Taylor junipers (Juniperus virginiana ‘Taylor’) are an evergreen shrub which typically grow to 6-9 feet in both height and width. The foliage is needle-like with a vibrant, bright green color. The branches of Taylor junipers have an open, upright form with a rounded canopy.
A mature plant can reach up to 15 feet in both height and width, so plenty of space should be allowed for proper growth. Taylor junipers are low maintenance plants and don’t require a lot of pruning.
They can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy, loamy, and clay, to moist and dry soils, but will perform best in full sun locations and plenty of well-drained soil.
How far apart should I plant junipers?
When planting junipers, it is important to consider the mature size of the variety you are planting in order to determine how far apart they should be placed. Generally, it is recommended that junipers be planted approximately 3-5 feet apart, but this will vary depending on the variety of juniper you are planting.
Dwarf varieties should be planted closer together, while the larger varieties should be planted further apart to allow them adequate space to reach their full mature size. It is also important to consider the size and density of the planting design you wish to achieve when determining an appropriate spacing distance between your junipers.
How much space do juniper trees need?
Juniper trees generally need at least 6-8 feet of space around them when grown in landscape settings, though they may need more room depending on the variety. Larger juniper varieties can span up to 15 feet in width, so if planting multiple trees, leave at least 10-15 feet of space between each tree.
For those with limited space, slower growing varieties can reach a height of 7-10 feet and width of 3-6 feet. When planting multiple smaller varieties, make sure to incorporate different species to keep each tree healthy without overcrowding.
How can I make my junipers grow faster?
The first and most important step is to ensure proper planting and care. Make sure that junipers are planted in well-draining, very sandy soil in a sunny location. Junipers prefer slightly alkaline soils and a pH of 6.5 to 7.
5. Pruning can also help stimulate new growth and make junipers grow faster. To do this, prune away closely-spaced branches, dead or damaged branches, and rubbing branches. Additionally, fertilize the junipers with a low-nitrogen and higher phosphorus-potassium fertilizer to help promote growth.
Make sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer label to avoid over-fertilization. Watering can also help junipers grow faster. Juniper shrubs should be watered deeply once a week during dry periods.
Proper mulching and weed control also helps, as mulch will help to retain moisture and will avoid competition with weeds and other plants. Lastly, it is important to avoid stressing the junipers, such as by pruning during winter or extreme heat and drought.
Taking into account these tips and providing the proper care and environment should help junipers grow faster.
How long does it take for juniper to spread?
It typically takes approximately 3-5 years for juniper shrubs to reach full maturity and spread. However, individual growth rates can be influenced by environmental factors such as climate, soil type, and available moisture.
Juniper shrubs grow best in a well-drained garden soil enriched with organic matter, so regular fertilization is highly recommended. Watering should be done regularly throughout the growing season, but care must be taken not to overwater or saturate the soil.
Placement and spacing of the shrub are also important; junipers should be planted in full sun with ample space between them to promote adequate air circulation and prevent overcrowding. With the proper care and placement, junipers can spread quickly and form an attractive, low-maintenance evergreen ground cover in no time.
How close can you plant a juniper to a house?
Junipers are a great choice for shrubs close to houses as they require minimal maintenance, grow quickly, and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Junipers provide evergreen cover and can be planted in sun or shade, so they make great foundation plantings or a natural privacy hedge close to a house.
However, careful planting and regular maintenance are important if you want to avoid potential problems.
When planting a Juniper near a house, you want to give it enough room to grow. Generally, a rule of thumb is to plant your juniper 1-3 feet away from a house foundation depending on how large the species can grow.
A small juniper such as a Dwarf Japanese Hinoki Cypress can be planted 1-2 feet away. A mid-size variety such as the Skyrocket could be planted 2-4 feet away. And large species of juniper such as the Blue Arrow should be planted 5-8 feet away from a house.
It’s also important to care for your juniper regularly. Junipers require very little water once established, but it’s important to water them deeply during periods of drought to keep them looking their best.
Prune the junipers a few times a year to maintain their shape or to reduce size and it’s important to check for signs of pests such as aphids, mites, and scale. Regular fertilizing with a balanced fertilizer will also help keep your juniper healthy.
What grows well with juniper trees?
Various plants, shrubs, and grasses can all grow well in combination with juniper trees. For instance, roses and other flowering plants, such as aster and lupine, can be grown beneath juniper trees. These flowering plants will create a splash of color, while the juniper tree will provide the overhead shade.
Shrubs such as cranesbill, potentilla, and periwinkle look great next to junipers, and grasses such as fescue and buffalo turf can create a beautiful texture contrast in a garden featuring juniper trees.
As a general rule, plants that need full sun or partial shade will do well when planted alongside juniper trees.
Which juniper is the fastest growing?
The Juniperus chinensis ‘Sargentii’ has been identified as being the fastest-growing of the Juniperus genus of conifer trees. This variety of juniper matures quickly, with some specimens being known to grow more than two feet in a single season.
