Juniperus indica (black juniper) — Bushy, Columnar upright, Matforming, Trailing

Overview

Juniperus indica is a bushy, columnar upright, matforming, trailing tree in the genus Juniperus, part of the Cupressaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Juniperus indica 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 indica, the black juniper, is a juniper native to high-altitude climates in the Himalaya, occurring in Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan and China. It is of interest as the highest elevation woody plant known, reported growing as high as 5,200 metres (17,100 feet) in southern Tibet; the lowest limit being 2,600 m (8,500 ft). It is a shrub growing to 50–200 centimetres (20–79 in) tall, with largely horizontal branching. The leaves are dark gray-green, dimorphic, with adult plants having mostly scale-like leaves 1–3 millimetres (1⁄16–1⁄8 in) long, while young plants have mostly needle-like leaves 5–8 mm long, but needle-like leaves can also be found on shaded shoots of adult plants. 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. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Juniperus indica

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 indica 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 indica

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 indica?

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

What soil does Juniperus indica need?

Juniperus indica 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 indica hardy in the UK?

Juniperus indica 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 indica?

Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings in early autumn.

More in the Juniperus genus

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