Mountain pine “Gnome”: rules for planting and caring for a coniferous plant

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Small, compact and very impressive in appearance, the Gnome mountain pine is often used in landscape design. It is unpretentious, tolerates transplantation well, and does not require daily care. Suitable for container plantings and the formation of decorative hedges.

• Landing
• Selection of seedlings
• Preparing the site
• Landing technology
• Care
• Watering
• Top dressing
• Mulching and loosening the soil
• Haircut and trimming
• Preparing for winter
• Reproduction
• Diseases and pests
• Use in landscape design
• Errors during cultivation
• Reviews

Mountain pine Gnome - a slow-growing beauty

Brief information about the variety

• Color : dark green needles;
• Height : up to 2.5 m;
• Crown width : 1.5 m;
• In what regions does it grow : everywhere except the northernmost;
• Planting features : in sunny places, with limited shading, the distance between bushes is at least 1.5 m;
• Immunity : plants need preventive treatments against fungal diseases;
• Life expectancy : 150-200 years.

Pine tree care

	Stage 1. Loosening the tree trunk circle Step 1 . Immediately after the soil warms up, the soil is loosened to a depth of no more than 8 cm. It is important to break up the clods and ensure good air exchange in the root part. Step 2 . During the season, loosening is carried out approximately once a month. It is best to apply the treatment after rains or watering so that the moisture evaporates more slowly
	Stage 2. Fertilizing pine Step 1 . The first feeding is carried out the next season after planting. In early spring, when the soil has just warmed up, apply fertilizer. This can be either a complex mineral composition suitable for conifers or ordinary wood ash. Step 2 . We fertilize the plant once a season, the work is carried out for about 8-10 years. The tree then grows without feeding. But if you have poor soils, then it is better to apply fertilizers on an ongoing basis.
	Stage 3. Watering the plant Step 1 . In the spring, immediately after the soil thaws, water both the root part of the pine tree and the crown generously. Moisture helps the plant quickly awaken from hibernation and ensures stable growth. Step 2 . During the season, watering is carried out as necessary if there is no rainfall for a long period of time. You need to water about once every 2-3 weeks, an excellent solution is to sprinkle the crown so that the needles are saturated with moisture
	Stage 4. Pruning and pest control Step 1 . In early spring, immediately after the snow melts, carry out sanitary pruning. Inspect the crown and remove all damaged and frostbitten shoots, if any are found. Step 2 . Formative pruning is carried out as necessary 1-2 times per season. Young shoots are cut to about a third of their length. For the first 2-3 years, it is better not to prune the pine tree and let it grow well. Step 3 . Treatment against pests and diseases is carried out as necessary. You can use preventive spraying against fungal diseases in the winter so that the plant does not become infected during this difficult period
	Stage 5. Covering for the winter Step 1 . In the first 2-3 years after planting, be sure to cover the plant. For this, use arcs and agro-canvas, as in the photo, or cover the tree with coniferous paws. Step 2 . In spring, cover young shoots from the spring sun to prevent them from getting burned.

Growing regions

In the wild, mountain pine is a multi-stemmed coniferous tree. More than 100 varieties of this conifer are known. They differ in size - from 20 m to 0.5 m in height, appearance and color of needles, but all are unpretentious to environmental conditions.

The shrub grows in the alpine belt of Central and Southern Europe at an altitude of up to 2500 m, on the poorest soils. Able to withstand severe frosts and winds, drought-resistant.

It can be cultivated in all regions of Russia, except the Far North.

Reproduction

Mountain pine can reproduce by seeds. After pollination two years later they are already mature. It is optimal to sow in early spring. first soaked in water for two days. Then sandy loam soil and vermiculite are added to the container, and everything is mixed. Before planting, the soil mixture is disinfected using Fundazol, Fitosporin and other means.

One or two seeds are immersed in the pot and buried slightly into the ground. It is recommended to plant seeds in open ground next spring.

Pine also propagates by cuttings. This method is used in greenhouse conditions. Cuttings are taken from mature trees. It is recommended to plant in April, when the buds are actively swelling. It is advisable to carry out cuttings in the morning when it is cloudy or raining. Cuttings 7–10 cm long are cut with pruning shears and lowered into water , to which Epin extra or Zircon has been added, protecting against possible rotting. To root the cuttings, the soil must be well prepared. Crushed stone and pebbles serve as drainage, and river sand is poured on top. Fertilizers are not used, but for active root formation, special means are sprayed. Roots take 2–5 months to form.

Description of the plant

Gnome pine is an evergreen dwarf shrub, one of the most compact species. Its height reaches 2.5 m, diameter up to 1.5 m, annual growth 7-10 cm. The plant has a spherical crown, which with age, if not formed, becomes dome-like.

The needles are dark green, 4-5 cm long. Brown cones have a round shape, up to 4 cm long. They grow either singly or in bunches, 2-3 pieces. In the first year they are green in color: they mature in the autumn of the second year, becoming brown.

