Overview
Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus is a bushy, columnar upright, matforming, trailing tree in the genus Juniperus, part of the Cupressaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus 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 oxycedrus, vernacularly called Cade, cade juniper, prickly juniper, prickly cedar, or sharp cedar, is a species of juniper, native across the Mediterranean region, growing on a variety of rocky sites from sea level. The specific epithet oxycedrus means "sharp cedar" and this species may have been the original cedar or cedrus of the ancient Greeks.
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 oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus 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 oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus
- 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 oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus?
Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus need?
Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus 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 oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus hardy in the UK?
Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus 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 oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus?
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'
