The plant juniper horizontal refers to the type of evergreen creeping plants. Its subspecies - the chip - is a dense shrub with branches that are raised up.
general characteristics
This is a juniper, the growth rate of which is low. Needles Blue chip scaly texture, silver-blue hue in the summer. In winter, this juniper changes its color and becomes purple, brown or lilac. Upon reaching 10 years, its height becomes about 20 cm, and its diameter is 150 cm.
Its natural habitat extends from Canada to the Atlantic region of the United States. Like all junipers, it belongs to the cypress family and is quite close to the Cossack juniper.
The fruits of the plant are spherical cone-berries 5-6 mm in size, almost black. The main difference of the Blue chip variety is that it perfectly tolerates gas and smoky atmosphere, which makes it suitable and, most importantly, profitable for planting in a modern city. In addition, it generates very well on its own. fresh air and cleans everything around from various kinds of microbes at a distance of up to 10 m.
shrub planting
The Blue Chip variety is not very demanding on soils, however, for planting in open ground mulching is required. It takes root well on sandy and slightly acidic loamy soils, but does not like stagnant moisture. At the same time, it tolerates frost and heat well, which is important for regions with a constant change in temperature regimes.
This juniper is recommended to be planted in sunny places or where there is partial shade. After removing the plant from the container before the actual planting process, it should be thoroughly watered. The planting hole should be twice as large as the root system. To achieve good survival, it is necessary to replace the soil with a nutrient mixture. The latter is equal parts of sand, peat and sod land. A ready-made soil mixture for coniferous trees is also suitable, which should be mixed in equal parts with the soil for planting. This is not surprising, because the natural habitat of the juniper is the sandy shores of water bodies, for example, large lakes.
It will not be superfluous to add a complex mineral fertilizer. Such a transitional layer will allow the roots to better germinate into the soil. Heavy soils and presence ground water require drainage measures. Suitable for drainage broken brick or gravel. The height of the layer should be about 20 cm. During planting, the root collar of the Blue chip juniper should be level with the ground.
As such, shelters do not need to be created, but in early spring when the sun begins to shine brighter, the young juniper can get a burn of the needles. To prevent this from happening, it must be shaded with agrofiber or spruce branches.
How does a shrub reproduce? Varietal forms propagate using spring cuttings, which should be taken from short side shoots. Shoots should be with the so-called heel, and they are taken before the buds have awakened or at the very beginning of their awakening. The rooting process begins at a temperature of 15-18 °C, and then it rises to 20-23 °C. Half of the winter cuttings take root.
You can propagate the plant and layering, the process of rooting in this case takes a whole year. However, in this case, the usual shape of the crown will not be saved.
Juniper Blue Chip: variety features (video)
Watering and feeding
During the first year of planting, juniper should be watered frequently. This is necessary because the root system is still relatively small and compact, and is incapable of complete and independent consumption of moisture and the necessary substances from the soil.
Then the process of watering is carried out 1-2 times a week. This is especially true for dry periods of the year, and this is primarily necessary for still young plants. We should not forget about this, because losing a plant at such a time is quite simple.
So that the process of evaporation of moisture does not occur so quickly, you can make mulching with wood chips or pine bark with a layer of 5-7 cm. In this case, you can water the plant much less often - only when it dries up. upper layer soil.
Spring top dressing in the period from April to May, it is produced with nitroammophos or with the help of complex mineral fertilizers.
In October, potash-phosphorus fertilizers are introduced. If the juniper is affected by fungal diseases, it should be treated with fungicides:
- Fundazol;
- Topsin.
Prevention of shrub diseases
Even if the plant is healthy, periodically shown and preventive measures. These include treatment with Bordeaux liquid 1%.
If the juniper has become the object of pest aggression, for example, aphids or caterpillars, it should be treated with insecticides. Pretty effective drugs such as Actara or Confidor. Processing is carried out twice, the interval between such actions should not exceed a week or 10 days. Otherwise, negative processes may become irreversible.
There is no need to specially cut this juniper. Only sanitary pruning may be required, which includes getting rid of dry, diseased, or improperly growing branches. It is produced in early spring.
How to plant a juniper (video)
Scope of application
The plant perfectly decorates borders and walls. Can be used as a living carpet, great for rock gardens. In addition, a good and powerful root system allows the use of such a juniper to strengthen various slopes and slopes. It can also be planted on rocky retaining walls. Not bad for decorative molding, and in urban conditions it is also an excellent container culture.
IN Lately it has become very fashionable to create healthy beauty in their homes. Beauty that not only all year round pleases the eye, but also has a positive effect on the health of the human body.
And since essential oils, which juniper exudes into the air, have bactericidal properties, this gives it great advantages among other plant options for interior design and decoration.
Most often used in landscape design horizontal juniper. (By the way, read about the features of using junipers in landscape design).
Varieties
Its maximum height can be twenty-five centimeters, and the length of the spreading crown can be up to 1.5 meters in diameter.
