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A low-growing representative of the Cypress juniper family Gold Star (Golden Star) was created by hybridization of the Cossack and Chinese common juniper. Differs in an unusual shape of the crown and decorative coloring of the needles. The plant was bred specifically for landscape design, it is widely used in design techniques, as a ground cover plant.
Description of juniper Chinese Goldstar
Juniper Gold Star is an evergreen shrub with horizontally growing side stems. The central shoots are more upright, creeping along the edge of the crown, the habit visually resembles the shape of a star. The height of the juniper average Gold Star reaches up to 60 cm, the length of the branches is 1,5 m or more. Unlike representatives of the species, it has a stamp, which makes it possible to grow the Gold Star juniper as a low tree by pruning, the lowered side shoots give the plant a weeping shape.
The culture grows slowly, the annual growth is within 5 cm in width and 1,5 cm in height. Upon reaching the age of 7, growth stops, the plant is considered an adult. The size of the shrub depends on the place of vegetation: in an open area they are smaller than near a reservoir with periodic shading. A plant with an average level of drought resistance, at high temperatures and a lack of moisture, vegetation slows down significantly.
The low-growing bush differs in high frost resistance. Tolerates temperatures as low as -280 C, which makes it attractive for growing in temperate climates. A perennial for more than 60 years can grow in one place; due to slow growth, it does not require constant crown formation.
The description and the above photo of the Gold Star juniper will help to get a general idea of the culture:
- Branches of medium size, 4 cm in diameter near the stem, taper to the top point. Lateral shoots of a creeping type, the upper branches fit snugly to the lower ones, without forming gaps.
- The bark of perennial shoots is light green with a brown tint, young shoots are closer to dark beige. The surface is uneven, prone to peeling.
- The needles of various types, needle-like near the trunk, scaly at the end of the branches, collected in whorls, emit insecticides. The color is uneven, dark green closer to the center of the bush, and bright yellow along the edges. In autumn it becomes a uniform light brown color.
- The fruits are dark, spherical, with a high concentration of essential oils. The surface is glossy with a bluish bloom, the seeds are oblong, 3 pcs. in a bump. The formation of ovaries is insignificant and not every year.
- The root system is fibrous, superficial, the root circle is within 40 cm.
Juniper Gold Star in landscape design
Juniper Golden Star, due to its unusual color and unpretentiousness to weather conditions, is widely used in the Moscow region, Central and European part of Our Country. It is used to decorate the landscape of recreation areas, flower beds in front of the facade of office buildings, household plots. As a good example, the photo shows the use of Gold Star juniper in garden design.
A low-growing shrub is used in a group composition and as an independent single plant. It harmonizes well with coniferous dwarf trees, with flowering plants. Used as an exotic accent of the central part of the flower bed. The planted Gold Star juniper at the top of an alpine hill gives the impression of a flowing golden cascade. Used in a design technique to create:
- accent near an unusual stone structure in rockeries;
- coastal zone near artificial reservoirs;
- background of discounts;
- aesthetic view on rocky slopes within the city;
- imitation of an alley along a garden path.
Juniper (juniperus media gold star) can be found planted around an arbor or summer veranda.
Planting and caring for juniper Gold Star
Juniper Gold Star unpretentious to the composition of the soil, can grow in soil with a high concentration of salts. But a prerequisite is that the land should be loose, if possible, fertile, without close contact with groundwater.
When planting and caring for juniper medium Gold Star, it is taken into account that this is a light-loving plant, but with periodic shading it feels comfortable. However, in the shade of tall trees with a dense crown, it loses its decorative effect. The needles become smaller, the branches stretch, the colors become faded, dry patches may be observed.
The drought resistance of the plant is average. If the shrub grows in an area open to the sun, care must be taken that the root layer of the soil does not dry out.
Seedling and planting preparation
The seedling can be grown independently or purchased ready-made. The main requirement for planting material is a well-formed, healthy root without dry areas, the bark is smooth, light green, without damage, and the presence of needles on the branches is mandatory. Before placing in a permanent place, the root system is lowered for 2 hours into a solution of manganese. Then, in order for the root to develop better, in a growth stimulator for 40 minutes.
