Description and characteristics of Cerepadus, beneficial properties of a hybrid of cherry and bird cherry, planting and care
Lovers of unusual varieties of plants are advised to pay attention to the hybrid variety of cherry and bird cherry. Such trees did not exist in natural nature before, their appearance was the result of selection work. Before buying cerapadus, it is worth learning about the nuances of choice, the distinctive properties of the variety and the rules for caring for the plant.
Description and characteristics
A hybrid variety obtained by crossing bird cherry and cherry is commonly called cerapadus. The name was obtained by adding the Latin names of the plant's progenitors. The pioneer of breeding plants was IV Michurin, and as a result of numerous experiments, modern varieties acquired the qualities of winter hardiness of bird cherry.
The peculiarity of the fruits of cerapadus is that the leaf plates resemble the shape of cherry leaves, and the berries, in terms of their external and taste characteristics, are a hybrid. The first bred species of an unusual plant was distinguished by the sugar content of the berries and the unusual, almost black color of the fruits.
Modern varieties have a dense crown, are characterized by a decent size of green mass.
The advantages of cerapaduses are the following:
- high frost resistance;
- well-developed root system;
- high productivity;
- large form of berries;
- decent external and taste quality of berries;
- resistance to diseases, especially to coccomycosis.
Today the list of cerapaduses is quite wide. Some varieties form racemose inflorescences, which allows you to get a high yield.
Benefit
The advantage of cerapadus is not only the physical qualities that allow you to get decent yields of delicious berries in difficult climatic conditions, but also the beneficial properties of the fruit. A berry decoction of such plants is capable of having an antipyretic effect. Due to the rich chemical composition with regular use of berries, the deficiency of vitamins and minerals in the body is replenished.
The appearance of cerapadus allowed to combine the qualities of bird cherry and cherry. Since ancient times, the fruits were first used to treat gastric diseases, eye and pulmonary pathologies, and rheumatism. Due to the large amount of phytoncides, bird cherry was used to fight microbes, and cherry in order to cleanse and rejuvenate the body. Cerapadus fruits can be used for making juices, compotes, fruit drinks.
Berries for long-term storage are frozen, while their beneficial properties are slightly reduced.
The best varieties
Today, cherry and bird cherry hybrids have a large number of varieties. A distinctive quality of any of them is their high ability to withstand low temperatures, so they are grown in regions with a cold climate.
The following varieties have gained popularity among Russian gardeners:
- Zepadus Novella is a tree-like tree capable of reaching a height of 3 m and does not require pollinators;
- Rusinka - resembles a bush in shape, the height of which does not exceed 2 m;
- Lewandowski's memory is a bushy species, attributed to a variety of self-fertile, therefore, requiring pollinators for fruiting.
In the Russian regions, cerapaduses have not yet found wide distribution, since not everyone likes the presence of a shade of bird cherry in the fruit. Moreover, they are often used as a rootstock for cherry, bird cherry and plum crops.
Planting and care rules
It is recommended to purchase young seedlings of cerapadus in specialized places, which will avoid deception and forgery of the plant. The tree is planted in early autumn or in the spring. In most cases, planting work is carried out in April.
A place with a neutral type of soil is considered optimal for selection; it is possible to use soil with average qualities of fertility. For cerapadus, lighting and sufficient sunlight are important, so shaded areas are not suitable for planting. The plant has a bad attitude towards drafts, therefore, they do not choose open areas with gusty winds.
If there is a quality of self-fertility of the variety, 2 or 3 seedlings are taken for planting, keeping the distance between each plant at 2.5 m, and between the rows 3 m.
To increase the survival rate, the root system is treated by soaking it in water or Kornevin solution. Before planting the seedling, a glass of nitrophoska is introduced into the hole. It is important to carefully spread the roots, evenly distributing the shoots. The pit is filled up to half, and then moistened with a bucket of warm water. After the roots are completely covered with soil, the soil surface near the seedling is mulched using peat, sawdust or shavings.
In the first 2 years, the tree does not differ in growth, and growth retardation is observed. Top dressing is done in the spring, focusing on the condition of the tree, the recommended frequency is 1 time every 2 years. The plant needs the formation of a crown, which is formed in 2-3 tiers, leaving a maximum of 4 skeletal branches on each. For better flowering, until the buds bloom, the plant is sprayed with a 2% solution of Bordeaux liquid. The spread of sprouts and pests should be controlled, when harmful insects appear, targeted preparations are used according to the instructions.
