Content
Waldbrunn spruce is a blue spiny variety, the original variety of which occurs naturally in western North America. It attracts attention with the bright color of the needles and the interesting cushion-shaped and flat shape of the crown. It has good resistance to unfavorable conditions, in many regions of growth it does not require shelter for the winter, with good care it pleases the gardener with health and beauty, and serves as an excellent decoration for the landscape design of the garden.
Waldbrun spruce got its name in honor of the city where it was bred.
History of origin
Spruce of the Waldbrun variety appeared a long time ago, almost forty years ago, in 1984. Its author is the German breeder Rolf Friedrich. The variety became popular about 15 years ago, and before that it was little known in Europe.
Description of the prickly spruce Waldbrun
Waldbrun is a nice, low-growing tree with short and dense shoots that grow densely, almost horizontally, to the sides.While the seedling is young, its crown looks like a nest, but over time it begins to stretch out and acquire a cone-shaped shape. Spruce needles are short, from 15 to 25 mm long. They are tough and prickly, grow densely, their color is attractive, green-blue, sometimes silver-gray with pronounced blue. If the tree grows in a shaded area, the needles become brighter.
The variety is a leader among other species in terms of compactness and density.
Height of Waldbrunn spruce
Waldbrun is a dwarf variety of crop, which even after reaching ten years of age does not grow higher than 60 cm, and the maximum height of the tree is 100-150 cm. The annual growth of spruce is barely noticeable, from 2 to 5 cm. Because of which it practically does not need pruning . As for the width, the diameter of the variety is quite large, it can reach one meter. Moreover, the shape of its crown is often concave in the middle, which is why Waldbrun spruce is compared to a nest. Over the years, the concavity disappears and the tree becomes cone-shaped. And if its central shoot is tied to a support, the shape of the cone will become more pronounced.
In the first few years of its life, the Waldbrun spruce is small and grows slowly.
Frost resistance
The variety is considered very cold-resistant. It is able to withstand temperatures down to -34 °C; only trees in the first 2-3 years of life need shelter. In addition, Waldbrun spruce can withstand mild drought, but stagnation of moisture is detrimental to it.
Advantages and disadvantages
The evergreen Waldbrun spruce variety has a number of advantages and disadvantages that should be taken into account when growing it.
The tree grows well in suitable soil and with proper care
Advantages:
- high decorative qualities;
- good winter hardiness;
- ability to grow in partial shade;
- drought resistance;
- compact size;
- Possibility of growing as a potted plant.
Flaws:
- demanding care;
- exposure to burns and certain diseases;
- inconspicuous in large flower beds.
Landing rules
Waldbrun spruce prefers to grow in moist, fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic reaction. It is best to choose a lighted area with light shading for the spruce.
When planting Waldbrun, first dig a hole, the size of which should be twice the size of the root system of the seedling, then fill it with a good layer of drainage, then with soil for coniferous crops (a mixture of peat, sand, fallen leaves and turf soil). After the preparatory work, the container where the seedling is located is well watered, the young tree is carefully removed from it and placed in the planting hole, covered with earth so that the root collar remains at ground level. Next, the plant is watered, using at least 40 liters of water.
When planting several Waldbrun spruce seedlings, maintain a distance of about two meters between them.
Features of care
Waldbrun spruce tolerates unfavorable environmental conditions well, such as temperature changes, polluted air, and spring return frosts, but despite this it is quite demanding in terms of compliance with agricultural cultivation techniques. The work consists of the following:
- Since the root system of the plant is compact, this prevents it from consuming nutrients from the ground in sufficient quantities, so it needs more frequent watering and fertilizing. Moisten young seedlings once a week, using a bucket of warm water.
- In order to prevent compaction of the soil in the area where the spruce grows, after each watering it is recommended to loosen it shallowly and mulch the area around the trunk with pine needles or bark.
- The spruce needs to be fertilized about twice a season. To fertilize Waldbrun, they usually use products for coniferous plants, pine cones, in the spring they add nitroammophoska, in the fall - phosphorus, potassium, and peat.
- There is practically no need to prune this type of spruce. Only dry or diseased branches should be removed. A crown is formed only when the trees are planted as a hedge. The procedure is carried out exclusively before or after sap flow.
- Since the crop does not have great immunity to diseases, it should be treated with fungicidal agents a couple of times a year for preventive purposes. The drug Strobi is best suited for this.
Reproduction
A new plant can be obtained using cuttings, seeds and grafting.Judging by the advice of experienced specialists, the decorative form of Waldbrun is best propagated vegetatively. To do this, at the beginning of summer, you need to cut off ripened shoots with a heel from the tree, their length should be about 10 cm, treat the lower part with a growth stimulator and plant it to a depth of 2 cm in a suitable substrate, then moisten it as necessary. With this method, the cuttings can take root within a year.
Diseases and pests
Waldbrun spruce does not have particularly strong immunity. It can be affected by bacterial and fungal diseases, get sunburn, and be attacked by insects. If the needles of a crop begin to turn yellow and dry out, you should inspect the tree and try to determine what could have caused this.
Most often, Waldbrun is exposed to diseases such as schutte, rust or futaria. Of the pests, the most dangerous for it are spruce aphids and spider mites.
Spruce Waldbrunn in landscape design
Miniature Waldbrun will be an excellent solution for a compact area or rocky landscape. It will add a bright accent to the decoration of flower beds, rockeries and rock gardens. Can serve as a hedge or border. The tree looks interesting both in compositions and in single plantings. This spruce can be grown in large pots and used to decorate terraces and loggias.
The species can live in one place for up to 500 years
Conclusion
Waldbrun spruce is a beautiful coniferous tree that adds originality to small areas.It is not difficult to grow, but it shows its full potential only if agrotechnical rules are observed. For lovers of evergreens, the variety is a valuable specimen. Every year it becomes more and more popular in different countries of the world.
Reviews of prickly spruce Waldbrunn