It grows five to eight centimeters a year. Juniper Lime Glow is a completely poisonous plant. His palette never ceases to amaze. During the year, the crown of the Limeglow variety changes from yellow color to orange-bronze.
Specialist's note: pruning Lime Glow juniper is not recommended, so as not to cause unwanted diseases.
Juniper Prince of Wales. The horizontal juniper Prince of Wales fully justifies its name, it looks majestic and noble in the garden.
The shrub has a green color with a barely noticeable bluish tint. Compared to other varieties of juniper, it grows very quickly.
The length of the branches can reach 1.5 meters. On Alpine rollercoaster, rockeries or other cascading landing, it will look like a real "prince surrounded by retinue".
Juniper Akari. Juniper Akari is not inferior in its beauty to other varieties of horizontal juniper.
The color of its leaves in summer is golden, in winter it is bronze. Its bright palette will please the eye both in warm summers and cold winters.
A ground cover, slow growing shrub that will be a real highlight of any garden.
Juniper Sargent. No less unique in its kind is the juniper of the Sargent variety. This species was listed in the Red Book of Russia.
The height of the shrub can reach one meter, and the diameter of its crown - up to three meters.
Due to the fact that the native element of its habitat is a rocky area or coast, it perfectly tolerates Russian frosts. And the hot rays of the sun do not care for him. In this case, do not forget to water the juniper.
Horizontal juniper is a rather unpretentious plant. But, like any other plant, it has certain requirements: it loves moderate moisture and light.
At the same time, in a semi-shaded place, he can also feel very good. In dry periods of the year, the juniper needs sprinkling of its crown - this helps the shrub retain its color and thus protects the branches from drying out.
In winter, of course, it is advisable to cover it with an awning so that the discharged winter sun does not burn the leaves, and the frost does not completely destroy the shrub. When planting a juniper, it is necessary to take into account its origin and the requirements of each species. Also, do not forget, like any shrub, juniper, needs to be treated from any pests.
Watch the video in which the specialist explains the features of growing Blue Chip horizontal juniper:
Seed propagation in the garden strawberry familiar to us, unfortunately, leads to the appearance of less productive plants and weaker bushes. But another type of these sweet berries - alpine strawberries, can be successfully grown from seeds. Let's learn about the main advantages and disadvantages of this crop, consider the main varieties and features of agricultural technology. The information presented in this article will help you decide whether it is worth giving her a place in the berry.
Often at the sight beautiful flower we instinctively bend down to smell its fragrance. All fragrant flowers can be divided into two large groups: nocturnal (pollinated by moths) and diurnal, whose pollinators are mainly bees. Both groups of plants are important for the grower and designer, because we often walk in the garden during the day and relax in our favorite corners with the onset of the evening. We are never put off by the fragrance of our favorite fragrant flowers.
Pumpkin is considered by many gardeners to be the queen of the beds. And not only because of its size, variety of shapes and colors, but also for its excellent taste, useful qualities and a rich harvest. Pumpkin contains a large amount of carotene, iron, various vitamins and minerals. Due to the possibility of long-term storage, this vegetable maintains our health all year round. If you decide to plant a pumpkin on your site, you will be interested to know how to get the largest possible harvest.
Scotch eggs are amazing! Try to cook this dish at home, there is nothing difficult to prepare. Scotch eggs are hard-boiled eggs wrapped in chopped meat breaded in flour, egg and breadcrumbs and deep fried. For frying, you need a frying pan with a high rim, and if you have a deep fryer, then it's just great - even less hassle. You will also need deep-frying oil so as not to smoke the kitchen. Choose farm eggs for this recipe.
One of the most amazing large-flowered tub cubanola Dominican fully justifies the status of a tropical miracle. Heat-loving, slow-growing, with huge and in many ways unique bells of flowers, cubanola is a fragrant star with a difficult character. She demands special conditions content in the rooms. But for those who are looking for exclusive plants for their interior, the best (and more chocolatey) candidate for the role of indoor giant cannot be found.
Chickpea Curry with Meat is a hearty hot dish for lunch or dinner inspired by Indian cuisine. This curry is quick to prepare, but requires pre-preparation. Chickpeas need to be soaked in in large numbers cold water for several hours, preferably at night, the water can be changed several times. It is also better to leave the meat in the marinade overnight so that it turns out juicy and tender. Then you should boil the chickpeas until tender and then cook the curry according to the recipe.
Rhubarb can not be found in every garden plot. It's a pity. This plant is a storehouse of vitamins and can be widely used in cooking. What is not prepared from rhubarb: soups and cabbage soup, salads, delicious jam, kvass, compotes and juices, candied fruits and marmalade, and even wine. But that's not all! A large green or red rosette of plant leaves, reminiscent of burdock, acts as a beautiful backdrop for annuals. Not surprisingly, rhubarb can also be seen in flower beds.
Today, experiments with non-banal combinations and non-standard colors in the garden are in trend. For example, plants with black inflorescences have become very fashionable. All black flowers are original and specific, and it is important for them to be able to select suitable partners and a position. Therefore, this article will not only introduce you to the range of plants with slate-black inflorescences, but also teach you the intricacies of using such mystical plants in garden design.
