do thuja seedlings cost?

The price of one seedling is from 150 rubles and above.

I do rock gardens. How are thujas used in alpine slides?

Low-growing varieties are suitable for rock gardens. In Russia, the most popular are the dwarf species of western thuja. The following varieties are ideal: Danica, Golden Globe, Woodwardy, Philivormis. All of them have a spherical shape.

Is it possible to use thuja in mixborders?

Can. Despite the fact that mixborders require a wide variety of colors and shades, conifers are successfully used in mixborders. Thuja has many shades: green, blue and yellow.

Video review

A short and clear overview of some outstanding varieties. The information in the video is presented in a way that will be of interest to beginning gardeners.