Juniper (Juniperus communis) Profile

Juniper trees belong to the cypress family and are common worldwide because they are hardy and grow well in all climates. Unlike many other types of plants, junipers can grow as both trees and shrubs. Coniferous evergreens have small, needle-like or scalelike leaves and are extremely versatile, making them ideal for use in almost any landscape design, and juniper trees are relatively easy to care for. However, they do require a lot of sunlight to grow properly, and require well-drained soil -- which means juniper grows well in sandy soil. They also have the advantage of growing well in both acidic and alkaline soils.

Juniper (Juniperus communis) Picture

Juniper (Juniperus communis) Info

Botanical Name	Juniperus communis
Common Name	Common juniper
Plant Type	Evergreen conifer
Mature Size	2-50' tall
Sun Exposure	Full sun
Soil Type	Well-draining
Soil pH	Not particular
Bloom Time	Winter

 

Ecological Habits of Juniper (Juniperus communis)

Common juniper is a typical shrub species of poor soils and harsh environments. It is drought and cold tolerant but requires plenty of light. It can grow on acidic sandy or calcareous soils and favours free-draining soils and rocky outcrops. In many areas, juniper is considered to be a pioneer species, able to colonise bare terrain and a range of soil types. The subspecies Juniperus communis ssp. alpina occurs in a narrow band above or north of the treeline.

Juniper (Juniperus communis) Distribution Area

Common juniper has the widest distribution range of all conifers, and can be found throughout the Northern Hemisphere: in North America, Europe, and Asia. It is the most northerly of the juniper species and one of the most northerly conifers in the world10. In Europe, it can be found from northern Scandinavia to parts of southern Spain, although at more southern latitudes it is usually confined to mountain areas. Juniper grows in low elevations in pasture lands and abandoned fields, as well as at high elevations, above the treeline in Eurosiberian mountains.

How to Grow and Care for Juniper (Juniperus communis)

How to Grow Juniper (Juniperus communis)

The most reliable ways to obtain junipers for your garden are by taking a cutting, air layering, or by purchasing a seedling. It's technically possible to grow juniper from seed, but it's not recommended. Planting by seed requires up to four years before you’ll have a shrub you can transplant, and the process isn't easy. Germination is unreliable, and the seeds require a lengthy stratification period.

How to Care for Juniper (Juniperus communis)

• Light

As you know, junipers are sun-loving plants, so it is better to plant them in full sun.

• Soil

Juniper grows on rocks in rocky soil. Therefore, it is better to plant these plants in well-drained soil with the addition of organic matter.

• Water

When established, junipers are exceptionally drought tolerant plants rarely if ever requiring supplemental irrigation.

• Temperature and Humidity

Common junipers are native to the cool temperate climates of the Northern Hemisphere, and as such are tolerant of a wide range of temperatures.

• Fertilizer

Junipers are typically light feeders however will benefit from an annual feeding.

• Pruning

Junipers tolerate pruning extremely well and are excellent candidates for hedging, topiary and even bonsai.

Juniper (Juniperus communis) Extraction and storage

Extraction of juniper seeds from the cones, which contain between one and three seeds is difficult. The cones are very resinous and hold on to the seeds more than most fruits, so a more dramatic method is used. Add a small number of cones and plenty of warm water (at least the same volume of cones) to a blender and run at a speed that is just enough to break up the cones – too fast and you’ll damage the seeds. Pour into a bucket, add more water (as a jet if possible) and leave to stand for a couple of minutes. The good seed sinks and all the debris floats to the top. Pour this away as per the method for berries. Pour the good seeds back into the blender, add plenty more water and a teaspoon of detergent and run the blender again for a few minutes. Pour off the debris again and save the seed. Let it dry somewhere warm and store in paper bags.

Uses of Juniper (Juniperus communis)

Juniper is amongst the most useful multi-purpose shrub species worldwide. Containing a large number of essential oils, extracts from its twigs, leaves, and berries (the blue-black seed cones) have been used as traditional remedies against urinary infections, dermatitis, or as a diuretic. The wood has even been shown suitable for artificial bone implants. The twigs, leaves, and especially the berries represent an important food source for several small and large animals, such as birds, deer, elk, cattle, horses and sheep2, and humans use the berries forculinary purposes and for the preparation of alcoholic drinks, such as flavouring gin.
Juniper has medicinal value. Juniper has been used to treat a very wide range of ailments. If a major medicinal use could be identified, it would probably be its use as a tonic to maintain health. Hundreds of years ago, Europeans added Juniper to gin, and made a liqueur called Junivere from the berries. Many gins still have a minute amount of Juniper in it today. So, "Bottoms up" and "Here's to your health!"
Medicinally, Juniper has been used for:
 Used as a general tonic for health
An antibiotic to treat wounds and sores
To avoid malaria
Kidney health
Liver health
Used as a diuretic
Gynecological health
Inflammations
Easing childbirth
Muscle spasms

Varieties of Juniper (Juniperus communis)

There are a multitude of Juniperus varieties available from local garden centers and specialty nurseries. A few popular ones are described below.
Juniper horizontalis ‘Wiltonii’ – striking silvery blue needles that turn purple in winter cold; this variety is female and will produce light blue berries; performs well in southern heat
Juniper x pfitzeriana ‘Compacta’ – a low growing, spreading shrub; attractive gray-green foliage
Juniper procumbens ‘Greenmound’ – produces a soft green undulating mat of growth
Juniper procumbens ‘Nana’ – this dwarf form tends to mound upon itself, resulting in a mounding habit; an excellent spreader
Juniper squamata ‘Blue Star’ – dramatic blue foliage stands out in the landscape; this variety grows low and slow; languishes in humid environments
Narrow Selections
Juniper chinensis ‘Spartan’ – excellent narrow, columnar or slightly cone shaped habit, but can be a bit shorter and wider given environmental conditions
Juniper virginiana ‘Brodie’ – a tightly columnar form; new summer growth is soft green, fading to sage in the winter; a female variety that will produce attractive berries rather than allergy-inducing pollen; poor root system makes this variety more susceptible to wind damage
Juniper virginiana ‘Taylor’ – this narrow form is an excellent alternative to Italian cypress; silvery blue-green foliage that may bronze in the winter

Juniper (Juniperus communis) Common Pests/Diseases

Common junipers are susceptible to a number of common pests and diseases. Watch out for diseases such as juniper blight, twig blight, and cedar apple rust - all of which can be handled with prompt and aggressive pruning. Common pests of the common juniper include bagworms, juniper scale, aphids, and more. Checking the shrub over semi-annually for signs of pests and using an insecticide when needed should keep any major infestations under control.

Juniper (Juniperus communis) Companion Plants

When you are looking for juniper plant companions, think about bamboo. Bamboo species, particularly dwarf bamboo plants, are also good choices for juniper companion plants. Tall bamboo mixes well with tall junipers, while groundcover juniper blends seamlessly with dwarf bamboo.