Pseudotsuga

The genus Pseudotsuga belongs to 7 evergreen coniferous trees of fairly rapid growth. The only widely grown species in Europe is the Pseudotsuga menziensii, or Douglas fir, which has several varieties and can reach a height of 100 m or more, in the European part it rarely exceeds 60 m. The crown is slender, broad-pyramidal, with branches extending almost horizontally. The bark is smooth, brownish-gray. The needles are dark green or bluish-green, located on the branches spirally. The root system of young plants is rod-shaped and develops well with age. Cones 3-18 cm long, egg-shaped or oblong, hanging down; ripen in autumn. years. Seeds with a large wing easily fly out of wide-opening cones. The most common decorative forms are 'Green' and 'Glaucous', known for their sensitivity to the pathogenic fungus (Rhabdocline pseudotsugae). The pine needles are bluish-green, the scales of the cones are bent down, in addition, it grows more slowly than the botanical species. 'Drooping' is characterized by drooping branches. 'Fletcher's' is a dwarf spherical shrub species with green-blue leaves. There is also a variety- Pseudotsuga menziensii var. caesius, undoubtedly the most stable, with matte needles, gray-green on the upper side and a whitish-gray stripe - below.

The genus Pseudotsuga belongs to 7 evergreen coniferous trees of fairly rapid growth.

The only widely grown species in Europe is the Pseudotsuga menziensii, or Douglas fir, which has several varieties and can reach a height of 100 m or more, in the European part it rarely exceeds 60 m. The crown is slender, broad-pyramidal, with branches extending almost horizontally. The bark is smooth, brownish-gray. The needles are dark green or bluish-green, located on the branches spirally. The root system of young plants is rod-shaped and develops well with age. Cones 3-18 cm long, egg-shaped or oblong, hanging down; ripen in autumn. years. Seeds with a large wing easily fly out of wide-opening cones.

The most common decorative forms are 'Green' and 'Glaucous', known for their sensitivity to the pathogenic fungus (Rhabdocline pseudotsugae). The pine needles are bluish-green, the scales of the cones are bent down, in addition, it grows more slowly than the botanical species. 'Drooping' is characterized by drooping branches. 'Fletcher's' is a dwarf spherical shrub species with green-blue leaves. There is also a variety- Pseudotsuga menziensii var. caesius, undoubtedly the most stable, with matte needles, gray-green on the upper side and a whitish-gray stripe - below.

Cultivation

Plants of the genus Pseudotsuga are grown in parks and large squares, mainly in single plantings. Most species are fast-growing. They are planted on a permanent planting site in March, preferably in fresh and deep, well-drained soil. The species are generally cold-and drought-resistant: they tolerate unfavorable environmental conditions (gas contamination and smoke) well. Pruning is usually not required only dry and damaged branches are removed. Successfully tolerates a haircut. At an early stage of development, if two apices are formed, one of them is removed.

Plants of the genus Pseudotsuga are grown in parks and large squares, mainly in single plantings. Most species are fast-growing. They are planted on a permanent planting site in March, preferably in fresh and deep, well-drained soil.

The species are generally cold-and drought-resistant: they tolerate unfavorable environmental conditions (gas contamination and smoke) well. Pruning is usually not required only dry and damaged branches are removed. Successfully tolerates a haircut. At an early stage of development, if two apices are formed, one of them is removed.

Location

They prefer a place protected from the wind in the open sun.

Temperature

This is a stable plant; only severe frosts can damage young plantings.

Watering

It is necessary only for young plants immediately after planting in the ground and during periods of prolonged drought.

Reproduction

Propagate usually by seeds. Seeds are sown in a closed, unheated room or immediately in the ground in a secluded, protected corner of the plot. Small seedlings are transplanted one at a time into pots filled with a mixture consisting of 2/3 of fertile land and 1/3 of peat with the addition of 30 g of complex mineral fertilizer per bucket. After 2 years, they can be planted completely.

Propagate usually by seeds. Seeds are sown in a closed, unheated room or immediately in the ground in a secluded, protected corner of the plot. Small seedlings are transplanted one at a time into pots filled with a mixture consisting of 2/3 of fertile land and 1/3 of peat with the addition of 30 g of complex mineral fertilizer per bucket. After 2 years, they can be planted completely.

Diseases

Most species are resistant to diseases and pests. In addition to the same pests and diseases as in European spruce (aphids, cancer, etc.), pseudotsuga is affected by the fungus Rhabdocline pseudotsugae, which causes serious damage, causing discoloration and falling of needles. Only young plants can be treated; copper-containing fungicides are used for this purpose.

Acquisition

Pseudotsuga seedlings can always be found in specialized nurseries and gardening centers. It is recommended to purchase small plants that are easier to plant on the site.