Juniperus chinensis or Chinese juniper

Care of the shrub Juniperus chinensis or Chinese juniper

The Juniperus genus, Cupressaceae family, comprises 60 species of shrubs and trees native to the Northern Hemisphere. Some species are: Juniperus chinensis, Juniperus californica, Juniperus oxycedrus, Juniperus communis, Juniperus osteosperma, Juniperus phoenicea, Juniperus horizontalis, Juniperus squamata, Juniperus drupacea, Juniperus thurifera, Juniperus x pfitzeriana (hybrid), Juniperus brevifolia, Juniperus conferta.

Common name: Chinese juniper. This species is native to the Far East.

They are evergreen shrubs that can live for 100 years and reach 5 meters (16.4 feet) in height; prostrate varieties reach 4 meters (13.12 feet) in diameter. The fine, spiny young leaves are needle-like and later become scaly. The flowers are tiny and have no ornamental interest.

There are numerous varieties of different sizes and colors: Juniperus chinensis var. Feathery, spreading habit and medium size (3 meters/9.84 feet wide); Juniperus chinensis var. Blaauws, with grayish-blue foliage and creeping bearing; Juniperus chinensis var. Pfitzeriana, with green and yellow leaves; Juniperus chinensis var. Aurea, erect bearing and golden foliage; Juniperus chinensis var. Pyramidalis, conical bearing and bluish tones.

These slow-growing plants are used to form groups (creeping varieties), as isolated specimens and in pots for terraces and patios. They are also used as bonsai.

Juniperus chinensis needs full sun exposure; some varieties can grow in the shade. They resist the frosts and the heat of the Mediterranean summer.

The soil can be a garden substrate with leaf mulch; they grow in limestone or stony soils. Transplanting and planting are done in the fall or spring.

Water moderately all year round avoiding the substrate from drying out completely; they are not as resistant to drought as other Juniperus.

Fertilize each fall with compost.

They do not resist pruning well because they take a long time to heal.

They are resistant plants to pests but can be attacked by fungi if there is excess watering.

They propagate by cuttings from young shoots in autumn or spring; starting from seeds is a very slow process (up to 2 years to germinate).