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. Chinese juniper is also used as bonsai. Juniperus chinensis needs full sun exposure; some varieties can grow in the shade. It resists 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; Juniperus chinensis is not as resistant to drought as other Juniperus. Fertilize each fall with compost. Juniperus chinensis does not resist pruning well because it take a long time to heal. Chinese juniper is a resistant plant to pests but can be attacked by fungi if there is excess watering. Juniperus chinensis propagates by cuttings from young shoots in autumn or spring; propagation from seeds is a very slow process (up to 2 years to germinate). |
Images of the shrub Juniperus chinensis or Chinese juniper |