Junipers and Ice Plants - A Phenomenal Plant Combination by Jonathan Yaakobi

Those of us who garden in arid climates need to be open to ideas for planting designs that look great on the one hand, and that can be maintained on a water conserving budget on the other. One such combination involves the massing of the Ice Plant (Lampranthus spectabilis) as a ground cover, with different varieties of Juniper; ranging from low growing types to landscaping shrubs and bushes of differing sizes form and shade. A part of the garden so set up should also be relatively easy to maintain, although some knowledge as to care and cultivation is necessary.

Let's take as an example, a fairly sizable area of 75 square meters. A carpet of Ice Plant in flower, covering say some 50 meters square, creates an effect that is probably unmatched in gardening. For the flowers in addition to the color they provide, have a unique textural quality that can best be described as a sort of wave. As Lampranthus cannot sustain traffic, some type of path for access should be laid down. There is no need to incur great expense as large flagstones set in the ground should suffice.

As the Ice Plant blooms for a relatively brief period in the spring, it's important to consider the visual effect throughout the year. I think it associates so well with Junipers firstly because of the compatible leaf textures between the two, and also due to the foliage color of the Ice Plant, which resembles the shade of green, typical of so many Junipers. Of course color variety and emphasis can be supplied by the careful placing of Juniper shrub varieties which have gold, bluish green or silvery grey foliage.

As the composition will lack flower color through much of the year, annual or perennial flowers can be planted in a number of decorative pots, placed strategically amongst, and billowing out of the carpet of ground cover. To maintain a controlled, low consumption irrigation regime, it is essential to provide a separate line for the flowers and for the rest of the plants. For example, in a Mediterranean climate, Lampranthus and Juniper can be grown on less than 200mm of irrigation water per year, while annual flowers require some 1000mm per year. (1000 liters per square meter per year). For this reason avoid planting flowers in the ground.

Care and cultivation

In order to bloom, Ice Plants must be grown in full sun. Flowers simply do not open in any degree of shade whatsoever. In hot climates though, Junipers will do better grown in light shade. This is best supplied by trees which have a fairly open form, as heavy shade is to be avoided. Careful pruning to establish an open habit may have to be carried out for this purpose. Furthermore, as Junipers are evergreen plants, deciduous tree species should be considered, in order to create some seasonal change, movement and dynamism.

Good drainage is the primary precondition for successfully growing these plants. To enhance soil aeration, copious quantities of compost should be added to the soil, and deep, infrequent watering is to be preferred to frequent shallow watering. Lampranthus, as a succulent does not need to be watered at all during the summer, which as it happens, is its dormant season. It is preferable therefore to plant it in the autumn and winter as opposed to the spring and summer.

Finally, while Junipers require little and in some cases no pruning, Ice Plants do need some care and attention. To avoid open and leggy growth, cut back the flowers when about 75% have been spent. Do not wait for the last flowers to wither before doing so. Take note that the plants do not rejuvenate from old wood, so pruning, which can be carried out by garden shears or a hedge trimmer, should only extend to soft, herbaceous growth.

About the Author

My name is Jonathan Ya'akobi. I've been gardening in a professional capacity since 1984. I am the former head gardener of the Jerusalem Botanical Garden, but now concentrate on building gardens for private home owners. I also teach horticulture to students on training courses. I'd love to help you get the very best from your garden, so you're welcome to visit me on http://www.dryclimategardening.com