Juniperus

The Juniper genus (Juniperus) includes approximately 70 evergreen species with different structures, along with trees, often pyramidal, there are many shrubs and even creeping plants. In young specimens, the leaves are needle-like, flattened; in some members of the genus, for example, juniper virginiana (Juniperus virginiana) and juniper vulgaris (J. communis), they remain so forever; over time, pressing against the branches, they acquire a scaly or needle-like shape. Juniper is a dioecious, less often monoecious plant. Male flowers are collected in small oval catkins (hanging inflorescences), female flowers consist of scales, which after fertilization grow together, turning into juicy blue-black or burgundy cones (they are also called pinecones, or juniper berries). Gin is distilled from some types of berries (for example, J. communis), and aromatic oils are obtained from berries (as well as twigs) of other types. The most common species are common juniper (J. communis), Chinese juniper (J. chinensis), virgin juniper (J. virginiana), and the hybrid medium juniper (J. xena).

The Juniper genus (Juniperus) includes approximately 70 evergreen species with different structures, along with trees, often pyramidal, there are many shrubs and even creeping plants. In young specimens, the leaves are needle-like, flattened; in some members of the genus, for example, juniper virginiana (Juniperus virginiana) and juniper vulgaris (J. communis), they remain so forever; over time, pressing against the branches, they acquire a scaly or needle-like shape.

Juniper is a dioecious, less often monoecious plant. Male flowers are collected in small oval catkins (hanging inflorescences), female flowers consist of scales, which after fertilization grow together, turning into juicy blue-black or burgundy cones (they are also called pinecones, or juniper berries). Gin is distilled from some types of berries (for example, J. communis), and aromatic oils are obtained from berries (as well as twigs) of other types.

The most common species are common juniper (J. communis), Chinese juniper (J. chinensis), virgin juniper (J. virginiana), and the hybrid medium juniper (J. xena).

Cultivation

Tree-like species are planted in parks and gardens - in single plantings and small groups. Creeping species are used as groundcover, and low-growing shrubs - in hedges and rocky gardens. Junipers are light-loving, drought-resistant, and frost-resistant; their powerful root system helps loosen the soil and improves its properties. Occasionally, and only young plants (up to 2-3 years of age) are grown in pots on the balcony or terrace. Then they still need to be moved to the garden. Juniper is planted permanently in the spring (in April) in any type of soil, even calcareous and fairly dry.

Location

Junipers are suitable for both sunny and semi-shady places. Only species with a special color must be planted in the open sun.

Temperature

These plants are particularly resistant to high and low temperatures.

Watering

It is only required for young specimens immediately after planting in a permanent place on the site. Mature plants are extremely resistant to drought.

Reproduction

Reproduction is seminal and vegetative. Seeds are harvested from late summer to early winter from fully ripened cones (two-year-old in Mediterranean climates and three-year-old in temperate climates). Sowing is carried out in seed soil, maintaining appropriate environmental conditions (cool, illuminated place). After germination, when the seedlings reach sufficient size, they are planted singly in pots; in the next 2 years, from time to time they are transplanted into larger containers, after which they are permanently placed. Varieties and forms are propagated by cuttings, selecting in September-October semi-woody cuttings (twigs of the current year with a "heel") are about 10 cm long and planted in a mixture of sand and peat in a cool room. After the roots appear, the cuttings are planted singly in pots, and then they are taken care of in the same way as the seedlings. Propagate more layers (elderberry forms) and grafting.

Diseases

Shoots and leaves are affected by worms, caterpillars and mites. In this case, use the appropriate drugs. Rust is a fungal disease that causes significant damage to juniper trees. The appearance of rust can be avoided by planting plants away from hawthorn and wild apple trees, which are often parasitized by this infection. It makes sense to process only young or small plants. In adults and seriously infected specimens, the damaged parts are removed. Keep in mind: if you have to remove the top of the plant, growth will stop.

Acquisition

Choose small-sized seedlings because they are easier to handle during final planting; they also better tolerate the shock of transplanting. The crown must be fresh, without defects.