Depending on the particular variety, it can be a horizontal shrub or a vertical tree. The maximum life expectancy reaches 500 years, and the maximum plant height is 30 m. Upon reaching 40 years of life, the trees of the species virgin juniper begin to lose their decorative appeal.
The fruits of the plants of this species are cones with different color, but often dark blue. The berries continue to stay on the branches until frost comes, which gives juniper additional decorative qualities during the fruiting period. The root system of virgin juniper is highly developed with side branches, which makes these plants independent to gusts of wind. In nature, juniper can be found on rocky terrain, occasionally in wetlands in North America.
There are approximately 70 varieties of juniper. They all differ:
- in form;
- height;
- needles color;
- and other features.
Features of planting and care
Planting and care of a virgin juniper depends on the particular species, some shrubs prefer only the sun, while others feel great in partial shade. Here are some general tips.
Juniper is propagated in 3 ways:
- with seeds;
- vaccinations;
- grafting.
Grafting is used exclusively for rare varieties. Gardeners, however, give their preference to method 3 - grafting, but there is a small nuance here. Only half of all planted cuttings take root without proper care and special measures, but when using survival stimulation, a positive result can be increased to 80%.
A better place for planting is to choose solar with drained soil( use ordinary broken bricks as drainage).Stagnant water can cause fungal diseases.
Most varieties of this plant tolerate drought and frost well, but some varieties require additional spraying with water and tying up branches before the arrival of winter.
Landing is best done in spring or autumn. Because of the advanced root system, the landing( transplant) must be carried out with a dredged lump of earth, without brushing off a bush. The depth of the planting pit should be about 70 cm, and the distance between the seedlings, depending on the variety, is 0.5-2 m. When planting, the neck of the rhizome must be left above the ground, this will allow the plant to receive the required amount of oxygen.
Care for juniper virgin consists of:
- regular weeding;
- loosening the soil around the plant;
- humidification;
- soil mulching.
Read also: Types and varieties of the thuja grown on the summer cottages
Next, consider the most popular varieties and a detailed description of virgin juniper.
Gray Оwl
Juniper Virginia Gray Oul is a short, evergreen shrub with a fold crown. Twigs are large, sprawling horizontally. The adult bush reaches up to 3 m in height and about 7 m in diameter. It is characterized by slow growth, so during the year it adds up to 10 cm in height and 20 cm in width. The needles have a gray-blue or gray-green shade. Fruits are berries of gray-blue color.
When planting, it is better to choose sunny places with drained, well-moistened soil. In connection with, its dimensions between seedlings must observe a distance of 1.5 m.
Frost and drought-resistant, but during particularly hot summer additional spraying is desirable.
To create a beautiful, dense crown requires constant pruning.
Hetz
Juniper Virginian Hetz is a vertical shrub with a folding form. The height of an adult plant is 1-2 m with a width of 3 m. The plant is a fast-growing plant. The needles have a pleasant gray-blue color, which can turn brown in case of frost. Fruits - berries of dark blue color.
Read also: Photo with a description of the types and varieties of juniper for giving
For planting it is better to choose a place in the sun or in partial shade, when landing in the shade it loses brightness of color. Absolutely not whimsical in choosing the soil.
It is advisable not to tamp the soil.
Cold and drought-resistant. It tolerates a long drought and heat. In winter, the branches may break off under the weight of snow due to which it is recommended to tie the branches and establish a frame before the arrival of winter.
A distinctive feature of this variety is a strong aroma and abundant fruiting.
Glauca
Juniper Virginia Glauka is a vertical shrub whose crown is columnar or narrow-pointed. It reaches a height of up to 6 m, and in a girth of 2-2.2 m. It is characterized by rapid growth, so it can add up to 20 cm in a year. The needles have a blue-green tint, which is colored bronze when cold comes. Fruits - cones of white and gray shade up to 0.6 cm in diameter. At the time of fruiting, the twigs are abundantly covered with berries - cones.
A sunny spot will become a good landing site, when shrub plant in partial shade, the bush turns pale, the color becomes less expressive. To the soil and its composition is unassuming.
It is advisable not to let the moisture linger.
Like all virgin junipers are drought and frost-resistant. Glauka perfectly tolerates a crown haircut. At the same time the formed form is maintained for a long time.
Skyrocket
Juniper virgin skyrocket is a vertical tree with a conical shape of the crown. It can reach up to 8 m in height and up to 1 m in diameter. It belongs to fast-growing species, annually adds 20 cm in height and up to 5 cm in volume. The needles are painted in bluish-green or gray-green. Fruits - berries of a round form with a gray color.
Read also: Choosing horizontal juniper Blue Chip to decorate your garden
Sunlight and good drainage are necessary for planting.
This variety of virgin juniper will die in the shade.
Frost and drought-resistant, well tolerated zagazirovannost air.
Moonglow
Juniper Virginia Munglow is a shrub with a conical crown shape. Its height reaches 4 m, and its diameter is 1-1.5 m. It is fast-growing, it can add 10-15 cm in each year. The needles have a bright blue-gray color. Fruits - cones of a round form with a dark blue color.
Likes sunny terrain, can tolerate light partial shade. It tolerates frost and drought, it is not picky to the soil.
Blue Arrow
Juniper Virginia Blue Arrow is a vertical shrub resembling a boom. The maximum height is 2-2.5 m, and the diameter is 0.5-0.7 m. Fast-growing, for the year adds about 15 cm in height and up to 5 cm in girth. The needles have a remarkable bright blue color. Fruits are blue cones.
Of all the varieties presented, this Virginia juniper is the most demanding. When planting you need to take into account its exceptional light-loving and the need for protection from the wind.
It is frost-resistant, but during the period of heavy snowfalls it is necessary to shake off the branches in order to avoid breaking them. Drought-resistant, but with prolonged heat requires additional spraying. It is better to pick up the soil with nutritious, with good drainage, to avoid soil compaction.
A distinctive feature of this variety is that the branches begin to grow from the very bottom. Does not need additional pruning.
Video instruction for planting juniper virgin
