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Juniper horizontalis Lime Glow belongs to the ornamental evergreen shrubs. Forms a compact bush with mixed shade. It is used in various styles, in landscape design, as well as in urban landscaping. The shrub is resistant to aggressive environments.
Description of Juniper Limeglow
Lime Glow horizontal juniper (juniperus horizontalis Limeglow) was bred in 1984 by American breeders. The variety was obtained from crossing low-growing junipers growing in the wild. The name Lime Glow - lemon radiance, the variety received for its original color.
The description and photo of the Lime Glow juniper show that the needles, which receive enough light, have a light yellow color. In autumn it turns into a reddish hue. In winter, as well as in junipers growing in the shade, the color changes to green.
High frost resistance and drought resistance allow the shrub to be grown in regions with different climates.Thanks to its changing shades, the bush looks decorative all year round, including on low snow cover.
The plant is characterized by slow growth. The annual growth of horizontal juniper Lime Glow is from 7 to 10 cm. At the same time, it can grow in one place for several centuries. It belongs to the dwarf shrubs, its height does not exceed 40 cm.
An adult bush develops symmetrically, reaches 1.5-2 m in diameter and forms a funnel shape. The crown is lush and soft. The needles are scaly and small. Stems are creeping, skeletal branches branch moderately. In border planting, reaching the edge of the surface, the stems begin to slide down. At the same time, some of the shoots grow upward, which forms a voluminous, neat bush.
Juniper Lime Glow in landscape design
Under natural conditions, juniper grows along river banks and is found in the mountains. This feature of the plant is used to design decorative ponds in the garden, as well as the lower rows of rock gardens.
From the description of the horizontal juniper Lime Glow it follows that the plant can be used as a ground cover for framing paths or decorating open areas of the site. To create a lemon carpet, plant 3 bushes per 1 square meter. m.
Due to its bright color, the ornamental shrub of horizontal growth type is successfully used in single plantings. A separately planted bush creates an accent in the garden, attracting attention from early spring to late autumn.A photo of the Lime Glow juniper in a garden design shows that the shrub does not need additional framing and when planted alone it looks just as impressive without companion plants.
For joint planting in a flower bed, the lemon shade of juniper is combined with lilac, lilac or yellow flowers. The evergreen shrub is combined in one composition with barberry, paniculate hydrangea, and heather. From low-growing crops, hostas are planted next to horizontal juniper.
Shiny shrubs are used to create coniferous corners in combination with other evergreens and stones.
Planting and caring for juniper Lime Glow
To plant horizontal juniper Laim Glow, seedlings are purchased and sold with a closed root system. The seedling must look healthy, without reddened or dry shoots, and correspond to the description of the variety.
Saplings with an open root system must be replanted immediately after purchase. Young plants take root better than mature bushes.
Preparing seedlings and planting area
It is best to replant horizontal juniper in early spring, at which time the root system is intensively growing. Spring planting allows the shrub to adapt and take root before the onset of cold weather.
A permanent place for growing is chosen because an adult plant has a deep root system and does not tolerate transplantation. When planting, it is also important to take into account the area for future growth and spreading of the bush.
It is preferable to choose sandy loam soils with good water permeability for planting. It is difficult for the crop to take root on clay soils. Suitable soil acidity for growing is slightly acidic or neutral. In order for the plant to acquire a lemon color, it must be grown in a sunny place. Tolerates cultivation well in ventilated areas.
Landing rules
To plant seedlings, planting holes or trenches are dug. The soil is removed immediately before planting. The hole is made several times larger than the earthen ball in which the seedling was located before transplantation. But the bottom of the planting hole is covered with a drainage layer of 20 cm. The hole is spilled with water before planting.
For planting, use a soil mixture consisting of:
- 2 parts peat;
- 2 parts of loose earth;
- 1 part sand.
Before planting, the root system is doused with growth stimulants. The planting depth is the same at which the plant grew earlier, without deepening. The roots in the planting hole are straightened. Then the seedling is covered with the prepared substrate and lightly pressed. After planting, make an earthen roll around the perimeter of the crown and pour a bucket of water under the plant. The soil is mulched with peat or pine litter.
To prevent fungal diseases after transplantation, the plant is sprayed with disinfectants. In spring, the young plant is protected from bright sunlight.
Watering and fertilizing
Juniper horizontalis Lime Glow is a drought-resistant plant.An adult bush is watered several times a season, especially during periods of prolonged hot weather. The shrub needs air humidification, so the best way to water it is sprinkling.
In the year of transplantation, until the plant has become stronger, it requires more frequent watering. During this period, the soil should not be allowed to dry out. To increase air humidity, the shrub is sprayed manually from a spray bottle.
In spring, nitroammophoska is applied under the bush once. Fertilizers are distributed along the diameter of the tree trunk circle, covered with soil and be sure to water. Organic matter such as manure or chicken droppings is not used because of its adverse effects on the roots of the bush.
Mulching and loosening
Dwarf juniper is grown on loose soils, which should not contain weed. Loosening is carried out superficially.
Mulching for horizontal juniper Laim Glow is used not only as an agrotechnical technique, but also for decorative purposes. Mulching with tree bark or wood chips, as well as pine cones, prevents moisture loss and eliminates the need for constant weeding and loosening. Pebbles or gravel are used only on loose soil.
Trimming and shaping
The crown of horizontal juniper is formed symmetrically, with a depression in the middle characteristic of the variety. The shrub does not need pruning. Formation weakens the plant and causes diseases. Only dried or broken shoots are removed from the bush.
Preparing for winter
Frost resistance of juniper Lime Glow up to -35°C. Therefore, the bush can be left without shelter for the winter.But young plants, up to 4 years old, are covered with spruce branches for the winter, and the soil under the bush is covered with peat. After wintering, the old mulch is raked, the soil is loosened and a new layer of covering materials is poured.
Propagation of juniper medium Lime Glow
Most often, the cutting method is used to propagate horizontal juniper Laim Glow. Cuttings are prepared in the spring, cutting them from an adult plant. Planting material must be lignified.
For germination, the lower part of the cutting is cleared of needles. Rooting is carried out in a soil mixture composed of equal parts of sand and peat. The cuttings are planted in the planting container at an angle.
Propagation by layering is possible; in this case, the lower shoot is pressed to the soil and dug in. The seed method is more labor-intensive, given the overall slow growth of the crop. When propagated by seeds, the characteristics of the variety may not be fully preserved.
Diseases and pests of horizontal juniper Limeglow
Juniper horizontal Lime Glow is resistant to diseases and pests. But when grown in unsuitable conditions (when planted in lowlands, dense soil or next to frequently affected crops), it can become infected with fungal diseases. Also susceptible to attacks by aphids and scale insects. To avoid the occurrence of diseases, preventive spraying is carried out and growing conditions are improved.
Conclusion
Juniper horizontalis Lime Glow is one of the best plants for landscaping and garden decoration. The evergreen shrub does not require complex care, including due to its small annual growth.Soft needles, original coloring and independent symmetrical formation - thanks to all this, the horizontal juniper Limeglow deserves only positive reviews.
