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A low-growing representative of the Cypress family, the Gold Star juniper (Golden Star) was created by hybridizing the Cossack and Chinese common juniper. Differs in an unusual crown shape and decorative coloring of needles. The plant was bred specifically for landscape design, is widely used in design techniques, as a ground cover plant.
Description of Chinese Goldstar juniper
The Gold Star Juniper is an evergreen shrub with horizontally growing lateral stems. The central shoots are more upright, creeping along the edge of the crown, the habit visually resembles the shape of a star. The average Gold Star juniper reaches a height of up to 60 cm, the length of the branches is 1.5 m and more. Unlike the representatives of the species, it has a stamp, which allows the Gold Star juniper to be grown as a low tree by pruning, the lowered side shoots give the plant a weeping shape.
The culture grows slowly, the annual growth is within 5 cm in width and 1.5 cm in height. Upon reaching the age of 7, growth stops, the plant is considered an adult. The size of the shrub depends on the growing season: in an open area they are smaller than near a reservoir with periodic shading. A plant with an average level of drought resistance, at high temperatures and moisture deficit, the vegetation slows down significantly.
The undersized shrub is highly frost-resistant. Transfer temperature drop to -280 C, which makes it attractive to grow in temperate climates. A perennial for more than 60 years can grow in one place, because of its slow growth, it does not require constant crown formation.
The description and the photo of the Gold Star juniper posted above will help to get a general idea of the culture:
- Branches of medium size, 4 cm in diameter near the stem, taper towards the top point. Lateral shoots of a creeping type, the upper branches fit tightly to the lower ones, without forming gaps.
- The bark of perennial shoots is light green with a brown tint, young shoots are closer to dark beige. The surface is uneven, prone to peeling.
- Needles of various types, near the trunk are needle-like, scaly at the end of the branches, collected in whorls, releases insecticides. The color is uneven, dark green closer to the center of the bush, and bright yellow at the edges. In autumn it becomes a uniform light brown color.
- Fruits are dark, globular, with a high concentration of essential oils. The surface is glossy with a bluish bloom, oblong seeds, 3 pcs. in the bump. The formation of ovaries is insignificant and not every year.
- The root system is fibrous, superficial, the root circle is within 40 cm.
Juniper Gold Star in landscape design
Juniper Zolotaya Zvezda, due to its unusual color and unpretentiousness to weather conditions, is widely used in the Moscow region, Central and European part of Russia. It is used to decorate the landscape of recreation areas, flower beds in front of the facade of administrative buildings, and personal plots.As an illustrative example, the photo shows the use of Gold Star juniper in a garden design.
A low-growing shrub is used in a group composition and as an independent single plant. It is in good harmony with coniferous dwarf trees, with flowering plants. Used as an exotic accent in the central part of the flower bed. The Gold Star juniper planted on the top of an alpine slide gives the impression of a flowing golden cascade. Used in a design technique to create:
- an accent near the unusual stone structure in rockeries;
- coastal zone near artificial reservoirs;
- background backdrop;
- aesthetic appearance on rocky slopes within the city;
- imitation of the alley along the garden path.
Juniper (juniperus media gold star) can be found planted around a gazebo or summer veranda.
Planting and caring for Gold Star junipers
Juniper Gold Star is unpretentious to the composition of the soil, it can grow in soil with a high concentration of salts. But a prerequisite is that the land must be loose, if possible, fertile, without close adhesion of groundwater.
When planting and caring for an average Gold Star juniper, take into account that this is a photophilous plant, but with periodic shading, it feels comfortable. However, in the shade of tall trees with a dense crown, it loses its decorative effect. The needles become smaller, the branches stretch out, the coloring becomes faded, dry areas can be observed.
Drought resistance of the plant is average. If the shrub grows in an area open to the sun, care must be taken that the root layer of the soil does not dry out.
Seedling and planting plot preparation
The seedling can be grown independently or purchased ready-made. The main requirement for the planting material is a formed, healthy root without dry areas, the bark is smooth, light green, without damage, the presence of needles on the branches is mandatory. Before placing in a permanent place, the root system is dipped in a manganese solution for 2 hours. Then, in order for the root to develop better, into a growth stimulant for 40 minutes.
