Content
Spruce Little Jam is an ornamental tree that has become widespread in Europe. The culture is related to Scots pine, however, unlike the latter, the species is smaller in size.
History of origin
Due to its original appearance, many believe that Little Jam is a breeding success. But spruce, according to recent research by botanists, is the result of natural mutation processes.
The first mentions of the plant appeared in the middle of the last century. In the 1960s, Little Jam became popularized in the Netherlands and then spread to other countries. The birthplace of culture is Germany.
Description of common spruce Little Jam
Due to its thorny needles and rounded shape, from the side the tree resembles a huge green hedgehog. Young seedlings have a spherical crown, while in adults it gradually turns into a cushion-shaped crown.
The branches are short enough to call the conifer compact. Spring needles are bright green, which darkens if Little Gem is planted in a shaded area. The length of the branches ranges from 25 to 60 cm.
Thanks to the dense arrangement of shoots, the bush looks very lush
Dimensions and height
The miniature plant barely exceeds 50 cm in height, but its width is almost twice as wide. The annual growth is only 25 mm, so gardeners have to wait a long time for the tree to mature.
Frost resistance
German and Canadian Little Gem spruce have a stable immunity that allows them to withstand cold temperatures down to -38 ° C. Despite this, young seedlings need protection.
Advantages and disadvantages
The Little Gem species is notable for its high decorativeness, which is explained by the unique structure of the crown and the bright shade of the foliage.
Little Jam's immunity is average, and pests can sometimes annoy her.
Pros:
- compactness;
- unpretentiousness;
- possibility of growing in partial shade.
Minuses:
- slow growth;
- vulnerability to waterlogging.
Planting Little Jam spruce
When choosing a location, consider lighting. Spruce Little Gem prefers light areas, however, if this is not possible, partial shade is allowed. The soil must be fertile and necessarily loose - otherwise the risk of root flooding increases.
The dimensions of the planting hole are calculated “by eye”, based on the seedling’s earthen clod, plus a few centimeters of reserve. If the soil is depleted, apply organic fertilizer for coniferous plants. An earthen mound is formed in the center, after which a seedling is placed in it, straightening the roots. The neck is left flush with the surface.
After planting, the Little Jam spruce is watered. The recommended volume of liquid is 25-30 liters.
Leave 250 cm of free space between other plantings
Caring for Little Jam spruce
The tree is not particularly demanding; it is enough to follow a few rules:
- When watering the crop, remember the importance of loosening the root zone. The plant is resistant to waterlogging, which is important to consider when precipitation occurs.
- Spruce (picea abies Little Gem) prefers ordinary mineral and organic fertilizers. They are used the following year, starting the growing season with nitrogen and ending with phosphorus.
- Haircuts are carried out twice a year - in the first half of spring and in autumn, until November. In areas with constant precipitation, it is necessary to build support for the branches.
- At the end of autumn, young seedlings are covered with spruce branches. Due to minus marks, spots may appear on the bark. They are not a symptom of the disease, but only undermine the decorative effect.
- In the evening, it is recommended to sprinkle with warm water. In spring and autumn it is not necessary.
Reproduction methods
A common cultivation method is cuttings. With such propagation, the Little Jam spruce retains its maternal characteristics. The best material will be lateral branches 1-1.5 years old, covered with a layer of bark. There should be one dormant bud on top of the cutting.
The collection of raw materials is carried out in the spring, before the buds open. Work with pruning shears or a sterilized knife. The length of the segment should be 8-12 cm. The lower end of the spruce cutting is lowered into a root formation stimulator, after which it is placed in a container filled with perlite and sand.
Until the cuttings bloom the first leaves, keep the container under the film. Ventilation holes are made in it to make the seedling comfortable.
After the leaves appear, the Little Gem spruce is transplanted to a permanent place prepared in advance by the gardener.
The process remains similar to planting a seedling
Diseases and pests
Overwatering is a common cause of fungi. If you dig up the soil, you can see threads of mycelium. You can cope with the pest using an organic fungicide recommended for killing fungi.
Among the insects that can attack the Little Jam spruce are hermes, aphids and sawflies. In some, usually sunny, areas, the spruce mite is common. Brown spots indicate its presence. The listed pests are controlled with insecticides. You can use complex preparations or special ones intended for a specific insect.
Spruce Little Jam in landscape design
An interesting species has found application in landscape design: dwarf conifers are planted in areas designed in oriental style or made of stone.
The tree also looks great in the vicinity of other evergreen crops
Little Gem is used to decorate rock gardens; in the East, spruce is used to create bonsai. Tapeworm or group planting - it doesn’t matter, the tree looks graceful everywhere.
Some gardeners even grow hedges made from this plant.
Little Jam grows quietly in containers, so ephedra is used in the design of roofs, entrances, driveways, windows, and balconies. But it is difficult to grow it in the house - the plant needs fresh air and access to light.
Conclusion
Spruce Little Jam is frost-resistant, which is why it has become popular in Russia.Other distinctive features are the absence of cones, bright needles, and a spherical (or cushion-shaped) crown. When planting, you should remember that the plant loves light, because it is in sunny areas that the tree’s potential is revealed.
Reviews of common spruce Little Jam
