About Growing Junipers
Juniperus Communis
Juniper is a member of the Cypress family, and native to Europe, Middle East,
Asia, India, North America, and South America. They are diverse members of
the Cypress family, with about 170 species. They are a hardy plant, that
can be found in a wide range of temperatures, except for areas of extreme
heat or cold. They are generally classified as trees and shrubs.
Junipers are a low maintenance evergreen, ranging in size from 1 1/2 feet
to 60 feet. They also come in a wide variety of shapes, from spreading ground
covers, to tall trees. Leaves vary, from dark green to a light blue green,
and even some yellows.
Did You Know? Dwarf Junipers are used as
Bonsai plants.
Varieties of Junipers
There is a wide variety of Junipers, broken down into four groups:
Ground Cover Junipers - They grow up to 1 1/2 feet tall. They are
good for ground cover, border edging, rock gardens, and in containers on
the balcony or deck. They are often grown on hills, and other where
soil erosion is a problem.
Dwarf Juniper - Grows up to 4 '. These varieties are commonly used
as foundation plants, around gardens, ponds, and as bonsai plants.
Small Junipers - These grow up to 6 feet. Like small junipers, they
are commonly used as foundation plants, around gardens.
Large Junipers- These trees commonly grow up to 25 feet, but
some varieties can grow to 60 feet. They are commonly found in nature in
the woods.
Medicinal Value of Juniper
Juniper has medicinal value. Juniper has been used to treat a very wide range
of ailments. If a major medicinal use could be identified, it would probably
be its use as a tonic to maintain health. Hundreds of years ago, Europeans
added Juniper to gin, and made a liqueur called Junivere from the berries.
Many gins still have a minute amount of Juniper in it today. So, "Bottoms
up" and "Here's to your health!"
Medicinally, Juniper has been used for:
-
Used as a general tonic for health
-
An antibiotic to treat wounds and sores
-
To avoid malaria
-
Kidney health
-
Liver health
-
Used as a diuretic
-
Gynecological health
-
Inflammations
-
Easing childbirth
-
Muscle spasms
Did You Know? Juniper was an ingredient in voodoo magic in the
bayous of Louisiana.
Juniper Propagation
Juniper is grow from seeds. Germination takes a long time. Most homeowners
buy small shrubs or trees from their local garden nursery.
Buy Junipers - Live trees, bushes and shrubs, hundreds of varieties
How to Grow Juniper
Juniper is low maintenance and easy to grow. The plants need full sun and
a well drained soil. These drought tolerant plants do not like wet soil.
They can suffer, if over watered. They will grow in a variety of soils,
preferring a slightly acidic soil. They are also salt tolerant, able to grow
in areas near the ocean where other plants could not survive.
Planting Juniper - Like any other shrub or tree, dig a hole about
twice the size of the rootball. Mix in some rich compost. Remove the rooted
plant from the container. Set it into the hole, and carefully loosen and
spread the outer roots a little. Then fill in the hole, lightly tamping down
the soil. Water thoroughly, 2 -3 times a week for a couple weeks.
Mulch around plants, to help keep weeds down, and to maintain a tidy appearance.
Additional fertilizer is not necessary, except in the poorest of soils.
These drought tolerant plants should not be watered, except during a severe
drought.
Did You Know? If you are looking to attract birds, they eat Juniper
berries.
Pruning Juniper:
Aside from use as a Bonsai plant, Juniper requires little pruning.
Pests of Juniper:
Insect problems are infrequent. Insect pests include bagworms, web worms,
spider mites, leaf miners and aphids. If insect problems occur, treat with
an insecticide.
Diseases Affecting Juniper:
Junipers suffer few plant diseases. Most Juniper problems are associated
with wet soil, or too much shade.
Buy Junipers - Live trees, bushes and shrubs, hundreds of varieties
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