3 delicious sandwiches - cucumber sandwich, chicken sandwich, cabbage and meat sandwich - a great idea for a quick snack or for a picnic in nature. Only fresh vegetables, juicy chicken and cream cheese and a little spice. There is no onion in these sandwiches, if you wish, you can add an onion marinated in balsamic vinegar to any of the sandwiches, this will not spoil the taste. Having quickly prepared snacks, it remains to collect a picnic basket and go to the nearest green lawn.
Depending on the variety group, the age of seedlings suitable for planting in open ground is: for early tomatoes - 45-50 days, medium ripening - 55-60 and late terms - at least 70 days. When planting seedlings of tomatoes at a younger age, the period of its adaptation to new conditions is significantly extended. But success in obtaining a high-quality crop of tomatoes also depends on the careful implementation of the basic rules for planting seedlings in open ground.
unpretentious plants The “second plan” of sansevieria does not seem boring to those who appreciate minimalism. They are better than other indoor decorative foliage stars for collections that require minimal maintenance. The stable decorative effect and extreme endurance of only one type of sansevieria are also combined with compactness and very fast growth - Khan's rosette sansevieria. The squat rosettes of their stiff leaves create striking clusters and patterns.
One of the brightest months garden calendar pleasantly surprises with the balance of the distribution of favorable and unsuccessful days for working with plants according to lunar calendar. In June, gardening and gardening can be done throughout the month, while the unfavorable periods are very short and still allow you to do useful work. There will be their optimal days for sowing with plantings, and for pruning, and for a pond, and even for construction work.
Meat with mushrooms in a pan is an inexpensive hot dish that is suitable for a regular lunch and for a festive menu. Pork will cook quickly, veal and chicken too, so this meat is preferable for the recipe. Mushrooms - fresh champignons, in my opinion, the best choice for homemade stew. Forest gold - mushrooms, boletus and other goodies are best harvested for the winter. Boiled rice or mashed potatoes are ideal as a side dish.
I love ornamental shrubs, especially unpretentious and with an interesting, non-trivial foliage color. I have different Japanese spireas, Thunberg barberries, black elderberry ... And there is one special shrub that I will talk about in this article - the viburnum vesicle. To make my dream of a low maintenance garden come true, it's probably the perfect fit. At the same time, it is able to diversify the picture in the garden very much, moreover, from spring to autumn.
Description: grows naturally in the Atlantic region of North America. It grows in the USA and Canada (from Newfoundland to British Columbia and south to Massachusetts and Montana), where it is found along the sandy banks of rivers and lakes, hillsides and mountains.
Juniper horizontal
Photo Popova Annette
Close to the Cossack juniper, creeping shrub up to 1 m high pressed to the ground. with long branches, densely covered with bluish-green tetrahedral shoots. The needles are green or gray, turning brown for the winter. On reproductive shoots, leaves are often needle-shaped, oblong-lanceolate, sharp, prickly, somewhat spaced from the shoot, 3-5 mm long, 0.8-1 mm wide, saber-curved, rounded on the back. Scale-like leaves 1.5-2.2 mm long, 1-1.5 mm wide, oblong-ovate, shortly acuminate at the apex and pressed against the shoots, with a small resin gland. Shish-koyagoda 5-8 (-9) mm in diameter, bluish-black, with a bluish bloom, with 3-4 ovoid seeds.
Introduced into cultivation in 1840, it is now common in botanical gardens and arboretums, rare among amateur gardeners, but deserves wider distribution.
In GBS since 1960, 3 samples (22 copies) were grown from seeds sent from Toronto, Morden (Canada), there are samples of reproduction of GBS. Shrub, at the age of 15, height 0.5 m, crown diameter 160 cm. Vegetation from 12.V ± 7. Grows very slowly. Annual growth of 0.5 cm at a young age, after 10 years, the growth of the main shoots up to 20 cm. Does not dust. Winter hardiness is high. 72% of winter cuttings take root without treatment.
Agricultural technology: suffers from dry air, undemanding to the richness of the soil. Slowly growing, especially in the first years of life. Transplantation is better in the spring with the obligatory preservation of an earthen coma. Well developed in the conditions of the city. Winter-hardy. Propagated by seeds and cuttings. In terms of its decorative effect, it is in no way inferior to other creeping species of this genus.
Juniperus horizontalis "Glomerata"
Photo by Konstantin Korzhavin
Promising for covering slopes and rocks. For rock gardens and personal plots. It is especially beautiful in spring, when the bluish or steel color of the needles is more pronounced. It is good to plant against the background of a lighter green color of undersized forms of common juniper. It has been known in culture since 1840. I. R. Schroeder (1861) was the first to experience it in St. Petersburg. Currently grown in the collection of the Botanical Garden VIN. One of the best views like a ground cover juniper.
In American nurseries, they breed whole line cultural forms of this species that were found growing wild and then propagated. The differences are very limited and only visible when the plants are standing side by side, such as in Morton's Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois, USA.
