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Juniper horizontal Laim Glow refers to ornamental evergreen shrubs. It forms a compact shrub with a mixed shade. It is used in various styles, in landscape design, as well as in urban landscaping. The shrub is resistant to aggressive environments.
Description of Juniper Limeglow
Juniper horizontal Lime Glow (juniperus horizontalis Limeglow) was bred in 1984 by American breeders. The variety is obtained from the crossing of low-growing junipers growing in the wild. The name Laim Glow is a lemon glow, the variety received for its original color.
The description and photo of the Lime Glow juniper show that the needles that receive enough light are light yellow in color. In the autumn, it turns into a reddish tint. In winter, as well as in junipers growing in the shade, the color changes to green.
High frost resistance and drought resistance make it possible to grow shrubs in regions with different climates. Thanks to the changing shades, the bush looks decorative all year round, including on a low snow cover.
The plant is slow growing. The annual growth of horizontal Lime Glow juniper is from 7 to 10 cm. At the same time, it can grow in one place for several centuries. It belongs to dwarf shrubs, its size does not exceed 40 cm in height.
An adult bush develops symmetrically, reaches 1.5-2 m in diameter and forms a funnel. The crown is lush, soft. Scaly needles, small. Creeping stems, skeletal branches moderately branching. In the border planting, reaching the edge of the surface, the stems begin to slide down. At the same time, some of the shoots grow upward, which forms a voluminous, neat bush.
Juniper Laim Glow in landscape design
Under natural conditions, the juniper grows along the banks of rivers, it is found in the mountains. This feature of the plant is used to design decorative ponds in the garden, as well as the lower rows of rock gardens.
From the description of the horizontal Lime Glow juniper, it follows that the plant can be used as a ground cover for framing paths or decorating open areas of the site. To create a lemon carpet, 3 bushes are planted per 1 sq. m.
Due to its bright color, ornamental shrubs of the horizontal type of growth are successfully used in single plantings. A stand-alone shrub creates an accent in the garden that attracts attention from early spring to late autumn. A photo of a Lime Glow juniper in a garden design shows that the shrub does not need additional framing and in a single planting it also looks spectacular without companion plants.
For joint planting in a flower bed, the lemon shade of juniper is combined with purple, lilac or yellow flowers. Evergreen shrub is combined in one composition with barberry, panicle hydrangea, heather.Hostas are planted from low-growing crops next to horizontal junipers.
Use shining shrubs to create coniferous corners in combination with other evergreen crops and stones.
Planting and caring for Laim Glow juniper
For planting the horizontal Laim Glow juniper, seedlings are bought, which are sold with a closed root system. The seedling should look healthy, free from rusty and dry shoots, and match the description of the variety.
Seedlings with an open root system must be replanted immediately after purchase. Young plants take root better than adult bushes.
Seedling and planting plot preparation
It is most favorable to transplant horizontal juniper in early spring, at which time the root system is intensively growing. Spring planting allows the bush to adapt and take root before the onset of cold weather.
A permanent place for growing is chosen, because an adult plant has a deep root system and does not tolerate transplanting well. When planting, it is also important to take into account the area for future growth and spreading of the bush.
It is preferable to choose sandy loam soils for planting, with good water permeability. On clay soils, the culture is difficult to take root. Suitable soil acidity for growing is slightly acidic or neutral. In order for the plant to acquire a lemon color, it must be grown in a sunny place. Well tolerates cultivation in wind-blown areas.
Landing rules
For planting seedlings, planting holes or trenches are dug. The soil is removed just before planting. The deepening is made several times larger than the earthen coma, in which the seedling was before transplanting. But the bottom of the planting pit is covered with a drainage layer of 20 cm. The pit is spilled with water before planting.
For planting, a soil mixture is used, consisting of:
- 2 parts of peat;
- 2 pieces of loose earth;
- 1 part sand.
The root system is poured with growth stimulants before planting. The planting depth is the same at which the plant grew earlier, without deepening. The roots in the planting pit are straightened. Then the seedling is covered with the prepared substrate and lightly pressed. After planting, an earthen roller is made around the perimeter of the crown and a bucket of water is poured under the plant. The soil is mulched with peat or coniferous litter.
For the prevention of fungal diseases after transplantation, the plant is sprayed with disinfecting drugs. In spring, a young plant is covered from bright sunlight.
Watering and feeding
Juniper horizontal Laim Glow refers to drought-resistant plants. An adult bush is watered several times per season, especially during periods of prolonged hot weather. A shrub needs air humidification, so the best way to water it is by sprinkling.
In the year of transplant, until the plant is strong, it needs more frequent watering. During this period, the soil should not be allowed to dry out. To increase the humidity of the air, the bush is sprayed manually from a spray bottle.
In the spring, nitroammofosk is introduced under the bush 1 time. Fertilizers are distributed along the diameter of the trunk circle, covered with soil and must be watered. Organic matter such as manure or chicken droppings is not used due to its adverse effect on the roots of the bush.
Mulching and loosening
Dwarf juniper is grown in loose soils, which should not be present weeds... Loosening is carried out superficially.
Mulching for horizontal juniper Laim Glow is used not only as an agricultural technique, but also for decorative purposes.Mulching with bark or wood chips, as well as pine cones prevents moisture loss and frees you from constant weeding and loosening. Pebbles or gravel are used only on loose soil.
Trimming and shaping
The crown of a horizontal juniper is formed symmetrically, with a depression in the middle characteristic of the variety. The shrub does not need pruning. Formation weakens the plant and causes diseases. Only dried or broken shoots are removed from the bush.
Preparing for winter
Lime Glow juniper frost resistance up to -35 ° С. Therefore, for the winter, the shrub can be left without shelter. But young plants, up to 4 years old, are covered with spruce branches for the winter, the soil under the bush is covered with peat. After wintering, the old mulch is raked up, the soil is loosened and a new layer of covering materials is poured.
Reproduction of medium Lime Glow juniper
Most often, cuttings are used to propagate the horizontal Laim Glow juniper. Cuttings are harvested in the spring by cutting them off from an adult plant. The planting material should be lignified.
For germination, the lower part of the cutting is cleaned of needles. Rooting is carried out in a soil mixture composed of equal parts of sand and peat. In the planting container, the cutting is planted at an angle.
Dilution by layering is possible, in this case the lower shoot is pressed to the soil and instilled. The seed method is more laborious, given the overall slow growth of the crop. When propagated by seeds, the characteristics of the variety may not be fully preserved.
Diseases and Pests of Juniper Horizontal Limeglow
Juniper horizontal Laim Glou is resistant to diseases and pests. But when grown in unsuitable conditions (when planted in lowlands, dense soil or near frequently affected crops), it can become infected with fungal diseases. Also susceptible to attacks by aphids and scale insects. To avoid the appearance of diseases, preventive spraying is carried out, and growing conditions are improved.
Conclusion
Juniper horizontal Laim Glow - one of the best plants for landscaping and garden decoration. An evergreen shrub does not require complex care, including due to a small annual growth. Soft needles, original color and independent symmetrical formation - thanks to all this, the horizontal Limeglow juniper deserves only positive reviews.