Juniper has a special charisma that comes to the fore in hedge planting. Many types and varieties are suitable for designing a privacy hedge. You have to consider a few aspects so that the hedge grows nice and dense.
Juniper can also be used as a hedge
Suitability for hedge design
Juniper is ideal for the design of a privacy hedge, because the wood is easy to cut and tolerates sandy and dry locations in full sun. Due to the slow growth, the hedge only needs to be trimmed once a year. These properties make the juniper an easy-care hedge plant.
Appropriate species and varieties
Some Juniperus species such as the columnar juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) develop shapely hedges. Due to its upright growth, the tree forms a uniform hedge in group planting. Juniperus communis is unsuitable for the design of cuboid hedges, because the species tends to become bare in the lower area when there is a lack of light. A trapezoidal cut with rounded edges is better so that the lower branches get enough light.
Varieties that form beautiful hedges:
- Juniperus virginiana 'Bright' (synonym: Juniperus chinensis 'Spartan')
- Juniperus scopulorum 'Wichita Blue'
- Juniperus communis 'Gold Cone'
planting
Plant juniper bushes in a wide row next to each other. Keep a distance of 70 to 100 centimeters to the next specimen. The planting hole should be at least twice the size of the root ball. This is watered extensively before planting.
Mix the excavation with peat and fill the mixture into the planting hole after planting the juniper. It should not be planted lower than it was in the pot. Tamp down the substrate around the root ball and water the plant.
maintenance
In order for the plants to form a hedge quickly, they must be watered regularly. After spring planting, the trees have a higher water requirement. Water thoroughly and allow the top layer of soil to dry between watering units. Adult specimens do not need regular watering.
Cut back the young plants in the branch forks to encourage new growth. The trees form a dense and compact growth habit. Always cut from top to bottom. This makes it easier for you to design a trapezoidal shape.