"Admirabilis". The form is fast-growing, but squat, flat, 20 - 25 cm high. The shoots are short and directed forward, bluish-green, slightly raised. Found in the Rocky Mountains; introduced into cultivation at the Plumfield Nursery.
"Adpressa". The form is dense whip-like, up to 10 - 15 cm high, very fast-growing. The needles are green, at the end - white-green. Grows fast. Winter-hardy. Propagated by cuttings (b7%). Introduced into culture in the Plumfield Nursery (USA). Recommended for landscaping terraces and roofs. Growing in containers, can be planted in rock gardens, rock gardens, create groups on lawns
Alpina. The trunk is almost straight at first, then more inclined, but with raised or almost straight branches, up to 75 cm tall. The leaves are often needle-like, 3-4 mm long, more or less bluish-green, purple in autumn.
"Audorra"- J. horizontalis "Plumosa". In 1962, discovered and propagated in Andorra Nursery, Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, USA.
Argentea. The form is whip-like, very dense, 15 - 20 cm tall. The foliage is bluish-silvery. Plumfield Nursery.
Var. Harbour» . The form is dense, creeping. The branches are very thin, less than 1.5 mm thick; the main branches along the entire length and at the ends are recumbent; lateral branches rise obliquely and differ from each other; young shoots are orange-brown, purple at the ends. The leaves are very small, pressed, covered with a gray-green bloom, in autumn they have a purple hue. The first description given by Hornibrook is too general and does not make it possible to identify the plant; besides this, there are many types in America, and few will say for sure what the original type was.
"blue moon". Whip-like lies on the ground. The shoots are very tender, beautiful, bluish-green, brown in winter. 1976, Minier.
Douglasii. The form is whip-like, creeping. The shoots are long, with age they reach 2-3 m in length, in the center they intersect with branches 30-40 cm long; shoot ends are long and straight. Twigs 5 - 8 cm long, raised and directed forward. Leaves are scaly or needle-shaped. Scaly leaves are very dense, appressed, gray-green, as if covered with blue hoarfrost, in late autumn and winter with a slight purple bloom. Needle leaves are numerous, located on twigs. (- J.horizontalis douglassii, J. glauca major). Named for a place in the Waukegan Nursery area, Illinois. Before 1961 Well-known variety.
"Emerald spreader". The shape is very flat, creeping along the ground. The branches are dense with delicate, emerald green, fan-shaped shoots. 1967 Monrovia Nursery. Plant. Pat. No. 2752.
Emerson(female). fast growing ornamental shrub flatly covering the ground, 3 to 5 m wide. The leaves are scaly and needle-shaped, the same bluish-green throughout the year (- J. horizontalis "Marshall", J. hor. "Blask Hill's Creer"). Discovered in 1915 in the Black Hills, South Dakota, propagated at the G. Marshall Nursery, Arlington, Nebraska, by Professor Emerson, University of Nebraska.
"Eilicina"(female). The form is slow-growing and strongly branched, densely covering the ground. The branches are short, tender fern-like, with short shoots, obliquely directed forward. The bark is light brown. The needles are green, with a purple bloom in winter. In 1936 propagated in the Plumfield Nursery.
 Juniperus horizontalis "Glauca"
Photo by Andrey Kopysov Glauca. Appearance whip-like, declining; the main branches are straight, at first lying firmly on the ground, later in the center of the bough they are layered on top of each other, reaching 30 cm in length; branches are numerous, 2 mm thick, directed forward, due to tightly fitting leaves, they appear to be filiform of a bluish-steel color, do not stain in winter. The leaves are subulate, located mainly in the center of the plant, on weaker shoots, four-row, tightly adjacent to each other. In winter, the color does not change. It grows slowly, prefers fresh, well-drained, poor soils. Moisture-loving. Photophilous. Suffering from dry air high temperature. Does not tolerate transplant well. Valuable ground cover plant. Propagated by cuttings (80%). seeds, cuttings. It appeared in culture in 1939, in Arnold Arboretum (USA) as a result of selection. Recommended for green roofs, in containers can be displayed on the streets and in the interiors of buildings, suitable for rocky areas and road slopes. |
Glenmore(female). One of the shortest and slowest growing forms of the species in question. Creeping branches; shoots almost upright, thin, dull light brown. The leaves are dark green, the tips are brown in winter. Discovered in a wild form in 1832 by Robert Moore in Wyoming; propagated at Marshall Nursery, Denver, Colorado.
