Juniperus cedrus (Canary Island cedar) — Bushy, Columnar upright, Matforming, Trailing

Overview

Juniperus cedrus is a bushy, columnar upright, matforming, trailing tree in the genus Juniperus, part of the Cupressaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Juniperus cedrus grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include coastal, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and low maintenance.

About

Juniperus cedrus, the Canary Islands juniper, is a species of juniper, native to the western Canary Islands (Tenerife, La Palma, Gran Canaria, Gomera) and Madeira (J. cedrus Webb & Berthel. subsp. maderensis (Menezes) Rivas Mart et al.), where it occurs at elevations of 500–2400 m. It is closely related to Juniperus oxycedrus (Prickly Juniper) of the Mediterranean region and Juniperus brevifolia (Azores Juniper) of the Azores. It is a large shrub or tree growing to a height of 5–20 m (rarely 25 m). The leaves are evergreen, needle-like, in whorls of three, green to glaucous-green, 8–23 mm long and 1–2 mm broad, with a double white stomatal band (split by a green midrib) on the inner surface. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). It works well for coastal, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and low maintenance.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Juniperus cedrus

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Juniperus

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Juniperus cedrus size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Tree
Habit: Bushy, Columnar upright, Matforming, Trailing
Foliage: Evergreen
Suggested uses: Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Low Maintenance

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Juniperus cedrus

Propagation: Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings in early autumn
Pest resistance: Aphids, Juniper scale, Caterpillars
Disease resistance: Phytophthora, Canker, Honey fungus

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Juniperus cedrus?

Juniperus cedrus prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Juniperus cedrus need?

Juniperus cedrus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

Is Juniperus cedrus hardy in the UK?

Juniperus cedrus has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Juniperus cedrus?

Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings in early autumn.

More in the Juniperus genus

Browse all Juniperus →