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The Drummondi maple is a species of holly that appeared in the last century. A distinctive feature of the plant is its light green, almost white, leaves. The crown they create looks colorful and can contrast with dark conifers. The species is actively used in landscape design.
Description of Drummondi maple
Drummondi is most widespread in Europe and the western regions of Russia. Scotland is considered the birthplace of the tree. It is erroneously said about maple that it is a product of selection. In fact, scientists have nothing to do with its creation. Nature became the parent of the maple tree.
At the beginning of summer, Drummondi's crown takes on a mint color. If you look closely, you can see a distinct plate pattern that has much in common with the Canadian variety.
The center of the maple leaves is presented in the form of a combination of two colors - gray and green, the edges have a light edging
Gradually, the color of Drummondi's crown changes.If in summer it was light green, then in autumn the plant becomes completely golden. In spring, when the buds are just renewing, they have a pinkish color. As the leaf matures, it turns green and becomes covered with distinct veins.
Drummondi maple has smooth wood. On young trees the bark is light brown, on old trees it is deep brown, almost black. Mature plantings are covered with countless cracks formed during the growth process. The Drummondi maple variety can be grown on a trunk or in a pot.
In May, the culture forms inflorescences. It is covered with green buds, growing together in groups. In autumn, fruits form in their place. The latter are brown-yellow lionfish, the inside of which contains seeds.
Winter hardiness of Drummondi maple
The plant does not have a demanding disposition. It can be grown in different soil and light conditions. The Drummondi maple tolerates frosts calmly and can withstand temperatures down to -35 °C. The species is recommended for cultivation in Penza, Karelia, Moscow and the region, Primorsky Territory, Kazan.
Drummondi maple height
The Drummondi tree is medium-sized, its maximum height is limited to 15 m. The maple crown has the shape of a pyramid with a massive base. In adult plants it is close to spherical.
Advantages and disadvantages
In addition to the fact that the Drummondi tree has an interesting color and structure, the plant boasts strong immunity.
The species has good resistance to powdery mildew
Pros:
- no soil requirements;
- can grow in almost any environment;
- good development indicators in the shade and in the light.
Minuses:
- resistance to coral spotting.
Planting the Drummondi maple
Work begins in March or October. In the initial stages, the Drummondi maple needs a lot of light, so the place should be illuminated regularly. Planting in light shade is allowed, but in this case growth will be slowed down. About 300 cm of free space is left between the trees.
The seating area is prepared in advance. First, they dig a hole and put drainage material in it. Secondly, they fertilize the soil with organic mixtures - this can be humus, compost, rotted manure or other fertilizing. Thirdly, the area must be watered so that the substances dissolve.
When the time comes for planting, the owner will only have to dig a hole again and place the seedling in it. The roots are straightened in different directions, and the root collar is left on the surface.
At the end, the Drummondii maple is well watered - up to four buckets of liquid, mulched
Drummondi maple care
The tree does not require a special approach; you can care for it in the same way as other trees. For the first 2-3 weeks, the Drummondi maple is watered every day. After the seedling gets stronger, the frequency is reduced to three times a week, and after some time it is reduced further. 6-month plantings are watered once a week in summer and once a month in spring.
Fertilizing should be done every season. They start with superphosphate, use potassium salt in the summer, and when switching to the autumn period, use a urea solution.
It is useful to add store-bought mixtures, for example, the drug Kemira
The other side of Drummondii maple care is preventative. It consists of regular weeding of the tree trunk circle and loosening the soil after watering. Such procedures are designed to stimulate growth. In the spring, sanitary pruning is carried out: dried, damaged, rotten branches and young growth in the roots are removed.
In all seasons, weekly inspections are carried out. If necessary, formative pruning can be done. Young specimens are covered in winter; you can use spruce branches or straw. For reliability, the trunk of the Drummondi maple is wrapped in rags or burlap. This is necessary to protect the young bark from cracking.
Reproduction
The Drummondi maple variety supports three methods of reproduction - using seeds, basal shoots and air layering.
In the first case, recently fallen fruits are collected and lightly sprinkled with earth. Lionfish are formed in the fall, so they also reproduce before winter. During the cold season, the seeds will undergo the necessary stratification, and with the arrival of the sun they will form seedlings.
Reproduction by root shoots proceeds faster. On the lower shoots (above 5 cm from the ground level) you need to cut off the bark, hill up these places and make sure that the soil in them does not crumble. The areas are periodically watered and, if necessary, hilled again.
After a year, Drummondii maple seedlings are formed, which can be separated from the parent plant and grown separately
Air layering is a popular method of propagating maple trees. The gardener will need a sharp blade (knife, pruning shears) and a root stimulator (Kornevin).Using a sterilized instrument, 2-3 longitudinal cuts are made on the young shoot, pieces of foam are placed inside and the areas are covered with moss. After this, the shoots are watered and wrapped with film, achieving good tightness.
After three months, the roots will make holes in the moss and come out. Such a branch should be separated from the mother plant and planted in another place. Each propagation method is unique and simple in its own way. No additional growing knowledge is required.
Diseases and pests
Thanks to its strong immune system, the Drummondi maple is rarely affected by pests. Bark beetles can be dangerous, but they breed primarily near forests.
As for urban areas, the tree may become weak due to coral spotting. This is a fungal disease that is difficult to cope with on your own.
Infected maple branches have to be removed, and healthy ones have to be sprayed with fungicides
Photos in landscape design
Drummondi goes well with dark tall plants
The Drummondi tree is often grown near forested areas, as they provide an excellent backdrop
It is appropriate to plant the crop next to buildings to create shade
Conclusion
Drummondi maple is a medium-sized tree with good adaptive ability. It is possible to plant the plant in any region of Russia, with the exception of the Far North. It is unpretentious in care, grows quickly in open meadows and in partial shade. Plantings can be propagated by seeds, root shoots and layering.
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