The place and the landing recess are prepared 2 weeks before planting. The site is dug up, the roots of plants are removed. In order to facilitate the soil and drain, peat, compost and coarse sand are introduced. The hole is prepared taking into account that it is 15 cm wider than the root. The height is determined according to the scheme – the length of the root to the neck plus 20 cm. The hole is approximately 50-60 cm wide and about 70 cm deep.
Rules of landing
Before planting the Gold Star juniper, a mixture is prepared from the turf layer, sand, peat, compost in equal proportions. Add 100 g per 10 kg of dolomite flour. Work sequence:
- A layer of gravel is poured at the bottom of the hole, it will act as a drainage.
- The mixture is divided into 2 parts, half of the nutrient soil is poured into the drainage.
- The seedling is placed in the center, vertically.
- Disassemble the roots so that they are not intertwined.
- Pour in the remaining mixture.
Watered, the root circle is mulched with peat or straw. The distance between the Gold Star juniper bushes is determined at will, but not less than 1 m. The bush is sprawling, does not tolerate planting density.
Watering and top dressing
Juniper average Gold Star cannot grow in severe drought, but waterlogging of the root can be fatal for it. After planting, the plant is watered for 60 days under the root, every evening in a small amount.
Juniper variety Gold Star responds well to sprinkling, irrigation is recommended after 1 day, in the morning. Feed the plant 1 time per year, in the spring up to 2 years of age. After fertilizer juniper is not required.
Mulching and loosening
Immediately after placing the juniper in the ground, the root circle is mulched with straw, freshly cut grass, peat, straw or chopped tree bark. The composition of the shelter is not fundamental, the main thing is that it be functional, retain moisture well. Update the mulch in the fall. Loosening is carried out for young juniper in spring and autumn. Then the soil is not loosened, the mulch retains moisture, the top layer does not dry out, weeds do not grow under a dense crown.
Trimming and shaping
Pruning juniper Gold Star is carried out in the spring, it is cosmetic. Remove frozen stems and dry areas. If the plant overwintered without loss, the healing procedure is not done.
The Gold Star juniper shrub is formed based on the design decision, the length of the branches is shortened in early spring, when the plant is at rest. Juniper Gold Star forms a trunk, it can be grown as a small tree. Within 5 years, the lower branches are cut, you can get the shape of a ball or a weeping version. The hybrid has a good survival rate on the trunk of high-growing species, you can use the grafting method and get the desired shape of the tree.
Preparation for winter
Frost-resistant juniper Gold Star does not require special preparation for the winter period. Increase the layer of mulch, carry out moisture-charging irrigation. Young seedlings are spudded before mulching, covered with a layer of straw on top. So that the branches do not break under the weight of snow, they are tied into a bundle and covered with spruce branches or dry leaves. In winter they are covered with snow.
Reproduction of juniper Pfitzeriana Goldstar
Juniper average Pfitzeriana Gold Star is propagated in several ways:
- layering from the lower branches;
- cuttings, use shoots after 2 years of growth;
- vaccination:
- seeds.
Diseases and pests of juniper Gold Star
Juniper horizontal Gold Star does not get sick without the neighborhood of fruit trees. There are few parasitic insects on the culture, these include:
- Shchitovka. A pest appears if the air humidity is low, with constant sprinkling, the insect is absent. If a pest is found, the bush is treated with a solution of laundry soap or insecticides.
- Juniper sawfly. Eliminate the insect and its larvae with the preparation “Karbofos”.
- Aphid. The most common pest of juniper, it is brought by ants to get rid of the parasite, destroying the nearby anthill. Places where the aphid colony accumulates are cut off and removed from the site.
For preventive purposes, in spring and autumn, the bushes are treated with copper sulphate.
Conclusion
Juniper Gold Star is a perennial evergreen plant. Shrub of low growth, frost-resistant, with strong immunity to fungal and bacterial infection, unpretentious care. Use for registration of park zones, personal plots and gardens. Grown throughout Our Country with a warm and temperate climate.