Cones are male and female. The latter have seeds.

Mountain pine has a developed root system that holds the plant on the rocks. In gardens and parks with loose soil, the roots can grow deep. On rocky or heavy soil they are located close to the surface.

Errors during cultivation

There are few of them, since pine is very hardy and unpretentious.

1. Excessive pruning and thinning can stop growth.
2. When the root collar is deepened, the trunk may rot.
3. Thickening of plantings leads to crown deformation and the development of fungal diseases.
4. Exposing the roots during planting significantly reduces the chances of normal adaptation.
5. Feeding is practically not needed, and in the first 2-3 years it is detrimental to the plant.
6. Without shading during the summer months, seedlings can get sunburned.

Landing technology

The planting hole should be larger than the seedling's earthen ball. To fill the hole, a substrate is used, consisting of:

• 1 part humus or compost;
• 1 part sand;
• 2 parts garden soil.

During spring planting, a tablespoon of the complete mineral complex (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) is added to this mixture.

It is important that the root collar is at ground level, even after the soil has settled. When the hole is filled, the soil is compacted and watered.

Features of cultivation

To successfully cultivate Gnome pine, you need to choose the right site for the bush. It is recommended to plant in sunny areas that are not prone to flooding. It is advisable to purchase seedlings from a garden center or reserve when they are 3-5 years old with a preserved earthen lump. Younger specimens take root much worse; with exposed roots they often die.

It is recommended to plant in sunny areas that are not prone to flooding.

Growing pine variety Gnome step by step:

• prepare a planting hole;
• purchase a pine seedling;
• plant in accordance with the rules of agricultural technology;
• provide the plant with proper care for the first 2-3 years;
• after 3 years, maintain and, if possible, protect the shrub from adverse factors.

Landing

The optimal time for the operation for container plants is from April to mid-September. The hole is prepared in advance; if you want to grow a hedge, you should dig a trench. Place Gnome shrubs at a distance of 1.5-2 m from each other. The depth and width depend on the size of the earthen ball on the root system; they should be about 2 times larger than it. If the soil is clayey or heavy, you should pour a drainage layer of sand and stones about 20 cm high. Mix garden soil with a small amount of dry humus or phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. If necessary, lighten the structure by adding river sand; coniferous litter from the pine forest will ensure good survival rate.

The optimal time for the operation for container plants is from April to mid-September.

Carefully remove the pine seedling from the container, being careful not to damage the root system or break the lump of earth surrounding it. Lower it into the hole so that the root collar is at the same level. Fill the resulting gaps with soil mixture. Lightly compact the tree trunk circle, forming sides along the edges. Water thoroughly when the water is completely absorbed - mulch the surface with pine needles, sawdust or peat.

Care

Mountain pine requires a lot of attention in the first and second years of growth, while it develops a full-fledged root system.

When planting in spring, seedlings are shaded during the daytime. In the future, work with conifers is reduced to one-time procedures.

Watering

After planting, the plant is watered every 3-4 days for a month; in the summer, crown sprinkling is used. Mature pines do not require watering. Exceptions include long periods of drought and hot weather.

Feeding

In addition to the mineral fertilizer introduced during planting, the next feeding is carried out in the second or third year.

Pine does not tolerate excess organic matter and nitrogen: its appearance and resistance to negative weather conditions suffer.

To eliminate errors, it is recommended to use a complex mineral fertilizer for coniferous species, diluted in water. The solution is applied to the tree trunk after abundant watering.

Mulching and loosening the soil

Pine does not need crown formation

Loosening the soil has several purposes.

1. Oxygen access to the roots improves and more favorable conditions appear for the microflora with which the plant lives in symbiosis.
2. This creates the opportunity for moisture to penetrate into the deep layers of the soil, and at the same time makes it difficult to evaporate.
3. Weeds are being removed.

Mulching the tree trunk circle allows you to save effort and time on weeding, loosening and watering. Coniferous litter is ideal as mulch.

Haircut and trimming

Mountain pine Gnome is a gift for the owner. It does not require regular shaping haircuts. The trunks - semi-lodging and ascending - grow equally up to 10-15 years, as a result of which a spherical crown is formed.

With age, the speed of ascending shoots becomes higher, and the pine becomes dome-shaped.

After winter, sanitary pruning is carried out, removing dry and damaged branches. To give the plant the desired shape and density of the crown, pinching is performed.

It is produced at the beginning of the summer season, when the growth of young shoots (candles) is completed. Using pruning shears, they are shortened by 2-7 cm. After this procedure, several shoots begin to grow at the base of the candles. As a result, the crown becomes more magnificent and dense.

Gradual pruning of branches allows you to obtain a plant of a given shape.

Preparing for winter

The young shoots of the Gnome have time to ripen and become woody during the warm season. In addition, pine has a unique feature - thickened bark at the butt of the trunk. Due to this, it can withstand temperatures down to -35°C.

