Content
Evergreen conifers are a real decoration of personal plots. Shrub-type crops are especially popular because their lush crown looks especially impressive. Such plants include the middle Hixi yew. But in order for the culture to be able to fully develop, as well as to please the eye with its appearance, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the rules of its planting and care.
The leaves and shoots of this conifer do not contain resinous substances
Description of the middle Hixie yew
Yew Hicksii is a hybrid obtained by crossing berry and pointed species. The ephedra belongs to the tall category, its height reaches 5 m, and the diameter of the crown growth is 3-4 m. The growth rate of the hybrid is average. Every year its height increases by 20 cm and its width by 10 cm.
The crown shape of the medium Hixie yew is columnar. It is slightly wider at the top than at the bottom. Rigid shoots are directed upward and pressed tightly, so the plant does not lose its decorative appearance even in strong winds. The needles of the hybrid retain a rich green tint all year round. The length of flat needles reaches 2.5-3 cm.The needles are soft, shiny, and the central vein is clearly visible in the center.
The root system of the plant is well developed, it is able to adapt to different habitats.
The fruits of the average Hixie yew are drupes, and not cones, like other conifers. The plant is dioecious, so berries are produced only on the female species. The fruits of the medium Hixie yew are bright red in color, with juicy, sweetish pulp that is edible. And the bones formed inside contain toxic substances. The fruits of the yew ripen towards the end of summer and remain on the branches until late autumn.
Winter hardiness of yew Hixi
This conifer belongs to the frost-resistant category. An adult tree tolerates temperatures well down to -28-30 °C. However, it is worth considering that the seedling acquires frost resistance as it matures, so in the first years after planting it needs to be insulated for the winter, depending on the growing region.
Advantages and disadvantages
The medium Hixi yew has many advantages, which has contributed to the growth of its popularity among landscape designers and amateur gardeners. However, the plant also has certain disadvantages that need to be taken into account.
The hybrid belongs to the category of long-lived plants
Main advantages:
- high life potential;
- durability;
- excellent decorative appearance;
- grows well in shade and open areas;
- looks good in group and single plantings;
- does not require complex care;
- needs rare pruning.
Flaws:
- moderate growth rate;
- reacts poorly to acidic soil;
- does not tolerate prolonged stagnation of moisture in the soil.
Planting a medium Hixi yew
It is necessary to plant the medium Hixi yew immediately in a permanent place, since as the seedling matures it does not tolerate transplantation well. To do this, you should choose seedlings with a closed root system. It is recommended to plant them in early spring or late autumn, that is, before the start of active growing season or at its end.
For the middle Hixie yew, you can choose open or shaded areas. It is important to take into account that the plant prefers loamy, well-drained soil with neutral or slightly alkaline acidity.
To plant a medium Hixi yew, you need to prepare a hole with a diameter of 25-30 cm and a depth of 50 cm greater than the size of the root system. It is recommended to lay broken brick or coarse crushed stone at the bottom in a layer of 10 cm, and fill the rest of the space with a soil mixture consisting of turf, peat, sand in a ratio of 3:2:2.
Planting should be carried out in the standard way. Upon completion, the root collar of the seedling should be located at soil level. After planting, water the seedling well.
Caring for medium yew Hixie
The hybrid does not require special attention from the gardener. It is recommended to water the average Hixi yew only during prolonged drought. To do this, you can use settled water. Pouring it directly under the root of the plant. After each moistening, it is recommended to loosen the soil at the base of the conifer. This will maintain air access to the roots and prevent moisture stagnation.
It is recommended to prune the medium Hixi yew only to maintain high decorative value. Broken and damaged shoots must be removed. Pruning should be done in early spring.
Before winter, it is recommended to tie the crown of the conifer with a rope. This will preserve its integrity even during heavy snowfalls.When growing a plant in the northern regions of the country, its above-ground part must be wrapped with agrofibre, and humus mulch 10 cm thick must be laid at the base.
The hybrid does not tolerate drought well
Pest and disease control
The hybrid has increased immunity to diseases, which simplifies its care. However, the conifer may suffer from pests such as false scale and yew gall midge. In this case, the average Hixie yew stops growing and its needles become dull. When these signs appear, it is necessary to treat the crown with insecticides.
Conclusion
Yew medium Hixi belongs to the category of plants that, with minimal care, always look impressive and attract the eye. At the same time, it combines well with other conifers and deciduous or flowering shrubs. The hybrid is also suitable for creating a low hedge; maintaining its decorative appearance will not be difficult, since the plant does not require frequent pruning.
