Choosing conifers for your garden is an important decision that can transform the landscape design of your site for years to come.
Thuja and juniper are the most popular options among gardeners, each with unique characteristics.
Information about these plants and the secrets of the right choice for a luxurious garden was shared by the expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", scientist-agronomist and landscape designer Anastasia Kovrizhnykh.
Features of thuja as an ornamental crop
Thuja is considered one of the most unpretentious coniferous plants. Thanks to its rapid growth and dense crown, it is perfect for creating hedges.
The plant is distinguished by a variety of shapes and colors of needles, from emerald green to golden. Frost resistance of thuja allows it to be grown in almost all climatic zones of Russia.
Benefits of Juniper in the Garden
Juniper is famous for its durability and ability to maintain a decorative appearance all year round.
The variety of varieties includes both creeping forms and tall shrubs.
The plant has phytoncidal properties, purifying the air from pathogenic microorganisms. Unpretentiousness to the soil makes juniper a universal choice for various areas.
Features of care for coniferous plants
Thuja requires regular watering and fertilization in the spring. The plant requires timely pruning to maintain its shape.
Juniper is less demanding in terms of watering, but needs protection from the spring sun to avoid burning the needles. Both crops prefer well-drained soils and need mulching of the trunk circle.
Combination with other plants
Thuja combines beautifully with ornamental shrubs and perennial flowers. Juniper creates magnificent compositions with stones and groundcover plants.
With the right selection of varieties, both plants can be adjacent to each other, creating multi-level compositions.
Common problems when growing
Thuja may suffer from yellowing of the needles due to a lack of nutrients or over-watering of the soil.
Juniper is sensitive to stagnant water and can be affected by fungal diseases.
Timely prevention and adherence to agricultural technology allow you to avoid most problems when growing both crops.
Factors in plant selection
When making a decision, you should take into account the size of the site, the climate and soil characteristics, as well as the desired decorative effect.
Thuja will be an excellent choice for creating hedges and topiary forms. Juniper is suitable for alpine slides and creating a natural landscape.
Both plants can become the main decoration of the garden with the right approach to choosing the variety and planting location.
Expert: Anastasia Kovrizhnykh
