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Juniper Horstmann (Horstmann) - one of the exotic representatives of the species. The upright shrub forms a weeping type of crown with a variety of shape variations. A perennial plant of a hybrid variety was created for the design of the territory.
Description of Horstmann juniper
An evergreen perennial forms a conical crown. The lower branches of the creeping type reach a length of 2 m, the upper shoots grow vertically, the tops are lowered. The older the plant, the more the branches descend, creating a weeping type of habit. The Horstmann juniper reaches 2.5 m in height, the crown volume is 2 m. The shrub forms a well-defined bole, thanks to this property, it is possible to grow a culture like a low tree, by pruning to give all kinds of shape.
In a year, the length of the branches of the juniper increases by 10 cm, the height by 5 cm. When it reaches 10 years old, the shrub is considered an adult, its growth stops. Juniper is a medium drought tolerance seedling that can tolerate high temperatures with moderate watering. A sufficient amount of ultraviolet radiation is needed for the decorative crown. The growing season is not affected by periodic shading; in the shade of tall trees, the needles become smaller, thinner, and lose their color brightness.
Horstmann juniper was created for growing in temperate climates, according to gardeners, the variety safely tolerates a drop in temperature. Horstmann juniper has high frost resistance, it can withstand frosts up to -30 0C, during the season the frozen tops are restored. A perennial plant on the site can grow for more than 150 years without losing its decorative habit. A slight increase does not require constant pruning and the formation of a bush shape.
External characteristic:
- Branches of medium volume are dark pink in color, the shape of the bush is conical, the lower part is wide tapering upwards, in an adult plant the volume of the lower part and growth are the same.
- Three-sided light green needles are up to 1 cm long, prickly, grows densely, remains on the branches for 4 years, then gradually renews. The color does not change with the onset of autumn.
- The plant blooms with yellow flowers, fruits in the form of cones are formed annually in large quantities. Young berries are light green; as they ripen, they acquire a beige color with a blue bloom.
- The root system is superficial, fibrous, the root circle is 35 cm.
Horstmann juniper in landscape
Due to its exotic appearance, the spreading crown of a weeping bush shape is widely used by designers to decorate the landscape of gardens, backyard plots, recreation areas, and the territory adjacent to administrative buildings. Frost resistance of Horstmann juniper allows to cultivate perennials in the Central, European part of the Russian Federation, in the Moscow region, Leningrad region.
Horstmann juniper is grown as a single element against the background of an array or in the center of an open area. The shrub, planted in the background of the composition, favorably emphasizes the dwarf varieties of conifers.Used as a tapeworm (single plant) in the center of a flower bed. The weeping type of Horstmann juniper crown looks harmoniously on the banks of an artificial reservoir, near the rock garden. Creates an accent in rockery near the main composition of stones. Group planting in a line along the garden path visually creates the perception of the alley. The bushes planted around the perimeter of the garden pavilion give the impression of a corner of wildlife in a coniferous forest. A plant placed anywhere in the garden will give the area a special flavor. The photo shows an example of how Horstmann juniper is used in landscape design.
Planting and caring for Horstmann juniper
Juniper ordinary Horstmann can grow on any soil, but the decorative crown directly depends on the composition. When planting, plants choose neutral or acidic soils. Even a small concentration of salts and alkali will affect the appearance of the plant.
When planting Horstmann juniper, preference is given to well-drained loams, rocky soil, the best option is sandstone. Wet soils are not suitable for crops. The site should be well lit, possibly temporary shading. The neighborhood of fruit trees, especially apple trees, is not allowed. When close to a juniper, a fungal infection develops - pine needles rust.
Seedling and planting plot preparation
For planting, a Horstmann juniper of good quality is chosen without damaging the bark, there should be no dry areas on the roots, and needles on the branches. Before planting, the root system is disinfected in a manganese solution for 2 hours, then dipped in a preparation that stimulates the growth of the root system for 30 minutes.