As it is tolerant of most soil types, this is an ideal choice for areas that need rapid beautification or growth screening. This Juniperus species is quite tolerant of wind and can survive extreme temperatures and difficult conditions, making it a great choice for erosion control in indoor and outdoor landscapes.
Can a Taylor juniper grow in part shade?
Yes, a Taylor juniper can grow in part shade. This evergreen shrub is native to the southern United States and is adapted to a wide range of soils and light conditions. It can handle moderate shade, but for optimal growth and foliage density, it should receive at least four to six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Even with light shade, the Taylor juniper will still produce dense foliage. It does not require frequent pruning, but should be trimmed back occasionally to control its size and ensure it looks its best.
Can you trim Taylor junipers?
Yes, Taylor junipers (Juniperus virginiana ‘Taylor’) are a popular evergreen that looks similar to the Eastern Red Cedar, but grows faster and is more resistant to disease. Taylor junipers can be shaped and trimmed to create specific shapes and they also respond well to pruning.
Pruning and trimming should ideally be done in late winter or early spring. When pruning, make sure to remove only one-third of the foliage to maintain the tree’s stature. Pruning at the wrong time of year can result in a more disease-prone, less attractive tree.
To shape the tree, you can use shears or an electric trimmer, but make sure to leave the natural shape of the tree in place. It may be necessary to occasionally use a hedge clipper to remove branches that are longer than the rest.
It is important to use clean and sharp tools to prevent tree damage. It is also important to remember not to over-prune as it can weaken the tree, leave it susceptible to diseases, or cause it to produce excessive dense foliage that can cover the attractive bark of the Taylor juniper.
What is the difference between arborvitae and juniper?
Arborvitae and juniper are both members of the coniferous plant family, so they share a number of similarities. However, there are also a few distinct differences between these two types of plants.
For one, arborvitae trees tend to be larger than junipers, reaching heights of up to 80 feet in some cases. Junipers are typically much shorter, rarely going beyond 12 feet. Arborvitae also generally have a more narrow and open growth pattern, while junipers will form a more weeping or round shape.
Furthermore, the appearance of arborvitae leaves are generally more flat and scale-like than that of juniper leaves, which are prickly and sharp. When it comes to color, arborvitae usually have variations of green, while junipers can also be found in bronze or bluish-green hues.
In terms of growth locations, both arborvitae and juniper are very low-maintenance plants, preferring sunny areas and well-drained soil. Arborvitae is likely to be the best choice if you’re looking for an evergreen species, while junipers are better suited for gardens with quick-draining soil.
Overall, arborvitae and juniper are both attractive and low-maintenance evergreen plants that can easily be included in a variety of landscapes. By understanding the distinctions between them, it’s easier to decide which one is better-suited for your specific needs.
Where is the place to plant a juniper?
The best place to plant a juniper is in an area that receives full sun and well-drained soil. If you want to add a bit of shade, you can find a spot that receives partial to full sun. Junipers prefer an acidic soil pH of 5.0 to 7.
0, so adding soil amendments such as compost, manure, and sand can help adjust pH levels prior to planting. Junipers thrive in temperatures between 45 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, so picking an area protected from strong frost can help your juniper survive the cold weather.
To further protect the juniper, make sure to water it regularly and mulch the area around it to minimise weeds and conserve moisture.
What plant makes the hedge?
The type of plant that is most commonly used for making hedges is the evergreen shrub, typically species from the Buxaceae family such as the boxwood, and from the Caprifoliaceae family such as the Lonicera nitida.
Other plants that are sometimes used to make a hedge include holly, cherry laurel, and yew. However, boxwood is the most popular choice for hedging as it maintains its shape well due to its dense foliage and can provide a dense, wind resistant hedge very quickly.
If you are looking for a flowering shrub that can act as a hedge, the shrub rose is an option. No matter what sort of hedge you want to create, a range of different plants species are available to choose from depending on the look you are trying to create and the environment in which you are planting the hedge.
What kind of soil does juniper like?
Juniper is a versatile evergreen tree and it can grow in a variety of soils. However, it is best adapted to sandy or gritty soils with good drainage, as keeping the soil consistently moist can lead to disease and fungal growth.
Loams – combination soils made up of sand, clay, and silt particles – are excellent for juniper plants since they are able to hold moisture while also consistently draining. Any soil amendments should be done with caution and can often lead to too much fertilizer or other forms of nutrients which can hurt the juniper.
It is important to remember that juniper prefers an acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0, so do a soil test before planting if possible to assess any needed adjustments. Poor drainage can lead to root rot and other serious fungal diseases in juniper, so pay close attention to the locations available in your yard.
How often should you water newly planted junipers?
Water newly planted junipers often enough to keep the soil around them moist, but not so often that it becomes water-logged or sodden. Depending on the weather and the soil type, your junipers may need to be watered daily or ever other day in the first two weeks until they are established.
After two weeks, water should be reduced and given only when the soil has dried about 1 to 2 inches deep. However, during periods of extreme heat or drought, junipers may need more frequent watering to remain healthy.
Additionally, if you live in a hot and dry climate area, you may want to set up a drip irrigation system for your junipers to ensure proper water intake.