Content
Evergreen juniper Wiltoni is a very picturesque dwarf shrub. Creeping forms always attract attention with their unusual characteristics. Viltoni is used not only in landscape projects for decorating areas, but also for practical purposes by gardeners. The unpretentiousness and beauty of juniper attract the attention of creative designers.
Description of juniper horizontal Viltoni
It is believed that Wiltoni's homeland is an island called Vinal Naven Man. In 1914, the plant was discovered by J. Van Heinigen, a resident of south Wilton, Connecticut. The Latin name of the horizontal juniper Wiltoni is Juniperus horizontalis Wiltonii.
The plant is very original. Its height, like that of the main horizontal varieties, is no more than 20 cm, but the length of the branches reaches 2 m. This is an unusual characteristic for dwarf junipers.
The crown is creeping, very dense, carpet-like.The branches are densely spaced, and the adult plant is shaped like a carpet.
Another important advantage of Wiltoni is its rapid growth. Over the course of a year, the branches grow by 15-20 cm, maintaining excellent flexibility.
Juniper bark is not highly decorative. It is grayish-brown in color, smooth, but slightly cracks into thin plates.
The needles are a beautiful bluish-silver color, do not lag behind the branches, but fit tightly to them. There may be changes in hue from gray-green to blue-green during the summer months. In winter they resemble a purple plum. The needles are small, no more than 0.5 cm, awl-shaped, and are located very densely on the shoot. When rubbed with your hands, they release a lasting aroma.
The branches are long, tail-shaped, and have abundant growth in the form of short branches of the second order. They grow slowly, spread out on the ground in a star-shaped shape, take root and intertwine with each other.
Forms blue cone berries. Diameter 0.5 cm, spherical, fleshy. The ripening period is about 2 years, but may be absent when cultivated on the site.
The durability of Wiltoni juniper is from 30 to 50 years.
Juniper Wiltonii in landscape design
The culture is used to decorate alpine hills or in the form of a juniper lawn. It goes well with stones of various shapes and sizes when creating rockeries or zoning. Viltoni is combined with accent species - vertical junipers, bright deciduous or flowering shrubs, perennials.
Looks good both in single plantings and in group plantings. Several Wiltoni junipers planted nearby create the feeling of a dense massif.Gardeners often prefer to plant Viltoni juniper on a trunk, which gives a very original look to the composition.
The variety is ideal as a ground cover. Covers the ground well and prevents growth weed. Used as:
- stone garden element;
- decoration of terraces;
- landscaper of roofs, tubs and pots.
The photo shows an example of landscaping a site using Viltoni horizontal juniper.
Planting and caring for juniper Wiltoni
The dwarf variety should be planted immediately in a permanent place - the plant does not tolerate transplantation. It is imperative to take into account the size of an adult plant. Wiltoni is growing well, he needs to be given enough space. Although some gardeners prefer to trim branches regularly. The end result is a fluffy, undersized plate. Horizontal juniper Viltoni is undemanding in terms of care, but you need to know some of the nuances of growing.
Preparing seedlings and planting area
Wiltoni grows best on sandy or loamy soils. The soil reaction should be slightly acidic or neutral. The species grows well on soils with sufficient lime content.
Beginning gardeners are advised to purchase container plants from garden nurseries.
Landing rules
When planting Wiltoni, you should follow the recommendations:
- The composition of the soil mixture should be turf soil, sand and peat (1:2:1). We can completely replace peat with humus in the same ratio.
- Prepare planting holes at a distance of 0.5-2 m, the size of which is 2-3 times the volume of the earthen ball. The depth of the pit is 70 cm.
- Place a layer of drainage 20 cm thick on the bottom. Broken brick, gravel, crushed stone, and sand are suitable.
- Pour a small layer of soil mixture and install a juniper seedling. If the plant is in a container, transship it, trying not to destroy the earthen lump.Important! The root collar should not be buried.
- Lightly compact the soil, water Wiltoni generously,
After planting, you can proceed to the stages of caring for juniper. According to reviews, the horizontal juniper variety Viltoni is a low-demanding plant.
Watering and fertilizing
The main attention will need to be paid in the first time after planting the Wiltoni juniper. The earth should not dry out, but stagnation of water should not be allowed. During the period of active growth of juniper, the watering schedule should be strictly maintained. In dry months, moisten the soil at least once every 10 days. Watering is important, but Wiltoni is much more demanding when it comes to air humidity. Therefore, the crown needs to be regularly sprinkled.
Fertilizers for creeping species are applied in early spring, being sure to adhere to dosages. For 1 sq. 35-40 g of nitroammophoska is enough.
As a result of an excessive increase in soil nutrition, the prostrate shape of the crown is lost.
Mulching and loosening
Loosening should not be done deeply and carefully, especially for young plants. It is more advisable to loosen the Viltoni circle around the trunk after watering.
It is recommended to mulch the soil with peat, humus, straw or sawdust.
Trimming and shaping
Horizontal junipers require pruning periodically. During sanitary cleaning, dry and damaged branches are removed. If formation is done, then all shoots that grow incorrectly must be removed. It is important to create a voluminous crown for Wiltonii, then the juniper takes on a very beautiful appearance.
The needles contain toxic substances, so it is recommended to wear gloves when pruning.
Preparing for winter
Young plants, especially in the first year, need to be covered for the winter. Spunbond, burlap, spruce branches are suitable. As it matures, the frost resistance of Viltoni horizontal juniper increases. Mature bushes overwinter well without shelter. Wiltonii can withstand temperatures down to -31°C. The main thing is that the plant does not overwinter under a snowdrift. It is advisable to collect and tie branches from adult bushes for the winter. And in the spring, cover the juniper from the sun's rays so that the delicate needles do not suffer.
Propagation of horizontal juniper Wiltonii
The species propagates using semi-lignified cuttings or layering. If Viltoni is propagated by seeds, the varietal characteristics will be lost. Cuttings are harvested from late April to mid-May. To do this, select a bush at the age of 8-10 years and cut off the cutting with the “heel”. The length of the stem is 10-12 cm. Before planting, place the future juniper seedling in a solution of a growth stimulator. Plant in a nursery and cover with film. Spray the soil periodically, provide diffused light, temperature + 24-27 °C. After 1-1.5 months, the material will take root and can be planted in open ground.
Diseases and pests of creeping juniper Wiltoni
The main dangers for the horizontal species are gray mold and fungal rust. The spread can be prevented by strictly maintaining the distance between planted bushes. The second condition is that juniper must be planted away from fruit trees. In the spring, treat with copper-containing preparations.
Dangerous pests - scale insects, spider mites, shoot moths. If parasites appear, treatment with chemicals is necessary (according to the instructions).
Conclusion
Juniper Viltoni is an original type of creeping conifers. With its help, you can decorate an inharmonious area and create a delicate and gentle lawn. The main advantage of the shrub is its unpretentiousness and ability to develop well in urban conditions.
Reviews of juniper Wiltoni
