Ground layer of Juniper

[Damian Bee]

I have some Juniperus squamata which I would like to multiply their numbers.
I looked on the Junipers topic but couldn't really see anything except air layer which gives me hope
Is it possible ground layer a Juniper?
Can they be grown from cuttings?
How long does it take?
How is it done?

[alpineart]

[

Hi Damien Bee , yes to all of the above .Prostrate junipers tent to ground layer themselves quite regularly ,so obviously there is no special requirements .I simply use a ring bark with wire tourniquet some people use a pebble to open a cut made in the branch .Either way apply some hormone powder worked into a paste .Use a wire hook to hold the branch to the ground , dig a hole close to the section being used and fill with compost , bonsai mix or sharp sand . Place the section being used into the hole ,back fill and keep moist .Aplastic pot can also be used ,simply cut a slot down both sides place the layer in and fill .

Cuttings seem to work best with a heal rather than a severed cut .Simply tear the branch off the main trunk to create a stub with a heal , trim slightly to about 10-15mm and dab in some hormone powder/paste or jel and pot into fine sharp sand with some added peat , compost or spagnum moss . usually around 1 season for a good root mass.

Different junipers taken different times .I have a juniper ? that has taken almost 4 years to air layer and i'm not in a hurry to remove it , yet a juniper Squamata will layer in 12 months . Mind you i dont follow a timetable when i set layers on any tree .I do it as required or when possible .Dont try one method try several and then you will be able to help other if you post your results .Cheers Alpineart

[shibui]

Junipers generally root well as layers and cuttings.
Layers will give thicker trees quicker, Cuttings will take a few years to thicken up but you can grow more and have better control over shape as they grow.
If juniper trunks/ branches are kept damp or touch the ground they will usually root by themselves. To speed it up use ground layer techniqes as Alpine posted. Ground layers often result in one sided root systems. Time taken to root will depend on conditions and technique - 2months - 2 years???
Cuttings from ripe or semi ripe wood are easiest. Soft tip cuttings root quicker but are smaller and need contolled humidity/ mist to stay alive long enough to put out roots. They will root any time of year but are faster through spring/ summer. Ready to pot up in 2 months - 1 year. Standard cutting technique works well.
Good luck.

[Damian Bee]

Thanks guys, I have cutting boxs with bottom heating and a mist system, all I need is a glasshouse.