Junipers

Merrifield sells approximately 40 cultivars of junipers. They are all evergreen
and are suitable for use as hedges, ground covers, foundation plants, rock
garden plants, and specimen plants. The attached table provides information on
ththe plant alternatives within the ground cover, shrub and tree categories.

LOCATION:

Junipers prefer open, sunny locations. While they prefer moderately moist and br> sandy soil, once established they are very tolerant of dry soil. In addition,
most will tolerate our clay soil and urban air pollution. As noted on the chart,
two of the ground covers are noted for their salt tolerance. When planted in
heheavy shade, junipers become open, thin and ratty.

PLANTING AND WATERING:

Properly prepared, well-drained soil is essential to establishing and growing br> junipers. Incorporate a generous amount of Super Fines Soil Conditioner into the
existing clay soil at planting time (1/3 amendments to 2/3 existing soil). If
the plant is pot bound, cut the root ball with a sharp knife from top to bottom
and loosen the roots. Plant the juniper with one-quarter to one-third of the
root ball above the ground to ensure good drainage. Mulch lightly on top of the
roots to help keep the soil moist and prevent the roots from drying out.
Periodically check the soil to see that it is moist, but not wet. Water as
neneeded.

FERTILIZATION:

A good, slow release fertilizer such as Merrifield Evergreen Plant Food is r> rerecommended. Fertilize in the early spring.

PRUNING:

A word of caution about pruning junipers. Twig blight is a disease that effects br> junipers and can be spread through pruning. To protect against spreading disease
from an infected plant to a healthy plant, never prune when the plants are wet
or damp, and sterilize your pruning sheers between cuts.

Ground cover and tree junipers rarely need pruned. Shrub junipers can be pruned
in early spring, early summer, or mid-winter. If you prefer to have a very
natural look, pruning should be done in early spring, prior to the new growth;
this will allow the new growth to come in naturally. If you prefer a more
manicured appearance, pruning should be done in early summer, after the new
growth has appeared. The only time it is not advisable to prune is early fall.