 Juniperus horizontalis "Ice Blue"
"Ice Blue" (= "Monber"). Sport from the variety "Wiltonii". Dwarf form with medium growth rates. Height up to 15 cm, width up to 2.4 m. Evergreen shrub with very flexible and long creeping shoots forming a bluish-green dense carpet. Small cones with a bluish coating, 5-7 mm in diameter. The needles are scaly, bluish-green, in winter it acquires a purple-plum hue. Photophilous. Prefers fairly moist, sandy soils, grows poorly on heavy soils. It is winter-hardy, resistant to heat, drought, undemanding to soil pH. Easily tolerates transplantation and adapts. |
  Juniperus horizontalis "Limeglow"
In the photo on the right - winter coloring. Photo Epictetov Vladimir Limeglow. Sport variety "Youngstown". Translated as "glowing yellow". A wide, dense, vase-shaped shrub reaching 0.4 m in height and 1.2 m in diameter. Grows up to 8 cm per year. The needles are intense golden-yellow in summer and brown-yellow in winter. The needles are not sensitive to spring burns. In dry and hot weather in summer it can be damaged by the sun. It grows well on any soil, in sunny places it has a more intense yellow color. Recommended for rocky gardens, heather and home gardens and color arrangements. |
Livida. Clone found in the Rocky Mountains. The form is dense and flat, 10-15 cm high. The shoots are short, raised and directed forward, bluish-green. Plumfield.
"Marcellus". All shoots are creeping, gray-blue, purple in winter. Until 1960, selected in the USA; in Holland in culture.
"Retraea". The form is dense and flat, 18 - 25 cm high. Foliage is matte silvery green; the same coloration persists in winter. Plumfield.
"Planifolia". Very fast growing horizontal form, 20 - 25 cm tall, with long powerful branches covered with short feather-like shoots; silver-blue leaves, excellent ornamental plant. Plumfield.
"Prostrata". It lies densely on the ground, creeping far, up to 4 m wide and 0.3 m high. The branches are long, thick, the ends are slightly raised. Branches numerous, densely standing; bluish-gray twigs with purple ends. Needles at the ends of the shoots are scaly, gray-blue. KHN 89 (- J. sabina prostrata) . A well known form.
"Rulchella". The form is especially slow-growing, flat, whip-like, 10 - 15 cm tall. The leaves are needle-shaped, gray-green, the ends of the shoots are blue. In 1935, propagated in the nursery Plumfield.
"Sea Spray". American selection. Bred by Frank F. Serpa at Hines Hulsale Kennel, Santa Ana, California. Yu. S. Plant. Pat. 6 3140.
"Turquoise spreader". The form is dense and whip-like, highly branched with soft, filiform, sprawling shoots, does not form a “hill” in the center. The needles are turquoise-green. From nurseries, 1967 Yu. S. Plant. Pat. No. 2773.
  Juniperus horizontalis "Wiltonii"
Photo left Popova Annette Photo on the right EDSR. "Wiltonii". The form is carpet-like, very slowly growing, up to 10 cm high, densely branched. The needles are often awl-shaped, very small, silver-blue (- J.horizontalis "Blue wiltonii", J. horizontalis "Wilton carpet", J. hor "Blue rug"). Around 1914, discovered by J. van Heiningen, South Wilton, Connecticut on Vinal Naven Island, Maine Due to its small stature and beautiful coloration, it is considered an excellent garden plant Propagated by cuttings (87 - 91%) Due to its short stature and short coloration of needles, it is a very ornamental plant Recommended for rooftop landscaping, for growing in containers, for rocky gardens, where planting in large groups is preferred. |
"Yongstone". The only selection "Plumosa compacta", but lower, lies on the ground, light green. Plumfield.
"Uukon Belle". Whip-shaped, wide-spreading form. Leaves are silvery grey. Known as "Strong as Steel"
Juniper is a common ornamental plant often found in landscape design. Its sprawling "paws", creeping along the ground, or neat trees in the shape of candles, can ennoble any garden or park. Man has long noticed the beauty of a plant - in the poet's verses Ancient Greece Virgil there are lines mentioning this shrub.
Botanical information about juniper
Any description of the juniper contains information that it belongs to the genus of coniferous evergreen shrubs, and its tree-like varieties belong to the Cypress family. During its long history, it has acquired several more names: Veres and Archa. It is found almost everywhere in the countries lying in the Northern Hemisphere. Some species grow in the eastern regions of Africa.
The plant can take the form of a large shrub, tree and small creeping bushes. Most of The genus loves to grow in well-lit areas, is easy to care for, does not impose special requirements on the soil, and tolerates a long drought well. As for resistance to cold, it all depends on the species: some of them come from the northern regions, so they easily tolerate significant temperature drops. But there are also species - inhabitants of the subtropics, hypothermia is contraindicated for them. See the article about the horizontal juniper Andorra Variegata.
Juniper - "ambulance" from many ailments
This coniferous shrub is characterized not only by the beauty and grace of the shoots, the beneficial properties of juniper have made it a widely used culture in medicine. Its ability to purify the air from microorganisms that cause various diseases has long been a well-known truth.
One hectare of land planted with juniper is able to “disinfect” the air of one large city. This happens due to active substances - phytoncides, which in the course of evolution have become real fighters with microscopic fungi and bacteria that cause serious health problems.
Juniper berries and medicine
One of the most useful parts of the plant is its berries, which look like microscopic bumps. It is for this similarity that they are also called cones. The extensive use of juniper berries for the treatment of many ailments indicates the high healing properties of these shrubs and trees. They can cure ailments associated with disorders of the bladder and kidneys. Skin diseases such as eczema and dermatitis can be overcome with the help of cones-berries.
