Juniperus squamata or Flaky juniper

Care of the shrub Juniperus squamata or Flaky juniper

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

Common names: Himalayan juniper, Flaky juniper. This species is native to Asia.

They are evergreen shrubs that reach 2 meters (6.56 feet) in height (erect varieties) and 3 meters (9.84 feet) in diameter (creeping varieties). The leaves are needle-shaped and can be of different colors depending on the variety (most are bluish). The flowers are not decorative. They produce spherical, glossy black fruits.

The main varieties are: Juniperus squamata var. Meyeri, spreading growth and bluish-green foliage; Juniperus squamata var. Old gold, with green and yellow leaves; Juniperus squamata var. Wilsonii, pyramidal in size.

These shrubs are used in rockeries, on borders, as isolated specimens next to a wall and in pots for terraces and patios. They combine very well with heather (Heather) and with other dwarf conifers.

Juniperus squamata needs full sun exposure. They resist the humid environments of the Atlantic, the frosts and the Mediterranean summers.

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

Water regularly so that the substrate does not dry out completely; they do not tolerate intense drought. They are very sensitive plants to waterlogging.

Fertilize each fall with compost.

They do not need pruning.

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

They propagate by cuttings of young shoots in autumn or by layering (creeping species).