Overview
Juniperus cedrus is a bushy, columnar upright, matforming, trailing tree in the genus Juniperus, part of the Cupressaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 5–20 metres tall and 0–0 metres wide. 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
About the genus
Junipers are coniferous trees and shrubs in the genus Juniperus of the cypress family Cupressaceae. Depending on the taxonomy, between 50 and 67 species of junipers are widely distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere as far south as tropical Africa, as far north as the Arctic, and parts of Asia and Central America. The highest-known juniper forest occurs at an altitude of 4,900 metres (16,100 ft) in southeastern Tibet and the northern Himalayas, creating one of the highest tree lines on earth.
Wikipedia contributors, "Juniper", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Juniper
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
- Height
- 5–20 metres
- Spread
- 0–0 metres
- 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.
How big does Juniperus cedrus grow?
Juniperus cedrus reaches a height of 5–20 metres and a spread of 0–0 metres.
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
- Juniperus recurva 'Embley Park'Himalayan Juniper
- Juniperus sabina 'Musgrave'Savin Juniper
- Juniperus scopulorum 'Blue Arrow'Rocky Mountain juniper 'Blue Arrow'
