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Juniper Tamariscifolia is a perennial coniferous plant. This variety perfectly tolerates any weather conditions, is able to withstand low temperatures down to -30 ° C. To date, Cossack Tamariscifolia is the most popular species used for garden decoration. In order to grow an attractive decorative juniper, you need to know how to properly care for it after planting in open ground.
Description of juniper Tamariscifolia
Considering the description of the Cossack juniper Tamariscifolia, it is worth noting that it grows rather slowly. As practice shows, the annual growth does not exceed 3 cm in height and about 10-15 cm in width. When Tamariscifolia reaches the age of 10 years, it has a height of 30 cm and a diameter of up to 2 m.
The needles are needle-shaped, small, pointed at the ends. The color may vary from light green to bluish green. The cones are round in shape, their size is 0,5-0,7 cm. At first, the cones are green, gradually they become dark blue with a characteristic bluish tinge.
Cossack Tamariscifolia is unpretentious in care, grows well on both stony and sandy soils. Tamariscifolia tolerates severe droughts, but it can die if the soil is marshy.
Juniper Tamariscifolia in garden design
The Tamariscifolia juniper is often called horizontal, since it does not grow up, but in breadth, forming a pillow of sharp needles. Such plants are mainly planted in gardens, flower beds, lawns, using as a decorative element. With the help of juniper, you can zone the land.
This variety is great for creating a hedge or border. As practice shows, the Cossack juniper Tamariscifolia goes well with other types of plants. The main advantage of many gardeners is the beautiful needles, which come in different shapes and shades. This variety is able to please with its appearance for many years only if high-quality care is provided.
Planting and caring for juniper Cossack Tamariscifolia
Judging by the characteristics, reviews and photos, the Cossack juniper Tamariscifolia loves to grow in sunny areas. Depending on the size of the planting material, the distance between landings can vary from 0,5 m to 2 m. When digging a hole, it should be borne in mind that for small bushes the depth should be several times greater than an earthen clod, for an adult juniper it is 70 cm.
In the process of care, do not forget about watering, which should be moderate. Do not allow the soil to dry out and the soil to become waterlogged. Fertilizers are applied annually – several times during the season.
Preparation of seedlings and planting site
Before planting a juniper, it is recommended to first select and prepare a place for planting. The place must be on a hill. This is necessary so that the root system does not come into contact with groundwater.
If the seedlings have an open root system, then they should be planted in open ground in early autumn. In this case, special attention should be paid to the roots – they should not be dry and with signs of rot.
Before planting planting material in open ground, it is necessary to place the roots of seedlings in warm water for 3-4 hours. After that, the roots are treated with a rooter. If necessary, the drug can be added to the water in which the seedlings are soaked.
Rules for planting juniper Cossack Tamariscifolia
Juniper varieties Tamariscifolia can grow on any soil – saline, sandy, neutral, slightly acidic. For landing, it is recommended to choose a place that is in partial shade.
The work algorithm is as follows:
- The first step is to dig a hole, the dimensions of which are: depth – 60 cm, width – 60 cm.
- At the bottom of the pit, a layer, up to 10 cm high, of expanded clay or broken building bricks is poured.
- A layer of a mixture of peat, turf and sand is poured on top.
If it is planned to create a border from the bushes, then between the bushes during the planting process, it is necessary to make a distance of 50 cm. For a single planting, there should be free space around the juniper within a radius of 2 m.
Watering and top dressing
Juniper Tamariscifolia needs abundant watering for the first 1-2 weeks after this variety has been planted in open ground. As the plant grows, it tolerates rainy weather perfectly, but it is important to understand that growth is impossible in wetlands. During the season, watering is carried out up to 3 times.
Mineral fertilizers are used as top dressing in the spring. At the end of April or at the beginning of May, they begin to use Kemira-Lux. To do this, add 10 g of the drug to 20 liters of water and pour the contents onto one bush.
Mulching and loosening
It is important not only to choose the right planting material, but also to provide it with suitable conditions after landing in open ground.
In order for the root system to receive the necessary amount of oxygen, it is necessary to loosen in a timely manner. After the weed grass was removed under the juniper of the Cossack Tamariscifolia variety, and the earth was watered, it is necessary to loosen the soil.
Land mulching is carried out after planting material has been planted at a permanent place of growth. In this case, it is recommended to use peat or earth. The mulch layer is about 3-5 cm.
Trimming and shaping
Since juniper grows very slowly, pruning does not need to be done often, but shortening is necessary, as a result of which the juniper will not have an untidy appearance. In addition, the plant will not fill all the available space around it.
This procedure is usually carried out annually. If you cut the branches correctly, then no harm will be done to the plant. In this case, it is required to pinch off the tips from the bush, thereby creating a shape. In addition, you can direct the growth needles in the right direction. If necessary, you can give any shape.
Preparation for winter
According to the photo and description, Tamariscifolia juniper is able to grow in regions with temperatures down to -30 ° C, as a result of which it is not necessary to cover the bushes for the winter. Before you send the juniper for the winter, it must be prepared. In this case, it is recommended to insulate the soil around the plantations, remove diseased and damaged bushes, and make a formative pruning. Places of cuts must be treated with alcohol and resin. If necessary, Tamariscifolia juniper can be covered with spruce branches.
Reproduction of juniper Cossack Tamariscifolia
Given the description, reviews and characteristics of the juniper Cossack Tamariscifolia, we can say that reproduction is carried out in three ways:
- cuttings;
- seeds;
- layering.
The most effective method of propagation is cuttings. As practice shows, cuttings cut from a perennial bush take root much faster. After rooting, up to 2 years should pass, after which the planting material can be planted in open ground.
Propagation by seeds is the most difficult and time-consuming method, which is used only by professional gardeners.
Diseases and pests
Juniper Cossack Tamariscifolia, like many types of plants, is subject to the appearance of pests and diseases in the process of growth. In early spring, when the sun is shining brightly, there is a chance of sunburn. As a result, the needles turn yellow and crumble. In this case, it is recommended to cover the juniper from direct sunlight in the first half of March, insulate the ground and use warm water during irrigation.
In addition, the crown may begin to turn yellow if the plant has been affected by a fungus. This type of disease can destroy the plant in 2-2,5 years. You can beat the disease. To do this, cut off the diseased parts, and treat the cut points with alcohol.
Conclusion
Juniper Tamariscifolia, due to its decorative and attractive appearance, is very popular with landscape designers. This variety is excellent for making hedges. In addition, plants are unpretentious in care.