Chinese Metasequoieis an ancient tree that was once considered extinct. Currently, it is popularized as a garden plant due to its beauty and low requirements. See whatcultivating metasekwoi in the gardenlooks like, get to know the beautiful and interestinggarden varieties of metasekwoiand learn how to multiply the already owned trees. Learn all the secrets that the Chinese metasequoia hides!
Metasequoia glyptostroboides
Chinese metasequoia - the history of an unusual tree
Chinese Metasequoieis a living fossil. Imprints of metasquoi leaves were found in Poland in lignite deposits (in the Tertiary it grew in today's Poland). This tree was considered extinct until 1941, when a specimen of the metasquoias was found in China. In place of this, an American expedition was sent to study the tree and collect its seeds.
So obtainedChinese metasequoia seedswere distributed to several dozen research institutions. As a result, over the next few years, over a thousand specimens of this unusual tree were grown from the collected seeds. Soon, attempts toreproduce metasquoias by cuttingswere successful and the cultivation of garden varieties with limited growth and interesting ornamental qualities was started. its history in the Dendrological Garden in Wirty. I also took the photographs presented here there.
The Chinese metasequoia tree is a fast-growing tree , shedding needles in winter, reaching a height of 35 m in its natural environment.Metasequoia grown in gardens , however, usually grows less tall. The crown has a distinct, soaring guide and takes on a narrow, conical shape. The trunk of the metasequoia expands noticeably near the ground, and its cinnamon-brown bark is flaky in long lobes.
The needles of the metasekwoiare flat, soft, delicate, 3 to 4 cm long, light green . In autumn they turn yellow and red-brown and finally fall off the tree for the winter.
Chinese Metasequoia is aplant perfect for planting both in large gardens and parks. Single copies are best presented in well-exposed positions.
Chinese Metasequoia - variants
A dozen or sogarden varieties of Chinese metasekwoihave been bred, of which only a few are found in Poland.Although mostly fast-growing and ultimately very tall trees, there are also somedwarf metasekwoivarieties suitable for small gardens.
Chinese Metasekwoja Gold Rush- this is the most common variety of metasquoias in Poland, with a significantly reduced growth rate in relation to the species (within 10 years it grows up to 3 m in height). It is a tree with a soaring, conical shape and golden yellow foliage. The variety is recommended for planting in large gardens, near water reservoirs. He comes from Japan.
Chinese Metasequoia Matthaei- a variety from the USA, with a spherical habit, slow growth (within 10 years it grows up to 1.5 m in height) and soft needles. This extremely small variety of metasquoias is suitable for small gardens. It tolerates cutting and forming quite well.
Metasequoia glyptostroboides
Chinese Metasequoia Miss Grace- another variety of Chinese metasequoia that achieves slight variations. It is a plant with weeping shoots and slightly bluish, soft needles. It is highly frost-resistant and can be planted both individually and in groups.
Chinese Metasekwoja National- an interesting tree with a conical shape. This variety of metasekwoi comes from China and is characterized by beautiful, feathery, soft green needles that turn beautifully orange in autumn. Like other metasquoias, it grows best in wet soils, but it is also extremely drought-tolerant.
Chinese Metasequoia Snow Flurries- this variety of Metasequoia is distinguished by creamy white spring increments, and under good growing conditions, the tips of this variety constantly have a slightly whitish glow. It grows fast but slightly slower than the species.
Chinese Metasekwoja Spring Cream- Australian variety with a narrow, conical structure. It grows up to 30 m in height, so it is only suitable for very large gardens.
Chinese Metasequoia - young seedling and shoots close-up
Chinese metasekwoja - cultivation and requirements
The cultivation of Chinese metasquoiais best done in sunny to semi-shaded locations. This plant likes well-drained, fertile and moist soil, and can even be flooded periodically. However, dry and sterile substrate is unacceptable.The requirements of the Chinese metasequenceas to the soil pH are not excessive. This tree grows well in both neutral and acidic soils.
Metasequoia is resistantto environmental pollution and frost (zone 6A), although it acquires frost resistance with age. Younger specimens are damaged by frost and often require winter casing. Older trees are completely frost-resistant. In the coldest regions of Poland, it is worth choosing the mostfrost-resistant varieties of metasekwoi , such as the above-mentioned metasequoia 'Miss Grace'.
Good to knowMetasequoias are susceptible to fungal and bacterial diseases that attack the base of the trunk and roots. Pathogens easily penetrate through wounds and damage caused, for example, bywhen mowing the lawn. Therefore, when mowing the grass under metasequoia, you should be extremely careful.
Chinese metasequoia - reproduction
Metasequoia propagationis possible from stem cuttings (both herbaceous and woody), by grafting, and from seeds.
Metasekwoi seedsmust be imported from abroad, because in our climate, although they form cones, unfortunately they do not produce fertile seeds. The purchased seeds are sown in greenhouses, providing the emerging seedlings with sufficient heat and moisture.
From the end of June to August, herbaceous cuttings can be collected, which are rooted in an acid medium in boxes with a heated bottom (at 22-25 ° C). Seedlings need a lot of heat and shade.
