The common juniper is a popular ornamental tree because it offers a wide range of design options. Before you start planting, you should choose the location carefully. The cypress plant has special requirements and does not feel comfortable everywhere.
The juniper likes it sunny and dry
location and substrate
Juniperus communis is a light plant that thrives in full sun and partially shaded areas. The more light you offer the shrub, the more lush it will grow. In nature, the wood inhabits lean and open locations. The common juniper occurs in sparse forests and thrives on rocks.
The species prefers dry and calcareous soils that are sandy or rocky. Choose an open location where the juniper can spread freely. The wood is one of the weakest competitive species and is displaced in natural habitats by shrubs or trees.
Planting distance and planting time
Juniper grows up to ten meters high and is ideal as a privacy hedge. For a dense form, place two plants next to each other per meter. Creeping varieties with flat branches are ideal as ground cover. If you plant the juniper solitary, you should ensure a distance of between 70 and 100 centimeters to the next plant neighbor.
So that the juniper can grow well until the first winter, you should plant the shrub in early spring. A cool, dry day in April is ideal. Planting in autumn is possible but not recommended. If you were not able to plant the wood earlier, you must think of suitable protection in the first winter.
preparations
Place the root ball in a bucket of water so that the substrate can soak. Dig a planting hole twice the size of the plant ball. Mix the excavation with wet peat. Compost or manure is unsuitable because the plant only needs a few nutrients. Place the pad in the hole so that its surface is level with the substrate surface and fill in the gaps with excavation. In the near future, the juniper must be watered regularly.
use
Juniper is suitable for designing themed gardens with heather or gravel beds. While some varieties cover unsightly corners of the garden with their flat growth, tall specimens provide structure in the large-scale garden idyll. The harmonious branching radiates tranquility and exudes a Mediterranean atmosphere with the fresh to dark green needles. The coniferous tree with the blue berries proves to be very tolerant of pruning and can be planted as a topiary in the front yard.
The juniper grows in the rock garden next to:
- blueberry or mahonia
- holly or gorse
- Bell heather or broom heather
- wild roses and carnations
If you don't have a garden available, you can plant the juniper in a bucket and cultivate it on the balcony or terrace. The sunny conditions of a south-facing balcony ensure optimal growth conditions.