The planting hole is prepared 10 days before placing the plant on the site. The size of the hole is calculated taking into account that the width of the cavity is 25 cm wider than the root. Measure the stem of the seedling to the root collar, add a layer of drainage (15 cm) and soil (10 cm). The root collar remains above the surface (6 cm above the ground). The sum of the indicators corresponds to the depth of the hole, approximately 65-80 cm.
Landing rules
Planting work begins with the preparation of a nutrient mixture consisting of peat, compost, sand, sod layer in equal proportions. The prepared soil is divided into 2 parts. Sequencing:
- Drainage is placed at the bottom of the planting pit: small stone, broken brick, expanded clay, gravel.
- Top one part of the mixture.
- Horstmann Pendulla juniper seedling is placed vertically in the center of the pit.
- Separate the roots so that they do not intertwine, distribute them along the bottom of the hole.
- Pour out the remaining soil, complement the deepening with soil.
- The root circle is compacted and watered.
The lower branches of the Horstmann juniper are spreading, the plant does not tolerate tightness during mass planting.
Watering and feeding
The Horstmann juniper variety is drought-resistant, an adult plant can do without watering for a long time. There will be enough seasonal rainfall for growth. In dry summers, sprinkling is carried out 3 times a week. Young seedlings need more moisture. Within two months after placement on the site, the seedling is watered at the root. Watering frequency - 1 time per 5 days.
Feeding an adult culture is not required. In the spring, fertilizers are applied to seedlings under the age of three. They use organic matter and complex fertilizers.
Mulching and loosening
After planting, the root circle of Horstmann juniper is covered with a mulch layer (10 cm): sawdust, dry leaves, the best option is sunflower husk or chopped bark. The main task of mulching is to maintain moisture.
Weeding weeds and loosening the soil is carried out to young shrubs of Horstmann juniper until the lower branches lie on the ground. After the crown lodged, there is no need for loosening and weeding.Weeds do not grow, moisture remains, the topsoil does not dry out.
How to form Horstmann juniper
Wellness pruning culture is carried out in early spring, frozen and dry areas are removed. The formation of the crown of Horstmann juniper in accordance with the design decision begins with three years of growth.
A frame of the desired design is erected to the plant, branches are fixed to it, giving all kinds of shapes. If the Horstmann juniper is left in its natural form, in order to maintain its pyramidal shape, a long pole is installed, to which a central stem is tied. Pruning of branches is carried out at will.
Preparing for winter
The level of frost resistance of Horstmann juniper allows an adult plant to winter without additional shelter. In autumn, water-charging irrigation is carried out, the layer of mulch is increased. Saplings are more susceptible to cold temperatures than mature plants. In the fall, they are huddled, mulched, if severe frosts are expected, then they put arcs, stretch the covering material, cover them with leaves or spruce branches on top.
Horstmann juniper propagation
There are several ways to propagate the Horstmann Pendula juniper variety:
- grafting to a stem of another type of culture;
- cuttings from shoots at least three years old;
- layering of the lower branches;
- seeds.
Reproduction of Horstmann juniper with seeds is rarely resorted to, since the process is long and there is no guarantee that the result will be a bush with the characteristics of the parent plant.
Diseases and pests
The juniper variety has a stable immunity to infection, if there are no fruit trees nearby, the plant does not get sick. There are few pests parasitizing on the bush, these include:
- juniper sawfly. Get rid of the insect with Karbofos;
- aphid. They destroy it with soapy water, cut off areas of accumulation of parasites, get rid of nearby anthills;
- shield. Eliminate insects with insecticides.
In the spring, for the purpose of prophylaxis, the bushes are treated with products containing copper.
Conclusion
Horstmann juniper is a perennial shrub used in landscape design. An evergreen plant with a weeping crown shape tolerates low temperatures well, does not require special care, and can stay in one place for more than 150 years. The growth for the season gives insignificant, there is no need for constant formation and pruning of the bush.
