Trees with a spherical crown have their charm. They are one of the most willingly cultivated woody plants not only in home gardens, but also in parks or urban roadside plantings.The reason is obvious: small size combined with an attractive appearance.Common maple trees 'Globosum', black locust 'Umbraculifera' and bignonium catalpa 'Nana' are quite popularly planted.
These are not the only trees with a spherical crown, of course, their values are clearly visible at this time of the year. Interesting varieties can also be found in palm maple, ambergris and marsh oak.There are two groups of trees with a spherical crown.The first group includes plants susceptible to pruning, which can be quickly and easily given the desired spherical shape.This is what we do with cypress, beech, willow and even wisteria. In this case, the cut should be repeated every year.
The date is the same as for hedges, i.e. the turn of winter and spring, and then the end of June. In the case of the second group, these are selected varieties in which the spherical shape of the crown is a natural development feature. Ideal are, for example, dwarf cherry 'Globosa', ambergris 'Gum Ball' and ginkgo 'Mariken'.
Unlike the original species (from which they originate), they do not have the habit of a typical tree, but rather a shrub.These are varieties grafted on tall rootstocks, their height ranges from 100 to 200 cm.Crowns grow larger over time, but grow moderately in all directions. However, it is also worth undercutting them once in a while, especially since some varieties begin to form umbrella-shaped crowns after reaching maturity.
Spherical trees are irreplaceable in small gardens.As mentioned, it is easy to predict not only the shape of their crown, but also their size.This makes planting planning easier. Matching trees can be selected even for bedding plantings, here come, among others, lilacs and viburnum laurel.
It is good to check the flowering time and leaf color in fall. Each additional decorative value is by all means desirable. Before winter, cover the trunks of young plants with a mat or fleeceThanks to the shading, the bark will not crack when the temperature drops suddenly at night.
Impressive with abundant flowering and beautiful autumn coloring
Field maple ’Nanum’ Acer campestre
It is not demanding to cultivate and is perfect for urban greenery. In spring, the tree is visited by bees, and in autumn its leaves turn yellow.It grows up to 4-8 m in height.
Small-leaved lilac ’Superba’ Syringa microphylla
This small shrub, growing up to 1.5 m, has lilac-pink, fragrant flowers gathered in panicles (they are pink-red in the bud).It is resistant to urban conditions and tolerates frosts well.
Chinese metasekwoja ’Matthaei’ M. glyptostroboides
This variety grows up to 4 m high, therefore it is recommended for small gardens. Its crown is slender, narrow conical and quite loose.The leaves of this tree take on fiery colors in autumn.
Chestnut tree ’Globosum’ A. hippocastanum
One of the most willingly cultivated trees in urban greenery, it grows up to 25 m. It blooms in May and bears fruit in September and October.Chestnut fruit is used for decoration.
Amber balsamic ’Gum Ball’ Liquidambar styraciflua
This variety stands out in autumn with fiery leaves. It requires a soil that is not very fine and rich in nutrients for he althy development.Ideal for small gardens, it grows up to 6 m.
Hawthorn ’Pauls Scarlet’ Crataegus laevigata
This thorny shrub blooms red in May, but unfortunately does not bear fruit. It grows up to 6 m. Note: strong pruning results in abundant flowering!The plant is perfect for insurmountable hedges.
