Juniperus communis
Common juniper
- Height × spread
- 0.25m – 7m × 0.15m – 3m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A native evergreen tree, with grey-green needle-like foliage and attractive red-brown peeling bark. Male and female trees are needed to produce the hard black berries. Upright varieties in curvy teardrop shapes, or narrow cones are ideal for creating focal points. Low growing, spreading forms make colourful carpet-like ground cover. Dwarf varieties are great in pots. Heights from 50cm to 10m.
- Foliage colour
- Green, Yellow
- Fruit colour
- Black
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Column, Dome, Fan, Oval, Prostrate
- Height
- 0.25m – 7m
- Spread
- 0.15m – 3m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Autumn, Winter
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Small scale garden, Seaside garden, Scented garden, Rock garden, Mediterranean garden, Herb garden, Gravel garden, Exotic garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam (normal), Poor soil, Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Ground cover, Structural, Architectural, Bird attraction
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- Yes, some poisonous
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Planting & general
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.
Found in
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