Junipers can safely be called a universal plant. The modern variety of forms and varieties allows them to be used everywhere in landscape design. Among junipers there are undersized dwarfs, almost creeping on the ground, slender and tall trees. The color of needles is no less diverse: from traditional green to silver-blue, variegated. One of the popular species is juniper medium Mint Julep.
Description of the plant and its features
All junipers belong to the same genus of coniferous evergreen trees and shrubs. They are widespread, but a particular species, as a rule, has a limited habitat. Juniper Mint Julep is a small shrub with a spreading crown; its needles are saturated emerald green in color with a characteristic pronounced aroma. The hybrid was bred in the Mokrovia nursery in the United States.
The growth rate is average - under favorable conditions for 10 years it stretches up to 3 m in height. The main advantage possessed by juniper Mint Julep average is its unique resistance to adverse environmental factors. He endures long droughts, severe frosts, gas contamination of urban air. In its homeland in the USA, it is actively used as an industrial plant, decorating cities with its greenery.
Choosing a place and soil
The plant is quite unpretentious and undemanding to the quality of the soil. However, for the normal development and preservation of high decorative qualities during planting, certain rules should be observed. Juniper prefers warm and well-lit places with plenty of sunlight, light shading is acceptable.
Most representatives of the genus prefer slightly acidic loams, loose and well breathing, but Juniper Mint Julep the average is one of the most unpretentious, so almost any soil, from alkaline to slightly acidic, is suitable for it. If the pH exceeds 5.5, liming is recommended. Acidic soils adversely affect the metabolism of the plant, protein synthesis slows down, the conversion of simple carbohydrates into complex ones begins. As a result, the growth of the bush slows down and the appearance worsens.
Juniper medium Mint Julep: planting and care of seedlings
Once the place for the plant is selected, the time for soil preparation comes. If it is quite fertile on the site, then you can simply dig a landing hole. If it is necessary to replace it, then first mix the turf or sheet soil, sand and peat in a proportion of 1: 1: 2 for juniper.
The depth and width of the landing pit are determined individually, depending on the size of the plant and its root system. Experts recommend buying a tree in a container, as it suffers less when transplanted. In the depth should be dug 50-60 cm, in width - 2-3 times more than the root system. A drainage layer of broken brick, pebbles, gravel, expanded clay, and then a nutritious earthen mixture is filled up to the bottom.
Juniper Mint Julep (medium) it is important not to deepen when planting, the root neck should remain at ground level. At the end, the seedling needs to be watered, and after a little time the surface near the trunk is loosened and covered with mulch.
Planting is best in early spring, with this approach to winter, the plant will grow stronger. Further care for the young plant is weeding, watering.
Growing Features
The plant has very flexible branches that deform easily and freely. This feature can be used for decorative purposes, for example, pull branches to the ground, make an arc out of them, or tie them to a vertical support.
It should be remembered that the juniper medium Mint Julep (description of the species, photo, see the article) needs watering and spraying. In dry and hot summers, weekly watering should be carried out, the flow rate of an adult plant is 10-30 liters at a time. Spraying the crown or the so-called sprinkling is also done regularly. The best time is in the early morning hours or in the evening. It is important that the moisture has time to evaporate and absorb before the appearance of sunburning rays and before night cooling (in order to prevent fungal diseases). Under such conditions, the plant gives a good annual growth. Pruning and removal of dry, damaged branches is carried out in early spring.
Pests and diseases
Plants of this group, including juniper Mint Julep (medium), are sensitive to certain diseases and susceptible to pests, the situation worsens in case of violations of the principles of care and the wrong place of planting. The most common diseases are: rust, shute, fungus and pests - aphids, scale insects, sawfly, caterpillars and moths. In this regard, you should carefully monitor the plant, conduct a periodic inspection of the bark, branches and needles. Increases the risk of developing rust, the appearance of aphids and fungi, proximity to fruit crops.
If twigs began to grow and dry, then, most likely, this is the result of the life of insects. It is recommended to carry out sanitary or preventive treatment with special insecticidal preparations. Yellowing of the juniper can speak of several problems at once: this is a lack or excess of moisture in the soil, poor drainage, and wetting of the root system.
Breeding
Like many other junipers, for example Chinese, this species can be propagated exclusively by the vegetative method: cuttings or layering. Although seeds are formed on female shrubs, it is almost impossible to grow a full-fledged plant from them. Cutting of juniper (medium) Mint Julep can be carried out at any time of the year, but it is best in summer (late June – early July). Young shoots about 10 cm long are used. It is best to root them immediately in separate containers or pots with a nutritious soil mixture. Make improvised greenhouses with ventilation holes or drop them into a real greenhouse under the film. To speed up the process of root formation, you can use the drug "Kornevin."
Use in landscape design
The plant is more popular in industrial planting for creating green hedges in parks and city gardens than ordinary amateur gardeners. This is a true leader in the field of group plantings due to the spectacular green needles, powerful growth and an impressive root system. It adapts and develops in a gassed urban environment. Crohn lends itself well to decorative pruning and shaping. In addition, juniper (medium) Mint Julep, the description of which is given above, is undemanding to neighbors. Other conifers, hardwood (except fruit and berry), herbaceous plants (perennials, green lawn, luxurious flower beds) will suit him as companions.