The author of the text is Grzegorz Falkowski
The most common role of the symbol of Christmas is Norway spruce. Meanwhile, it is worth knowing that in addition to the well-known conifers, there are a number of extremely original, although less popular species.Let's go to a garden center or a nursery to choose a surprising alternative to a Christmas tree in the traditional sense.Unusual, often dwarf and slow-growing trees, grown in pots, can be used for interior decoration, and after plant in the garden during holidays.
White spruce is ideal for this purpose, it is offered in numerous varieties growing in the form of attractively colored cones: 'Conica' and 'Compacta' (green), 'Alberta Blue' and 'Sander's Blue' (blue), 'Daisy's White 'or' Rainbow's End '(with a creamy golden growth).
These plants remain beautiful even without dressing, because when growth is complete, the needles surrounding the buds on the tips of the shoots remain brighter, creating the effect of subtle stars scattered over the surface of the shrub.A similar effect, but much clearer, with larger, silvery stars on a green background, can be observed in the Serbian spruce 'Kamenz'.
The equally interesting 'Nana' variety delights with its exceptionally regular arrangement of twigs and a dual color. Fans of juicy green Christmas trees may like the Norway spruce 'Will's Zwerg'. The common feature of the mentioned spruce trees in relation to the common spruce, and an interesting color of needles - from gray-green, through silvery, to blue.
The most intense color of the needles have the multiplied and transplant varieties. 'Edith' is a regular cone with overwhelmingly blue, almost blue needles. 'Fat Albert' is a bit wider and more compact. 'Iseli Fastigiate' is a silvery pole that takes up little space in the garden. 'Maigold' has a less regular habit, but in spring it produces fantastic golden growths.In autumn, its needles, similarly to the 'Jan Byczkowski' variety, seem slightly flecked with gold.
Live or artificial Christmas tree?
Pine tree
Pine trees are still an underestimated group of trees. Bosnian pine 'Compact Gem' is one of the most beautiful. It grows slowly and works perfectly as a garden Christmas tree.Short shoots, densely surrounded by distinct green needles, compact habit, black cones - just hang the lights and … the Christmas tree is ready.Black pine 'Nana' has a similar growth character.
Varieties with two-color or yellow needles are a rarity in the garden. The 'Chief Joseph' dune pine throughout the growing season does not stand out with anything special, but in autumn it undergoes an amazing transformation and turns golden in color. Mountain pine 'Chameleon' has only the tips of the needles colored, but it is permanent. The most unusual, however, is the white pine 'Louie'.When we see it for the first time, it's hard to resist the feeling that … it's not real, although in this case it is a compliment.
