Dwarf coniferous shrub with domecrown, graceful sprawling branches - this is the description of one of the most widespread garden crops. Juniper Blue Star is really like a pretty blue star. It can be planted in gardens and parks, recreation areas. It is a relatively unpretentious plant. How to choose the shoots of blue-blue juniper Blue Star? Planting and caring for the plant is the subject of this article!
Its name is due to an unusual coloryoung shoots - they are bright turquoise. Growing up, the needles acquire a deeper and more tranquil shade, but the color remains. The plant, thanks to its shape and color, is actively used by landscape designers to create amazing compositions. Usually, in addition to the dwarf juniper of the scaly Blue Star, the group includes creeping and horizontal varieties. This is the most common decoration of stony gardens. And its miniature makes it possible to create bizarre compositions on the roofs, balconies, terraces and loggias.
Blue Star grows extremely slowly.In a year, its increment rarely exceeds 6-8 cm in height and 10-13 cm in width. The height of an adult plant is usually about one meter, and its diameter does not exceed two meters. Needles of this juniper are short, prickly and poisonous.
Have you decided to purchase a Blue Star juniper for your site? Planting and caring for this plant will not be difficult even for beginning gardeners.
The first thing you need to do is to choose a place forshrub. Blue Star prefers lighted areas. In the shade, it loses color, and the needles become loose. Planting more than two junipers on the site, it is very important to observe a distance of 0.5 to 2 m between shrubs. The pit for a young plant should be twice as large as an earthen coma, and for an adult crop it will be necessary to pellet 70 cm. broken brick. Ideal ground mixture for juniper: 2 parts of peat and one part of fertile soil and sand.
Juniper Blue Star is resistant to both drought andfrost. But in the dry season the bush needs abundant watering. In gratitude for proper care, he will delight in a thick crown and rich color. One adult juniper requires about 15-25 liters of water, watering the plant better 3-4 times a season. And once a week Blue Star can be sprayed, it's best done after sunset.
In the first two years the juniper should be sheltered for the winter. In the third year of life, this procedure is not necessary. If heavy snowfalls are expected, it is necessary to carefully tie the branches with twine.
Juniper Blue Star, planting and care for which you are now familiar, can be propagated by cuttings. For these purposes, the plant is excellent for 8-10 years.
Between the end of April and the middle of Mayit is necessary to cut off young cuttings, the height of which is 10 cm. At the same time, they must have a piece of wood. The lower half is cleared of needles, the bark is cut with scissors. Then you can put cuttings into a growth stimulant for a day. Then twigs should be planted in a pot, in a mixture of sand and peat (in a ratio of 1: 1), covered with a film and left for a month in a shady place. When the root system develops in the bush, it must be planted in the ground. In three years, you can transplant the plant to a permanent place.
The most common disease of alljuniper - rust. Needles become unattractive, red, bush "bald". The reason for this can be unfavorable ecology, wetland soils, cat and dog raids on the site. At the first signs of this disease, it is necessary to plant Blue Star from other bushes, remove all damaged branches. To treat a plant follows immunostimuljatorami. Experts recommend a three-day spraying "Arzeridom." 10 liters of water will need 50 grams of this product.
A threat to the juniper of this variety is represented by aphids, scutellum, spider mite and miner moth. Help get rid of pests such tools as "Fitoverm", "Decis", "Karate".
Now that you are familiar with the Blue Star juniper, planting and caring for this shrub, you can create a real paradise in your garden!
