How to Grow Juniper
Juniperus communis
Junipers are tough, drought-tolerant evergreen shrubs or small trees that thrive in full sun with well-drained soil. They range from prostrate ground-cover forms to tall columnar specimens. Once established they need very little care. Never cut into old bare wood as they will not regrow. The blue berry-like cones are actually modified scales and take 2-3 years to ripen.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Light feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser. Established plants rarely need feeding.
Watch For
- Juniper scale
- Juniper webber moth
- Phytophthora root rot
- Rust
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun; no shade tolerance
Full sun essential. Junipers become sparse and leggy in shade. Even light shade reduces density.
Watering
Drought-tolerant once established
Water newly planted junipers regularly for the first year. Once established, they are extremely drought-tolerant and rarely need supplemental watering except in prolonged drought.
Fertilizing
Rarely needs feeding once established
Light balanced feed in spring if growth seems slow. Established plants in reasonable soil rarely need feeding.
Pruning
Light trim only; never cut bare wood
Light trim of green growth only in late spring or early summer. Never cut into old bare wood — junipers cannot regenerate from leafless branches.
Growing Tips
Drainage is non-negotiable
Junipers absolutely require well-drained soil. In heavy clay, plant on a mound or add generous grit. Waterlogged roots cause rapid decline.
Never cut into bare wood
Never cut back into old leafless wood. Unlike yew, juniper cannot regenerate from bare branches. Only trim green growth.
