junipers are some of the most popular landscape plants, and why shouldn’t they be? These tough plants can be found growing all across the planet, often in the most desolate, rocky, windswept spots.
junipers are some of the most popular landscape plants, and why shouldn’t they be? These tough plants can be found growing all across the planet, often in the most desolate, rocky, windswept spots.
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With more than 50 individual species (13 of which are native to North America) and many more cultivated varieties that include trees, shrubs and creepers, there truly is a juniper for every garden.
With more than 50 individual species (13 of which are native to North America) and many more cultivated varieties that include trees, shrubs and creepers, there truly is a juniper for every garden.
When it comes to diversity, Juniperus is widely regarded as the most biologically diverse genus of needle evergreens. From sandy dunes on windswept beaches, to high above the timberline, sunbaked deserts, and even some boggy situations, chances are that if an environment sustains plant life, you’ll find a species of juniper in the mix.
When it comes to diversity, Juniperus is widely regarded as the most biologically diverse genus of needle evergreens. From sandy dunes on windswept beaches, to high above the timberline, sunbaked deserts, and even some boggy situations, chances are that if an environment sustains plant life, you’ll find a species of juniper in the mix.
Junipers are usually planted from nursery-grown containers, although larger specimens may be available as ball-and-burlap plants. Dig a hole roughly 1.5 times the width and the same depth as the pot.
Junipers are usually planted from nursery-grown containers, although larger specimens may be available as ball-and-burlap plants. Dig a hole roughly 1.5 times the width and the same depth as the pot.
This may seem drastic, but total removal is the only way to prevent these small circling roots from developing into girdling roots that will eventually kill the plant.
This may seem drastic, but total removal is the only way to prevent these small circling roots from developing into girdling roots that will eventually kill the plant.
Next, find the root flare by gently removing some of the potting soil from the top of the root ball.
Next, find the root flare by gently removing some of the potting soil from the top of the root ball.
Nurseries tend to plant trees a little deeply in their containers to prevent them from blowing over in the field. Carefully scoop away the soil until you find the first woody root that comes away from the stem.
Nurseries tend to plant trees a little deeply in their containers to prevent them from blowing over in the field. Carefully scoop away the soil until you find the first woody root that comes away from the stem.
Gently place the juniper root ball in the hole, adjusting to be sure that the root-shoot junction is level with the soil line. Backfill around the roots with the native soil that was excavated from the hole. Give the plant a good drink, then spread a layer of weed suppressing mulch on top of the soil.
Gently place the juniper root ball in the hole, adjusting to be sure that the root-shoot junction is level with the soil line. Backfill around the roots with the native soil that was excavated from the hole. Give the plant a good drink, then spread a layer of weed suppressing mulch on top of the soil.