About
Juniperus formosana, the Taiwan juniper, is a slow-growing, narrow, upright evergreen tree to 8�10 m with short, weeping branchlets clothed in grey-green, awl-shaped foliage. Mature trees have attractively peeling, reddish-brown bark. A distinctive and ornamental juniper for a sunny, sheltered garden.
About the genus
Juniperus, the junipers, are evergreen shrubs and trees ranging from prostrate ground-covers to tall, columnar or broadly spreading trees. They have aromatic foliage in juvenile awl-shaped or adult scale-like forms and produce small, fleshy, berry-like cones. Among the most garden-worthy and widely adaptable of all conifers.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeConifers, Trees
HabitPendulous weeping
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal
Native toChina (Fujian) to Taiwan
ToxicityHarmful if eaten/skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well-drained soil, including dry, chalky or sandy soils, preferably in full sun or in light dappled shade. Borderline hardy (sheltered or coastal locations). See tree cultivation
PruningSee pruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in early autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, scale insects, conifer red spider mite and caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to phytophthora, canker and honey fungus. See also Conifers: brown patches