Juniper is a popular hedge plant that is easy to care for. Young plants require more attention than well-established specimens. But even with strongly developed, magnificent specimens, you should take the requirements into account so that the tree remains shapely.
How do I best care for my juniper?
Juniper care is easy: water young plants regularly, and only water adult bushes when it is dry. Fertilization is rarely necessary; compost or juniper fertilizer is sufficient. Carry out pruning measures annually before budding in spring to promote compact growth and dense branching.
Pouring
Water requirements vary depending on the age of the plant. Freshly planted trees need more water during the growing phase than fully grown shrubs. Water young plants regularly and thoroughly in the first year. The top layer of substrate is allowed to dry between waterings.
If the bushes have developed a branched root system, the water requirement is reduced. With their deep roots, the plants can draw moisture from the lower layers of the soil so that they can survive long periods of drought. If there is extreme dryness, you should occasionally use a watering can.
The plants tolerate temporary dryness without any problems. If the roots dry out more often over a longer period of time, drought stress occurs. Shoots and leaves die and the plant becomes susceptible to attack by pathogens, pests and fungi.
Fertilize
Juniper grows on sandy and poor sites. The nutrient requirement is low, so regular fertilization is unnecessary. If you want to accelerate growth, fertilizing with compost is recommended. Distribute this around the trunk and lightly work the material into the soil. Compost is added in the spring before budding.
Alternatively, you can supply the plant with juniper fertilizer from specialist retailers. This special fertilizer is used on juniper plants that are cultivated as bonsai.
Cutting
Juniper does not require regular pruning. Annual pruning promotes new growth and ensures that the shrub grows compactly and develops dense branches. You should already form young plants and only remove green branches.
The ideal time for cutting is before budding in spring. Hedges are trimmed in a trapezoidal shape so that the lower areas get enough light. Round off the edges. This further increases the incidence of light. There are special stencils that make cutting easier.
How to cut correctly:
- remove dead branches first
- then carry out a topiary cut
- work from top to bottom
- Place scissors in the branch forks
- do not leave stumps standing as they are susceptible to disease