The site and the landing groove are prepared 2 weeks before planting. The site is dug up, the roots of the plants are removed. To facilitate the soil and carry out drainage, peat, compost and coarse sand are introduced. The hole is prepared taking into account that it is 15 cm wider than the root. The height is determined according to the scheme - the length of the root to the neck plus 20 cm. The hole is approximately 50-60 cm wide and about 70 cm deep.
Landing rules
Before planting the Gold Star juniper, a mixture is prepared from a sod layer, sand, peat, compost in equal proportions. Add 100 g per 10 kg of dolomite flour. Sequence of work:
- A layer of gravel is poured at the bottom of the hole, it will act as drainage.
- The mixture is divided into 2 parts, half of the nutrient soil is poured onto the drainage.
- The seedling is placed in the center, vertically.
- Disassemble the roots so that they do not intertwine.
- Fall asleep with the remaining mixture.
Watered, the root circle is mulched with peat or straw. The distance between the bushes of the Gold Star juniper is determined at will, but not less than 1 m. The bush is sprawling, does not tolerate planting density well.
Watering and feeding
Juniper Medium Gold Star cannot grow in severe drought, but waterlogging of the root can be fatal for it. After planting, the plant is watered for 60 days under the root, every evening in a small amount.
Juniper variety Gold Star responds well to sprinkling, irrigation is recommended after 1 day, in the morning. The plant is fed once a year, in the spring up to 2 years of age. After fertilization, the juniper is not required.
Mulching and loosening
Immediately after placing the juniper in the ground, the root circle is mulched with straw, freshly cut grass, peat, straw or chopped bark.The composition of the shelter is not fundamental, the main thing is that it is functional and retains moisture well. In the fall, the mulch is renewed. Loosening is carried out on a young juniper in spring and autumn. Then the soil is not loosened, the mulch retains moisture, the top layer does not dry out, weeds do not grow under dense canopy.
Trimming and shaping
Pruning of Gold Star junipers is carried out in the spring, it is cosmetic in nature. Frozen stems and dry areas are removed. If the plant overwintered without loss, the healing procedure is not done.
The Gold Star juniper shrub is formed on the basis of a design decision, the length of the branches is shortened in early spring, when the plant is at rest. The Gold Star Juniper forms a stem and can be grown as a small tree. Within 5 years, the lower branches are cut off, you can get the shape of a ball or a weeping version. The hybrid has good survival rate on the stem of tall-growing species, you can use the grafting method and get the desired tree shape.
Preparing for winter
Frost-resistant juniper Gold Star does not require special preparation for the winter period. The layer of mulch is increased, water-charging irrigation is carried out. Young seedlings are spud before mulching, covered with a layer of straw on top. To prevent the branches from breaking under the weight of the snow, they are tied into a bunch and covered with spruce branches or dry leaves. In winter they fall asleep with snow.
Reproduction of Pfitzeriana Goldstar juniper
Juniper average Pfitzeriana Gold Star is propagated in several ways:
- layering from the lower branches;
- by cuttings, shoots are used after 2 years of growth;
- vaccination:
- seeds.
Diseases and pests of the Golden Star juniper
Juniper horizontal Gold Star does not get sick without the neighborhood of fruit trees. There are few parasitic insects on the culture, these include:
- Shield. A pest appears if the air humidity is low, with constant sprinkling, the insect is absent. If a pest is found, the bush is treated with a solution of laundry soap or insecticides.
- Juniper sawfly. The insect and its larvae are eliminated with Karbofos.
- Aphid. The most common pest of juniper, it is brought by ants to get rid of the parasite, they destroy the nearby anthill. Places of accumulation of aphid colonies are cut off and taken out from the site.
For preventive purposes, in spring and autumn, the bushes are treated with copper sulfate.
Conclusion
Juniper Gold Star is a perennial evergreen. Shrub of short stature, frost-resistant, with strong immunity to fungal and bacterial infection, unpretentious in care. They are used to decorate park areas, personal plots and gardens. Grown throughout Russia with a warm and temperate climate.
