Tsuga (Tsuga) is an evergreen tree or shrub from the Pine family. The distribution area is concentrated in North America and the Far East region. In total, there are several names in the genus. In our area, it is quite difficult to find a plant on a site; other more popular coniferous species are in demand. Perhaps some gardeners are simply unaware of the lovely charm of this cascading tree. Hemlock is well adapted to grow in temperate climates and requires almost no maintenance. It is only important to adhere to the basic rules when growing it.
Description of the plant
In nature, hemlock is capable of reaching the height of large trees. Adult specimens grow up to 65 m. The branches are woven into an ovoid or conical crown. Trees that have been growing in one place for a long time lose the symmetrical outline of the crown part. Young shoots are covered with gray or brown scales. The older the plant becomes, the more the bark coarsens and exfoliates. The branches that form the skeleton of the tree in the horizontal direction look flattened, and the ends of the branches sticking out from the sides are tucked up from below. Thanks to them, short green shoots grow, which form a dense coniferous cover.
The needles occupy two rows on the branch. They are directed in different directions, like small rays. The needles have a lifespan of approximately 2-3 years. In leaf blades, the edges are rounded, and the base is narrowed, so the leaf looks like a petiole. The size of coniferous needles ranges from 1.5-2 cm.
One tree can bear both male and female cones. The length of the gray-brown colored cones located on the tops of the branches is no more than 2.5 cm. Each cone is filled with tiny winged seeds with a diameter of 2 mm.
Growing hemlock
Gardeners have gotten used to growing hemlock using seeds or vegetatively. Seeds capable of sprouting are found only in trees over 20 years old. Sowing is done in containers containing a loose nutrient substrate. For several months, the seed containers are kept in a cool room, and then transferred to a place where the air temperature approaches + 18 ° C. After the heads of the seedlings appear on the surface, the temperature should be raised to + 23 ° C. Growing seedlings is a rather laborious and troublesome process. As a rule, only half of the seedlings survive, the rest die. Hemlock is grown in greenhouses until the bushes are 2-3 years old. Then they begin to transplant to an area under the open sky.
In spring, hemlock bushes and trees are propagated using cuttings. They take heel side shoots of small length, lubricate the cut with a rootstock and lower them into loose soil. Rooting should take place at room temperature and high humidity with diffused light. When the cuttings take root, they are transferred to open ground, where they can already develop independently without any shelter, even in winter.
To preserve and reproduce varietal cuttings, grafts are made. A canadian hemlock can serve as a stock.The features of this variety have already been mentioned earlier.
Planting and caring for a hemlock
It is recommended to plant young hemlock seedlings in the spring, mainly in April, or wait until August. It is important to take into account the fact that for the full growth of the bush, at least 1.5 m of free area should be allocated. The plant prefers shaded areas, since the sun has a harmful effect on delicate needles.
As a substrate, it is better to choose a light fertile soil with an admixture of sand, peat and leafy soil. The high content of lime will oppress the shrub and cause disease. The planting hole is dug to a depth of 70 cm. Mineral fertilizers are poured at the bottom so that the young seedling receives all the necessary nutrients in the early stages of development. Top dressing is applied only up to three years of age. In order to preserve the integrity of the root system, planting activities are done by transshipment.
Caring for a hemlock is not difficult, but it is important to follow certain rules. The plant prefers a humid environment. A bucket of water is required for a mature tree weekly. In addition to regular watering, the crown is sprayed, then the needles will be thick and lush.
Periodic weeding is beneficial for the growth of the tree. The roots are actively enriched with oxygen. The surface around the trunk circle is mulched with peat to avoid crust formation after watering.
Bushes that are just starting to build up do not need pruning. These are mature trees with a branched crown. Pruning is recommended in the spring so that the plant recovers faster.
Wintering takes place without shelter, but the trunks of young seedlings should be protected with peat or spruce mulch. If the winter is frosty, the coniferous needles turn red. This natural transformation is not the cause of frostbite.
Danger to hemlock are scabbards, spider mites and hemlock. In addition to the named insects, trees of this genus are harmed by small rodents, which like to feast on the bark of the lower part of the trunk.
If the area where hemlock is grown is often flooded, root rot develops. Due to the spread of infection, the growth of trees is disrupted.
Types and varieties of hemlock with photo
There is some inconsistency in the classification systems, so there is no exact information yet on how many specific types of hemlock are available. On average, the number of species modifications does not exceed 10-18 items.
Canadian Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)
In Russia, the Canadian hemlock is considered the most common - a tall tree up to 25 m high, resistant to frost. The shoots are woven into a dense dark green coniferous crown. The flat lanceolate leaves contain a thin white strip in the middle. The lobes, brown with a brown bloom, form elongated cones.
The most popular varieties include:
- Nana is a lush shrub whose shoots reach a height of about 50-80 cm.The circumference of an adult plant at its peak is 160 cm.
- Pendula - The trunks end in drooping tips. The tree grows no more than 3.5 m, while the growth grows as much as 9 m.
- Jeddeloh is a stunted shrub covered with spiral twigs and bright green leaves. The surface of the bark is gray with a purple tint.
- Minuta is another low hemlock variety with an unsymmetrical crown formed from flat, sharp, green needles.
Carolina hemlock (Tsuga caroliniana)
The southern representative, which is distinguished by a cone-shaped crown, conspicuous red-brown bark and scaly brown cones. Over time, cracks and delamination appear on the bark. Most of the branches extend horizontally. The length of the needles is 10-12 mm. White stripes are visible near the base.
Hemlock in landscape design
The hemlock cultivars will perfectly decorate any garden. Species with a pyramidal structure are placed in the middle of the lawn, and weeping varieties will look better along the fences. Low shrubs are planted in groups.When the seedlings take root well in a new place, they will become an excellent cascading plant composition.
Properties and application
The bark and needles of the tree are used for medicinal purposes. Lotions from the decoction of the bark heal wounds, relieve inflammation and stop bleeding. The needles of the plant are rich in essential oils. Coniferous needles are poured with boiling water and tea is infused. It helps in the fight against colds and strengthens the immune system. Official medical sources say that essential oil has antibacterial, diuretic and expectorant effects. The ingredients in the oils, when inhaled, reduce the swelling of the sinuses and relieve inflammation in the throat.
