Juniperus occidentalis (western juniper) — Bushy, Columnar upright, Matforming, Trailing

Overview

Juniperus occidentalis is a bushy, columnar upright, matforming, trailing tree in the genus Juniperus, part of the Cupressaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Juniperus occidentalis 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 occidentalis, known as the western juniper, is a shrub or tree native to the Western United States, growing in mountains at altitudes of 800–3,000 meters (2,600–9,800 ft) and rarely down to 100 m (330 ft). It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List because it is a widespread species with an increasing population. 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. Plant in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Juniperus occidentalis

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 occidentalis 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 occidentalis

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 occidentalis?

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

What soil does Juniperus occidentalis need?

Juniperus occidentalis 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 occidentalis hardy in the UK?

Juniperus occidentalis 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 occidentalis?

Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings in early autumn.

More in the Juniperus genus

Browse all Juniperus →