Juniper has a special charisma that comes to the fore in hedge planting. Many species and varieties are suitable for creating a privacy hedge. You have to take a few aspects into account so that the hedge grows nice and dense.
Which juniper is suitable for a hedge?
Juniper is suitable for hedges due to its pruning tolerance and tolerance for sandy and dry locations. Recommended varieties for hedges are Juniperus virginiana 'Helle', Juniperus scopulorum 'Wichita Blue' and Juniperus communis 'Gold Cone'. Planting distance should be 70 to 100 centimeters.
Suitability for hedge design
Juniper is ideal for creating a privacy hedge because the tree tolerates pruning well and tolerates sandy and dry locations in full sun. Due to its slow growth, the hedge only needs to be trimmed once a year. These properties make the juniper an easy-care hedge plant.
Suitable 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 when planted in groups. Juniperus communis is unsuitable for creating cuboid hedges because the species tends to become bald 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
Place juniper bushes next to each other in a wide row. Make sure there is a distance of 70 to 100 centimeters from the next specimen. The planting hole should be at least twice as large as the root ball. This is watered thoroughly before planting.
Mix the excavation with peat (€8.00 on Amazon) and fill the mixture into the planting hole after you have planted the juniper. It should not be planted any deeper than it was in the pot. Tamp down the substrate around the ball and water the plant.
Care
So that the plants quickly form a hedge, they must be watered regularly. After spring planting, the trees need more water. Water thoroughly and allow the top layer of soil to dry between watering sessions. Adult specimens do not need to be watered regularly.
Cut back the young plants in the branch forks to encourage new growth. The trees form a dense and compact growth form. Always cut from top to bottom. This makes it easier for you to create a trapezoid shape.
