Thuja is an indispensable element in modern landscape design. The variety of species of this plant allows each gardener to find exactly the tree or shrub that will become a real decoration on its site. In this article, we will talk about a small coniferous bush Tiny Tim (Tiny Tim).

Plant description

This type of thuja belongs to the dwarf species of this culture. It has a neat, round shape. The plant does not exceed 1 m in height. In diameter, the spherical shrub reaches 1.5 m. For example, at 10 years of age, its height is usually 30 cm and its width is 40 cm. The crown is very dense due to the thin, short and branching coniferous twigs. Tiny Tim grows very slowly, because in a year it can increase its size by only 2 cm.

Did you know? Thuja oil has a large list of beneficial properties. It is often used in the treatment of skin diseases.

A feature of this type of thuja is that in winter the plant acquires a very beautiful saturated dark green color, and in summer it is less bright. The bark has a taupe and peeling structure.

The plant is not whimsical to the environment. It grows well in areas where harmful emissions of various enterprises and vehicles are not uncommon, so shrubs can often be seen in cities in green areas near the roadway

Use in landscape design

For landscape designers, this variety of western arborvitae is a very popular and stylish plant. The shape of the bush in the form of a fluffy small ball can make absolutely every site interesting and beautiful. You can often see Teeny Tim as low curbs for garden paths.. They are an excellent solution for fencing certain areas on the landscape. Single stands also look very impressive.

How to plant

Observing the rules of planting, you make a good "foundation" for the further growth of the plant. See below for more details.

The perfect place to land

This type of thuja is able to grow even in the most adverse conditions.. This is an absolutely unpretentious plant. But if you want the bush not only to be present, but also to be very beautiful on your site, then you need to take it seriously to search for a place in the garden.

Try to set aside a sunny corner for Teeny Tim. It must be protected from gusts of wind. The type of soil is suitable for any. But in the landing pit, you can pour moist loamy soil, then the shrub will have a bright and elegant crown.

Prepare a place in advance. Remove weeds, dig the ground. It should be loose, since the root system of the thuja in dense soil does not absorb the necessary substances and moisture poorly

The timing

It is possible to plant shrubs both in spring and in autumn.

Rules for spring planting:

1. Do not delay this process until warm weather sets in. The optimal and favorable period is mid-April.
2. Be sure to keep an earthen lump. The seedling is carefully immersed with it in the landing pit.
3. Add the lure consisting of sand, peat and turf to the hole. It is also necessary to make fertilizer — 50 g nitroammophoski per bush.

Video: How to plant a coniferous plant

If in the spring it was not possible to plant a bush, then in the fall it can also be done, but at the same time:

1. You need to plant thuja in September, so that the plant has time to grow stronger before the onset of cold weather. If you do this later, then it may not take root.
2. A round-about place must be insulated with sprigs of needles or a layer of compost. Immediately after planting, warm the plant well.
3. In winter, snow should be removed from the young bush so that it does not break fragile branches.

Important! Sand often contains numerous microorganisms that can adversely affect thuja. Before adding to the landing pit, it must be thermally processed.

Phased landing

Algorithm of actions during landing:

1. It is necessary to prepare the hole. The size will depend on the size of the earthen coma. You can adhere to the following parameters: depth - 70–80 cm, width –1 m.
2. At the bottom of the pit, drainage should be done. As a material, broken brick is perfect.
3. On top of the drainage, you need to pour a small layer of land with organic fertilizer applied in advance.
4. Next, gently immerse the seedling in the hole. It is not necessary to dig a root system into the ground, since the neck should remain at ground level.
5. Mix the earth and sand in approximately the same amount, and then fill it with a hole.
6. Pour new bush abundantly with water.

Care

Gardeners prefer to see thuja on their plot for two reasons: the plant looks beautiful all year round and is unpretentious in maintenance. Tini Tim bush variety in this matter is no exception. After planting a plant on your site, you will need to give it a little time. The following article discusses the easy rules that must be observed in caring for this type of arborvitae.

Watering

Particular attention in this matter should be given to young plants. Shrub will take root only if it is often watered - 2 buckets of water every three days. A good result in the form of a beautiful and healthy needles can give spraying. It must be carried out in the evening, so that the branches have time to absorb moisture well.

After each watering, do not forget to loosen the ground near the thuja, so that the root system has access to air. Such care should be done only the first year after planting. Next, the plant should be watered in case of prolonged drought.

Mulching the earth

In the agricultural technology of any plant, it is important to mulch. Fallen leaves and needles can serve as material for this. They need to be mixed and covered with earth around the bush. This way you will create conditions similar to a natural forest.

Important! At the first sign of fungal diseases, the plant should be treated with fungicides.

Top dressing

Fertilizers play a very large role in the growth of any plant. For this type of thuja, you need to carry out spring dressing. Under each bush, you need to make 30 g nitroammofoski. Any complex fertilizer may also be suitable. In the fall, you can add a little organics and potassium supplements.

Pruning

Thanks to the beautiful and correct crown, gardeners prune Tiny Tim not often. In the first years after planting, this issue does not arise. The shrub is tiny, and it needs to be allowed to grow a little. For the 4th – 5th year, the plant can be given the first haircut, but only if it is necessary to form the correct shape. Rejuvenation is carried out every three years. It must be done in the spring.

Shelter for the winter

Tini Tim is a winter-hardy plant, because it can withstand up to -40 ° C. Adult shrubs do not need any shelter before the onset of cold weather. Young thuja need to be warmed. A layer of straw can be placed on the bark circle, and the top of the plant should be wrapped in burlap or other similar material.

Breeding methods

There are two ways to propagate this species here:

1. Seminal. Experienced gardeners recommend leaving seeds for the winter in the snow. As practice shows, after that they grow faster. You can also sow them in the spring.
2. Cuttings. Lignified or semi-lignified cuttings are suitable for this method. Before planting, they should be treated with “Heteroauxin”. Planting material is most often immediately planted in a greenhouse, but it also takes root well in open areas.

Did you know? Bioenergy argues that the thuja growing near the house is able to relieve nervous tension in the family and helps restrain negative emotions.

With its spherical shape, Tini Tim constantly attracts attention. Having planted such a plant on your site, get ready for the fact that all your guests will be constantly interested in this shrub. He will definitely make your garden more beautiful.