Only plants with an undeveloped root system close to the soil surface can suffer from frost. For the winter, they are covered with non-woven material, burlap or spruce branches and tied with twine.

In winter, snow poses a danger to conifers, the weight of which causes branches to break.

Reproduction

There are three possible ways:

• seeds;
• cuttings;
• vaccinations.

Vegetative propagation methods (cuttings and grafting) make it possible to preserve all the varietal qualities of the mother plant. But due to their complexity, they are rarely used and only for growing highly decorative varieties.

Rooting cuttings is difficult, long and often unsuccessful (the survival rate is low).

Seed propagation is the easiest way. The seeds ripen by the autumn of the second year. They are sowed in the spring of next year. It is better to sow through seedlings.

Both the planting material and the soil are pre-treated with a fungicide (phytosporin). The seeds are soaked in water for two days, then they are buried in 200 ml containers.

Shoots appear after a month, after which the containers with seedlings are exposed to light. All this time the soil must be kept moist. Planting in open ground is carried out every other year next spring.

Planting a plant

	Stage 1. Purchase of planting material Step 1 . Find your nearest nursery that sells this variety of pine. Find out what seedlings are available. It is best to purchase 3-4 year old plants; they take root well and are of normal size. Step 2 . When choosing a tree, pay attention to the condition of the needles and shoots. There should be no yellow fragments. Inspect the root part, the soil should not be wet, the presence of foci of fungus is not allowed
	Stage 2. Preparing the soil for seedlings Option 1. Purchase ready-made soil mixture at a gardening store. Choose options suitable for coniferous plants. Option 2. Prepare the composition yourself. Take 3 parts humus, 2 parts turf soil, 1 part sand and a glass of wood ash. All components are mixed until homogeneous
	Stage 3. Preparing the seat Step 1 . A place for planting a pine tree is selected. This should be a well-lit area, protected from cold winds. The distance to neighboring plants or a fence should be at least one and a half meters. Step 2 . A hole is being dug for planting. Depth - about 60 cm, diameter about the same. If the root part is large, then the dimensions of the hole may be different. Step 3 . A 15-20 cm layer of drainage is poured into the bottom of the hole. Expanded clay, broken brick or crushed stone are used for this.
	Stage 4. Preparing the seedling Step 1 . The container is removed from the root part. Do this carefully so as not to destroy the soil lump and minimally disturb the root part. Step 2 . Try the seedling in the hole. If the root collar is located below ground level, then pour a little nutrient mixture onto the bottom so that the plant is level with the soil
	Stage 5. Planting Step 1 . The plant is leveled in the hole, the entire space around the perimeter is filled with a nutrient mixture. Step 2 . The surface is thoroughly compacted. If necessary, add more soil. Remember that it is advisable to leave a small depression around the plant so that water does not spread over the surface when watering
	Stage 6. Watering the seedling Step 1 . Immediately after planting, the plant is watered abundantly. At least 20 liters of water are used, and if it is absorbed very quickly, then another bucket is added. Step 2 . Water the pine tree at least once a week for a month after planting. Pour a bucket of water to saturate the root part and ensure the plant quickly adapts to open ground conditions

Diseases and pests

It is necessary to monitor the health of the tree

Pines, like all conifers, have few enemies in nature. Three main fungal diseases of mountain pine:

• blister rust;
• Schutte fungal disease;
• necrosis of the cortex.

The main drugs to combat infections are fungicides and preparations containing copper. Carriers can be intermediate plants such as currants, gooseberries, and weeds.

Insect pests (aphids, scale insects, sawflies, silkworms, spider mites) can be combated with folk remedies:

• soap solution;
• tobacco infusion;
• tincture of insecticidal plants;
• mechanical collection of pests.

However, the use of modern insecticides is more effective:

• acarin;
• lepidocide;
• decis;
• karbofos;
• actellik.

Use in landscape design

Every year the number of dwarf varieties of mountain pine increases: this happens at the request of landscape designers, who include these plants in a wide variety of compositions.

The dark green needles of the Gnome pine look great in Japanese-style rocky gardens.

Several cones of different sizes attract attention against the backdrop of an evenly trimmed lawn.

To add brightness and expressiveness to a garden with conifers, it is recommended to plant ground cover perennials around the tree:

• saxifrage;
• aubration;
• soapwort;
• splint.

Beautiful compositions of mountain pine with mosses and succulents.

Disease susceptibility

Pine is resistant to diseases and pests. During the growth process, a thick litter is formed, which helps accumulate humus and retain the required amount of moisture. Pine tolerates soil compaction well. Manual crown formation is possible. This type of pine is actively used to create garden bonsai.

Mountain pine Gnome, the description of which was discussed in the article, is an excellent option for landscape design. It looks great as accents near garden paths and large flower arrangements. The plant will delight you all year round.