Juniper berries and cooking
Except medical use the fruit is often used as a condiment for culinary purposes. After grinding, they are added to meat dishes, especially game. Many other recipes also cannot do without this ingredient: sauces, soups, terrines, marinades for meat. Drinks such as: jelly, kvass, beer, gin are also made with the addition of exotic seasonings, giving off a light coniferous aroma and giving the dishes a tart-sweet aftertaste.
On berries, the use of juniper does not end there. Other parts of the plant are also used in human life. For example, no less fragrant oil is made from its odorous branches, which has a lot of useful properties. It is valued for being in an efficient way against radiculitis, polyarthritis and rheumatism. It can also be used to cure some of the annoying problems associated with nervous system such as neuralgia.
It is easy to get rid of allergies by preparing a decoction from the branches, and a decoction from the rhizomes treats diseases of the respiratory system, such as bronchitis and tuberculosis. In addition, root decoction is quite effective in solving some skin problems.
The wood obtained from the plant is widely used for making various products such as pencils and wooden utensils. By the way, in Ancient Rus' milk was poured into a vessel made of juniper for long-term storage: it did not sour for a long time in an antibacterial container.
Blue Chip - American-Canadian variety
Many varieties of this plant have been bred to date, but the Blue Chip juniper, which appeared thanks to the joint work of American and Canadian breeders, is the most popular and widespread. Received many names: flat, ground cover, prostrate. Refers to low shrubs growing in a horizontal direction.
Origin of the name Bluechip
The origin of its name is interesting. Blue Chip translated from in English means "first-class security". The point is that in America finance company with this name has been considered reliable and authoritative, worthy of trust for many years. The literal translation is “blue chip”, but for Americans Blue Chip has become synonymous with the words “prestigious, top quality”.
Description and characteristics of the variety
The first thing to start with the description of the Blue Chip juniper is its beautiful appearance, thanks to which he received in 2004 in Poland the highest award from connoisseurs of decorative garden plants all over the world.
The common juniper Blue Chip belongs to perennial, evergreen, low-growing, coniferous shrubs compact dimensions. In breadth, it will grow no more than 1-1.2 m in diameter. And its height is generally small - about 30-40 cm.
This variety is valued for the beauty of shaggy branches. In summer, they are painted in a greenish-blue color with a slight gray tint, and closer to autumn they change their color to burgundy-lilac tones. Its stems are strongly fluffy, dense, collected in a horizontal, lush bush, raised above the ground, growing along the soil. The branches are completely covered with densely arranged green needles with a bluish tint.
Juniper horizontal Blue Chip rarely gives fruits on shoots: they are small, spherical and match the needles in color.
Features of plant care
As a rule, Blue Chip horizontal juniper prefers areas well lit by the sun. But it can grow in a small shade. Needs moderate watering, but does not like waterlogged soil. The best soil for this variety - nutritious, slightly acidic, drained. Sandy soils are perfect for the plant. In care, it is unpretentious, quite resistant to cold.
Blue Chip is a great choice for landscaping
Definitely extraordinary beautiful variety Blue Chip will ennoble any garden. Most often, Blue Chip juniper is used in landscape design to create a variety of decorative ensembles. It is used for planting around small garden ponds, often part of mixborders made up of coniferous representatives. In addition, it fits perfectly into almost any rock garden. In flower beds, it can become a wonderful background, not only shading the beauty of flowers, but also giving sophistication and nobility. By planting such evergreen shrub, you can not only effectively decorate the garden, but also cleanse it of many harmful bacteria.
Landing - basic rules
After buying a plant, the Blue Chip juniper is planted and cared for, which include a few simple rules. Most bushes are sold in pots or containers. 
They must be carefully removed from the container and scrupulously water the roots with water. Then choose appropriate place for planting (it is better if it is a sunny area or partial shade) and pits are being prepared for planting. Their dimensions should be 1.5-2 times the size of the root.
You can improve the survival of the bush and give it more beauty by adding nutrient soil to the planting holes. High-quality planting of Blue Chip juniper in soil rich in all necessary substances will give strength to the plant not only to survive stress in the form of a transplant, but will also further nourish the root system, which cannot but affect the decorativeness of the plant. The soil mixture is prepared on the basis of three components: turf, sand, peat, taken in equal proportions. Mineral fertilizers for conifers can be mixed with such soil, which can significantly help the plant take root faster. If the soil is compacted, not loose and poorly drained, then a layer of gravel of 20 cm should be covered in order to organize air access to the roots.
The technology by which the Blue Chip horizontal juniper is planted is simple. Prepared pits are well moistened, then bushes are planted in them. You can not plant a plant, deepening the neck of the root below the ground, this part of the shrub should be on the same level with it.
Features of breeding culture
Evergreen shrubs are easy to propagate using several methods: cuttings, cuttings, seeds.
The most common of them is cuttings, but it is not suitable for creeping varieties. Such species reproduce using layering. 
