Juniperus horizontalis: care, uses and more

Juniperus horizontalis feathery

El Juniperus horizontalis It is a conifer that is widely used in gardens, as a covering plant because its branches can reach a length of up to 3m. With a height of half a meter, we might think that these stems would break, but the truth is that they are very resistant. Still, gravity always prevails, and the stems do not grow upwards, but sideways, which is why it is called 'horizontalis'.

Among other names, it receives that of creeping juniper and creeping January. And it's a plant grateful.

Key features

Juniperus horizontalis leaves

Our protagonist is a slow-growing shrub of the Cupressaceae family native to North America. Like most conifers, has evergreen leaves, that is to say, that instead of renewing them every spring, the oldest ones fall throughout the year while new ones come out.

It grows in all types of soils, including sandy ones. In fact, it is one of the best species to plant near the sea, as it also tolerates the saline wind without problems. And if it was not enough, withstands drought and frost (up to -10 ° C). Interesting, right?

Juniperus horizontalis care

The care that this beautiful plant needs are the following:

  • Location: outside, in full sun or semi-shade.
  • Irrigation: regularly, between 1 and 2 times a week.
  • Ground: without demands on the ground.
  • Subscriber: In spring and summer it is advisable to fertilize with a compost for conifers, or with organic fertilizers, such as guano or algae extract.
  • Pruning: dry or damaged branches will be removed.
  • Plagues and diseases: it can be attacked by fungi if the watering is excessive.
  • Reproduction: it can be reproduced in autumn by cuttings or layering, or by seeds in spring. In this other article We explain how to proceed in each case.

Uses

Juniperus horizontalis bonsai

This plant is used mainly as an ornamental plant, especially to cover floors. It is also planted as an isolated specimen or in groups. And, in addition, thanks to its slow growth and the small size of its leaves, can be worked as Bonsai, taking care of it as follows:

  • Location: full sun.
  • Irrigation: 2-3 times a week in summer, and every 5-6 days the rest of the year.
  • Transplant: every two years, using a porous substrate. A good mix would be 70% akadama with 30% kiryuzuna.
  • Pruning: those branches that grow too much throughout the year should be pruned.
  • Style: Highly recommended the Kengai (waterfall) and Han-kengai (semi-waterfall) style.

El Juniperus horizontalis it's an amazing plant, don't you think? Do you have any?


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