Juniperus communis

RHS Plant Profile

common juniper

Mike L. Grant 2001

Other common names

juniper, merywen

Synonyms

Juniperus intermedia

Conifers Shrubs Trees

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An evergreen dioecious shrub, varying from spreading to columnar or bushy in habit, with aromatic, needle-like grey-green leaves and small ovoid green fruits ripening to black

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 10–20 years
Max Spread: 2.5-4 metres
Max Height: 4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure: Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H7
Drought Resistance: Yes

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Cupressaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: Yes
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Bushy
Potentially harmful: 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: Temp. N. Hemisphere

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained soil including dry, chalky or sandy soils in full sun or light dappled shade. See conifer cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed or semi-ripe cuttings in early autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Coastal
Cottage and informal garden
Wildlife gardens

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, juniper scale and caterpillars

Diseases

May be susceptible to Phytophthora, canker and honey fungus. See also Conifers: brown patches