Before you propagate Blue Chip juniper, you need to choose the most healthy, young and beautiful shoots. Then the soil is prepared for the future site where the layers will take root: it is carefully dug up, after which peat and coarse sand are introduced. Everything is gently mixed and loosened.
After that, the selected stem is tilted to the ground and pinned with a staple made of ordinary wire. In the place where the "hairpin" was fixed, the soil must be regularly watered and loosened.
Layering takes root for a rather long period of time: six months - a year. A well-rooted seedling is transplanted to " permanent place residence”, using the technology mentioned above. A lot of useful information in the article: How to grow rosemary from seeds and cuttings at home?
Among the ground cover varieties, Blue Chip juniper is considered the best. Its shaggy shoots, with a slightly raised core and ends, evenly and densely spread along the ground, forming a green carpet. The needles are short and dense, needle-shaped and prickly. The needles change color depending on the time of year: in summer the needles are a rich silver-blue hue, in spring young bright blue twigs appear, in autumn it is filled with brown and lilac colors, and in winter its tone becomes almost purple.
Juniper Horizontal Blue Chip Presents great option for stony compositions, rockeries and rock gardens, it harmoniously looks in combination with other coniferous and deciduous trees and shrubs. Juniper is a natural healer, it effectively cleans and disinfects the surrounding air within a radius of 10 meters.
Description of juniper horizontal Blue Chip
The homeland of the juniper Blue Chip is Canada and America, in translation, its name means a blue chip. The plant grows in a horizontal direction, it is perfectly adapted throughout Russia, from the southern borders to the northern latitudes. Its growth is small - the height of an adult shrub is from 20 to 30 cm, and the crown in diameter can reach 1.5 meters. This beautiful dwarf with interesting needles and a slow growth rate is able to decorate any landscape design.
Description of Juniper Blue Chip:
- Appearance. It belongs to dwarf creeping evergreen varieties of juniper, differs in small size and compact form, with a raised middle and high decorative characteristics, has small needle needles. Seeds are cone berries of spherical shape and black color with bloom, reaching 5-6 mm in diameter.
- Requirements. It loves light and good soil moisture, is resistant to frost and drought, tolerates urban gas pollution and air pollution, does not tolerate excess moisture and excessive salinity of the soil.
- Where is used. Often planted as a support for rocky slopes and walls, to strengthen slopes and curbs. Ideal Solution for landscape design of rock gardens and heather gardens, looks good in a container with the need for decorative crown molding.
Beautiful, dense and fragrant Blue Chip horizontal juniper, with long creeping shoots and bright unusual coloration, is used by gardeners to create living coniferous carpets.
Juniper Blue Chip - landing
Young seedlings are planted in landing pits 50-70 cm deep with a sufficient drainage layer in sunny or slightly shaded areas. the shrub prefers nutritious moderately dry soil, mainly with an alkaline or acidic environment. The culture does not withstand stagnant moisture and soil salinity; regular shallow loosening is required to achieve the best decorative results. 
The optimal distance between adjacent plants is 1-2 meters. For the winter, the conifer is sprinkled with peat up to 10 cm thick; during heavy snowfalls, temporary protection is built around it.
The agrotechnical features of the Blue Chip juniper are abundant watering after planting, mandatory mulching to preserve moisture, and regular sanitary cutting.
Juniper Blue Chip - reproduction and care
The Blue Chip blue shrub is propagated by layering. The gardener chooses healthy and high-quality shoots, prepares the ground for rooting - digs, loosens with peat and sand, fertilizes and moisturizes. With the help of a bracket, the selected branch is fixed on the ground, the layers take root within six months to a year.
Planting and caring for Blue Chip juniper include the following activities:
- Top dressing after planting is carried out three times a season: in spring with nitrogen fertilizers, in summer with phosphorus-containing compounds and in autumn with mixtures for conifers with potassium. The plant gratefully responds to the introduction of organic fertilizers around the trunk.
- Water regularly, but not excessively. For better moisture retention near trunk circles generously poured mulch from wood chips or sawdust.
- Cutting is done in spring period- dry and broken shoots are removed, old and frozen branches are cut off.
- Weeding and loosening are carried out as needed, an excess of weeds harms the decorative characteristics of the plant.
- Diseases and pests. Coniferous culture can suffer from basal fungus and rot, it is often infected with mites and scale insects. For prophylactic purposes, juniper thickets, in spring and once a month for warm season treated with fungicides and insecticides.
Juniper Blue Chip is picturesque at any time of the year, with its help colorful corners are created near stones and near water bodies, flower beds and flower beds are effectively decorated with it. An additional advantage is that the plant creates a microclimate around it that is useful for people.
Photo juniper Blue Chip in landscape design
Acquaintance with juniper Blue Chip - video
Juniper horizontalis is one of the favorite plants for those gardeners who are engaged in the design of their site. Conifers will perfectly decorate the landscape and bring a touch of wildlife.
