Juniperus communis 'Compressa'

RHS Plant Profile
juniper 'Compressa'
juniper 'Compressa' Copyrighted 2003

Other common names

Noah's ark juniper

Synonyms

Juniperus compressa 'Compressa'

Award of Garden Merit
Shrubs Conifers

A very slow-growing, dense, evergreen, dwarf conifer of columnar habit, with prickly, dark grey-green foliage eventually reaching 80cm in height. Ideal for a rock garden or scree

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
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
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
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Skin allergenwear 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
Accepted

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 semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance

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