Japanese pine tree (Sciadopitys verticillata) is an evergreen tree from the Sciadopityaceae family, naturally occurring only in the mountainous regions of Japan. It grows slowly, under favorable conditions it grows at a rate of 30 cm per year. At the age of 10, it can reach 1-4.5 m, and ultimately 9 m in height. The life expectancy of a pine tree is 600-700 years.
Japanese pine tree - characteristics
The main distinguishing feature of this species is its unusual needles.Short and scaly ones cover the shoots, while long (up to 15 cm), dark green needles grow at the ends of the shoots, forming umbrella-shaped whorls. In young trees, the branches grow straight, giving them a stiff appearance. As they age, they gracefully hang. Decorative, reddish or orange bark, peels off in long stripes, which gives the tree an exotic charm. Sośnica blooms in early spring. Cones that appear in autumn are small, first green, then browning. They grow singly at the tips of the shoots.
Grown in gardens, the pine tree looks good both as a solitaire and in group plantings. It can be used to decorate rockeries and alpine gardens. When grown in a pot, it is perfect for creating bonsai-style trees. There are popular varieties with golden, multi-colored needles and overhanging, weeping shoots.
Japanese pine tree: requirements
The Japanese pine tree prefers secluded places, sheltered from the sun.It likes warmth, but in a place sheltered from the wind it can withstand short-term frosts even down to -28 ° C. It performs best on a fertile, acidic (pH 5.0-6.0), humus, permeable and moist soil. The best substrate is a mixture of peat, light clay and turf soil in a 1: 1: 1 ratio. In alkaline soils, the pine tree suffers from chlorosis. It hates stagnant water, so in the garden it should take a place on a slight hill. Like other relict trees, the Japanese pine tree is not susceptible to disease or pest attack.
Japanese Sośnica - cultivation
Containerized plants can be planted from the turn of April and May until early autumn. Fill the planting hole with dimensions of 60x60 cm with a mixture of peat, light clay and turf soil. After planting, the seedling is watered and mulched with composted bark or needles. The plant has high water requirements and likes high air humidity. We water it often, 1-2 times a week, and even every other day on hot days.We sprinkle it every day. The Japanese pine tree responds well to organic and mineral fertilization.
How to cut Japanese pine tree
The Japanese pine tree usually does not require pruning because it grows slowly and forms a compact and regular crown. Only if the tree takes up too much space can we shorten the protruding shoots a bit. In spring, we perform sanitary pruning, removing sick, frozen or broken shoots.
Japanese pine tree: wintering
Sośnica is quite resistant to low temperatures, but its roots may freeze and should be protected against frost. For this purpose, in the fall, we mulch the soil with a thick layer of dry leaves, bark or straw. Cold and dry winds and harsh sunlight excessively dry out plants, especially young and evergreen plants. Therefore, with the onset of frosts, you can cover the entire tree with agrotextile. Older specimens can be tied up with twigs to prevent them from breaking under the weight of snow.We cannot forget to water the plants, also in winter.
Japanese pine tree in a pot
Japanese pine tree can grow in a container for a long time and works great as a bonsai tree. In winter, it is best to move the pot with the tree to a place sheltered from wind and sun. It is good to additionally protect the root ball by wrapping the pot with straw mats or other thermal insulation material.