All horizontal junipers are evergreen creeping dwarf bushes from ten to seventy centimeters high, the crown width varies from a meter to three.
general description
Junipers grow slowly . The main shoots are extended to the sides, usually covered with younger branches. The needles of junipers are either needle-shaped or scaly, the length is about three millimeters. The color of the needles varies from green to yellow and silver. In winter, the needles of all varieties acquire a brownish or purple color.
Description of fruits. The fruits of junipers are spherical cones of blue color covered with blue bloom. Junipers tolerate drought, frost and drafts well. Natural habitat - Canada and North America. This shrub has more than a hundred varieties, and one of the most popular is Blue Chip.
Plant has an attractive appearance, and even awarded the highest award at the exhibition 2004 in Poland.
Blue Chip belongs to perennial dwarf shrubs, it is about one and a half meters wide and thirty centimeters high. The color of the needles in summer is green with a blue tint, in winter it is burgundy. The stems are thick and fluffy, grow along the ground, the branches are densely covered with needles. This variety produces fruits quite rarely, they small size, the color is the same as the needles.
Conditions and reproduction
Like all junipers, Blue Chip horizontal grows well in any soil, however, you should know that he does not like too much moisture and salty soils. When planting, it will be good to mulch in order to comply correct mode soil moisture. As the juniper grows, it will independently protect the roots.
This shrub variety propagates by layering. A healthy shoot is selected, and the ground is prepared under it. It should be dug up, add fertilizer and sand, dig everything again. Next, the shoot must be bent to the ground and pinned with a wire clip. In place of the bracket, it is necessary to water and loosen the earth. The layering takes root for about a year. After rooting, the young plant can be planted in a permanent place.
Juniper on the plot
To begin with, a landing site is determined. It is good for optimal growth to choose a bright place, or in partial shade. Next, landing pits are prepared, dug about eighty centimeters deep. At the bottom, you can put compost or ready-made nutrient soil.
For the speedy rooting of the plant, mineral fertilizer must be added to the soil. If the soil is too compacted, it is necessary to fill up a drainage layer (for example, fine gravel).
After preparing the holes, they should be moistened and the plant should be carefully placed there together with the earth located on the root coma, then sprinkled and tamped the soil.
Landing and further care behind this variety practically does not differ from any other conifers.
Make the first watering in the amount of no more than two watering cans. The distance between the bushes should not be less than one meter. For the winter period, juniper is sprinkled with sawdust.
Within a week after planting, the bush should be watered with a stimulant for the roots, and the branches should be treated with Epin. Processing is necessary plentiful, the drug should, as it were, even drain from the branches.
In the period from February to early May of the first year of growth, it is worth covering the plant loosely with a soft fine-mesh net (can be bought at hardware store). This is done in order to avoid burns from ultraviolet rays. spring sun. Horizontal junipers from needles have year-round evaporation, and in spring the roots have not yet thawed, the sun is hot, as a result, the needles dry out. Therefore, in the spring it is necessary to thaw the soil near the bush then it will be better able to absorb moisture. Thus, it is advisable to start watering the juniper in mid-March, at the same time you need to remove snow from the soil near the bush.
Shrub care is quite simple, you just need to follow some general rules:
In general, junipers are quite disease resistant., but you still need to know the dangers that threaten the bush.
In addition to the fact that Blue Chip looks beautiful on the site, the plant also has useful properties. The most useful part of a shrub is its fruits. IN folk medicine they are famous as a remedy for diseases of the kidneys and bladder, as well as skin diseases(eg eczema). From the branches, a decoction is prepared to help relieve an allergy attack, and a decoction from the roots treats bronchitis and other diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract.
Juniper fruits have also been used in cooking. They are added as a seasoning to fish and meat dishes, and in ground form - in sauces and marinades.
From juniper wood make pencils and even utensils. In containers made of juniper, products do not deteriorate for a long time, since the wood has an antimicrobial effect.
The property of conifers is also known to “cleanse” the air from fungi and other pathogens. The immunity of a person who has juniper in his area is quite high.
Landscape
Juniper Blue Chip is beautiful both in winter and in summer, with its help you can create various landscape compositions. It looks great in rock gardens, near artificial ponds and when decorating a flower bed, on which it will emphasize the beauty of the planted flowers. It can be used as a living carpet on any segment of the site or near a stone slide.
Conclusion
An unusual and very beautiful horizontal juniper of the Blue Chip variety will decorate and ennoble garden plot, country yard and city flower garden. Additional plus - juniper, like all conifers, perfectly cleans the air from gas contamination and microorganisms that are harmful to health. Its care is simple. That is why it is worth making a choice in favor of such a spectacular and useful plant.
juniper blue chip
Juniper Blue Chip is a dwarf conifer. It grows in southern and northern latitudes, adapts well to harsh climates. In landscape design, it is used to decorate rock gardens, rockeries, decorating deciduous plantings.
plant description
Blue chip - this is how the name of the plant is translated from the Canadian language. It's evergreen perennial with creeping stem. The needles are dense gray-gray in color. The color of the needles changes with the seasons of the year. In spring, young shoots are gray-green, gray-gray in summer, and acquire purple hues in winter.
