This makes the common juniper one of the most widely distributed shrubs in the world.
In cultivation,J.
Varieties bred for landscape use are rarely more than 15 feet tall, and many are much smaller.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Common juniper, like most conifers, is usually planted during mild weather of spring or early fall.
For the very best performance, give them moist but well-draining soil and plenty of sun.
Light
Common juniper is a sun-loving evergreen that should receivefull sunfor the majority of the day.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
If a common juniper does not receive enough light you may notice stalled or stunted growth.
Common junipers cannot survive in full shade conditions.
But common juniper is a decidedly more tolerant plant than Chinese juniper when it comes to soil conditions.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
When grown in their native range, common junipers do not require any supplemental watering.
Fertilizer
These hardy shrubs are considered light feeders and do not require regular fertilization.
This reputation has slowly changed, thanks to the extremely tolerant nature of this plant.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
It is used mostly as a ground-cover plant for large areas.
Pruning
Pruning is rarely needed for junipers, other than to remove broken or diseased branches.
The best method: cut individual branches back to an upward-growing side branch.
Propagating a branch from such a variety could produce an offspring that looks much different than the parent.
The container can be any material, though heavy materials such as clay pots may help prevent tipping.
This potting mixture blend will hold enough moisture, but will drain well enough to prevent root rot.
Do not bring the plant indoors for the entire winter, as it requires a cold dormant period.
Too much time indoors, however, may kill the tree.
Junipers are not as amenable to this use as are firs or other evergreen species.
Consult a local extension service or arboretum for advice on juniper cultivars guaranteed to perform well in your region.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Common junipers are susceptible to a number of common pests and diseases.
Common pests of the common juniper includebagworms, juniper scale,aphids, and more.
Applying fungicide early may prevent recurrance.
Another likely cause: damage from pets urinating on the shrub.
Common junipers have many different practical uses.
They are normally used as a flavoring for other dishes, not eaten whole.
And be wary, because there are other species of juniper that have mildly toxic berries.
Do not randomly harvest juniper berries unless you are sure of the species.
Juniperis.Missouri Botanical Garden
Juniperis communis.Gardenia.
Dirr, Michael.Manual of Woody Landscape Plants.
Stipes Publishing, 1998.
University of Wisconsin Division of Extension.
Juniper Diseases and Insect Pests.Clemson Cooperative Extension.
