Junipers (Juniperus spp.) Are one of the hardiest, most versatile and drought-tolerant shrubs. They are conifers with prickly young leaf which becomes flatter and softer with age. Over a hundred varieties are increased in the USA. Their leaf may be dark green, light green, silver-blue or have golden hues. The kinds of juniper shrubs incorporate low, ground-hugging forms, medium-sized shrubs and large, pyramidal forms. Use low-growing junipers as evergreen ground covers and medium or large shrubs as hedges, screens, windbreaks and specimen plants. Junipers tolerate many soil types but favor well-draining soil and sunny places.
Low-Growing Junipers
Low-growing junipers, varying in height from a few inches to about 2 feet, make very good ground cover plants. They spread readily to control erosion on a slope or to cover an area with poor soil. “Wilton” (Juniperus horizontalis “Wilton”) grows only 6 inches high and spreads out 6 to 8 feet. “Wilton” has silver-blue foliage and grows well in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 10. “Nana” (Juniperus procumbens “Nana”) is a compact plant, growing 1 to 2 feet wide and high. “Nana” has delicate blue-green leaf and also thrives in USDA zones 7 through 11. The other low-growing juniper, “Shore Juniper” (Juniperus conferta “Shore Juniper”) grows well in sandy, poor soils in USDA zones 5 through 10, reaching 12 to 15 inches tall and spreading 8 feet, with golden-green leaf.
Medium-Sized Junipers
Use medium-sized juniper shrubs as foundation plants or to form low or medium-tall hedges. “Nick’s Compact” (Juniperus chinensis “Nick’s Compact”) rises 2 1/2 feet high and spreads to approximately 6 feet in USDA zones 5 through 9. “Sea Green” (Juniperus chinensis “Sea Green”) is a dark green tree that grows 4 to 6 feet high and 6 to 8 feet wide with arching, fountain-like branches. “Grey Owl” (Juniperus virginiana “Grey Owl”) has greyish green foliage and grows to about 5 feet with an 8 feet spread. Both “Sea Green” and “Grey Owl” have a reasonable growth rate in USDA zones 4 through 9.
Big Junipers
Use large junipers to create displays, windbreaks, tall hedges or as specimen shrubs. “Phitzeriana” (Juniperus chinensis “Phitzeriana”), also called “Phizerana” or “Phitzer Juniper,” is an old but popular variety. “Phitzeriana” has dense grey-green foliage and grows up to 6 feet high and 10 feet wide in USDA zones 4 through 10. “Blue Vase” (Juniperus chinensis “Blue Vase”) grows up to 10 feet high and 5 feet wide in a vase-shaped form with greyish-blue leaf which keeps its color all through the year. “Torulosa” (Juniperus chinensis “Torulosa”), also called “Kaizuka” or “Hollywood Juniper” has a twisted and tufted look, growing 15 to 30 feet high and 5 to 10 feet wide. “Blue Vase” and “Torulosa” grow well in USDA zones 5 through 9.
Upright Tall Junipers
Tall upright junipers make great windbreaks, large hedges and striking accents in the landscape. “Hetzii Columnaris” (Juniperus chinensis “Hetzii Columnaris”) is a vigorously growing juniper, reaching 10 to 15 feet tall and 5 feet wide at maturity. “Hetzii Columnaris” grows well in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 9 and may easily be molded into topiary. “Sylvestris” (Juniperus chinensis “Sylvestris”) has fragrant green leaf and its pyramidal form can hit 15 to 25 feet tall and 3 to 10 feet wide in USDA zones 4a through 10a. Southern Red Cedar (Juniperus silicola) is a large pyramidal or columnar tree or tree, growing 30 to 45 feet tall with a spread of 20 to 25 feet. Southern Red Cedar rises quickly in USDA zones 8a through 10b in sun or part shade and is pest-resistant. Southern Red Cedar is helpful as a screen, specimen or Christmas tree.