Exquisite dwarf birch to decorate the suburban area
A nice guest from the north, dwarf birch will certainly appeal to fans of exotic plants. No wonder they say that stylish landscape design is the hallmark of a personal plot. What is this wondrous culture? Where does it occur in nature? What points should be considered when caring for a plant? We "look through" an interesting book on natural history to get guidance and grow it on our site.
Scientific information about the tree
The plant is also known by these names:
- yernik;
- slate;
- Karl.
In places where dwarf birches grow, dense plantings are formed. They adorn mountain slopes at an altitude of 500 m. With them it becomes "more fun" in the endless expanses of the tundra. Culture “dispels melancholy” on sphagnum bogs in the Siberian taiga.
She has adapted wonderfully to the harsh climate:
- Chukotka;
- Kamchatka;
- Canada;
- Alaska;
- Altai;
- Scotland.
From the outside, the culture is more like a shrub than a tree. The unique root system of dwarf birch does not go deep into the soil. On the contrary, it rapidly spreads in different directions, bypassing rocks and dense permafrost. A spreading crown is formed by a huge number of thin shoots that gracefully emerge from the main, slightly inclined trunk. They are directed not towards the sun, but in different directions. Thanks to this, a lot of snow remains on them, which protects the culture from the winter cold.
The maximum height of dwarf birch reaches 150 cm, and the minimum, barely reaches 20 cm. Young shoots are covered with miniature villi resembling velvet fabric. Over the years, they disappear, leaving behind a brown-gray bark. The leaf plates are rounded with a serrated frame. On the branches, they are located alternately. The top side of the sheet is glossy. The lower part is matte with thin pubescence. Each of them has a short petiole. In autumn, the plates turn orange or bright red.
Like its close relative, the dwarf birch boasts yellow-green earrings in the shape of an elongated oval. In its natural environment, it blooms in May, when the foliage has not yet blossomed. After pollination, they begin to dry out, disintegrating into miniature scales. After about a month, tiny brown nuts are formed.
Dwarf birch grows very slowly, therefore it is suitable for the design of open and spacious areas.
Varieties of culture and useful properties
To please the Europeans, breeders have developed original varieties of dwarf birch. They are actively used to create single and group plantings located in gardens and city parks. They look wonderful against the background of tall flowers.
The most popular varieties are:
- "Nana";
- "Exilis";
- Golden;
- "Squat".
Each of them can rightfully take a worthy place at their summer cottage. In addition, the plant has a number of beneficial properties. Leaf blades and buds contain an abundance of vitamin C, carotene, and flavonoids.Therefore, they are used to make medicinal decoctions and tinctures. Used to treat inflammatory processes and prevent colds.
Dwarf birch in landscape design
The original external features of the northern guest make it possible to use her to create stylish compositions. Despite the fact that in the vastness of the tundra its neighbors were lichens or mosses, in the summer cottage the shrub fits wonderfully into the landscape. The main thing is to determine for him a worthy place in the sun.
Most often, low-growing birch is used for landscaping small backyards. The venues are complemented with exotic elements of Japanese themes. If necessary, planted as hedge or territory zoning. The plant is harmoniously combined with creeping willow, located along artificial reservoirs or arbors. In addition, the culture looks great against the background of coniferous shrubs, rockeries and spacious rock gardens. In autumn, the crimson foliage brings a special flavor to the landscape and evokes positive emotions among passers-by.
If you plant a dwarf birch tree in a large pot, you get a gorgeous bonsai.
Growing conditions at their summer cottage
To transfer a dwarf birch from the tundra to a milder climate, simple rules are required. In its natural environment, it grows in open areas. Therefore, she is given a similar place in the garden. Sufficient sunlight will help the shrub to adapt to new climates.
An equally important factor for the successful development of a tree is the soil. Although she loves swampy land, ordinary soil, which prevails in mid-latitudes, will suit her. However, it must have a slightly acidic character. With a prolonged absence of precipitation, it is regularly moistened.
Dwarf birch is considered a winter-hardy crop. She is able to withstand extremely low temperatures. But during the summer heat, it needs protection from the scorching sun rays. If it is grown indoors, then in winter it is placed away from the central heating batteries.
Since the plant prefers a high level of moisture, it is planted next to bodies of water... If this is not possible, the indicators are maintained in an artificial way. The shrub is regularly sprayed using a spray bottle. In addition, do not forget to water the root zone of the plant.
Agrotechnics of planting
In summer cottages, dwarf birch is grown by seeds or ready-made seedlings. The seed is introduced into the soil immediately after collecting the nuts. This process is very time consuming, so it is better for inexperienced gardeners to use ready-made seedlings. They are usually sold in specialized closed-root nurseries.
It is not advisable to purchase dwarf birch trees from random people in spontaneous markets.
The bushes are planted in spring or late autumn in winter. Dig a hole 2 weeks before planting. Peat, sand and humus are added to the garden soil (2: 1: 1: 1). In addition, 200 g of complex top dressing is applied for one shrub. Then the seedling is carefully placed in the center of the funnel. The voids are covered with the prepared substrate. The upper level is carefully compacted, watered and mulched with sawdust.
Caring for and attention to the plant
The systematic care of a dwarf birch contributes to successful development. Although she miraculously tolerates severe frosts, the summer heat can bring her irreparable harm. If it was planted in the spring, then watering and spraying is carried out as the topsoil dries out. The frequency of procedures depends on the amount of precipitation and air temperature.
Fertilizers are applied 2 times a year. In the summer, the soil is watered with nitrogen-containing substances. And in cold weather, complex feeding is used. In the second year after planting, the tree is carefully trimmed. Remove damaged branches and form a beautiful crown shape.
Diseases and insect attacks
Unfortunately, dwarf birch is affected by pests. Most often it is a bear, a silkworm and a leaf sawfly. Get rid of them with the help of insecticidal substances. Treat the plant according to the instructions on the package of the chemical. However, fungal infections can also cause a dull appearance.
Therefore, many gardeners are interested in the question of why the ends of a dwarf birch dry out in the midst of the season. Biologists point to several reasons:
- the impact of external factors;
- natural conditions;
- microorganisms.
Culture unprotected from direct sunlight begins to get sick. First, the leaf plates dry, and over time, the branches lose moisture. In winter, dwarf birch can suffer from gusty winds. In addition, temperature changes lead to icing. As a result, the tips of young shoots begin to dry out.
Microscopic fungi that multiply on the shrub cause various kinds of diseases. Most often, dwarf birch suffers from powdery mildew, bacterial dropsy or witch's broom. For treatment, special chemicals are used. Processing is carried out after identifying the focus of infection.
We have carefully examined the agricultural technique of planting a dwarf birch. It consists of simple procedures. Complex care, provides the plant with lush beauty and stylish appearance in landscaping.
Dwarf birch for a summer cottage - video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ab3CDoaUpPY