Juniperus chinensis
Chinese juniper
A variable conifer species forming either a tall, conical or columnar tree to 18m in height or a spreading shrub. Two types of aromatic leaves are usually found on the same tree; juvenile, awl-shaped leaves that are sharply and stiffly pointed and arranged either in threes or pairs and scale-like adult leaves, usually in pairs and closely flattened to the branchlet. Rounded fruits, 5-7mm across, ripen in their second year to a glaucous white
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | White | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | White | ||
| Autumn | Green | White | ||
| Winter | Green | White |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Cupressaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten/skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Juniperus can be prostrate or erect, evergreen shrubs or trees with aromatic, scale-like or sharply pointed awl-shaped leaves, and small globose fruits
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Far East
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any well-drained soil
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, scale insects, conifer red spider mite and caterpillars
Diseases
May be susceptible to phytophthora, canker and honey fungus. See also Conifers: brown patches
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