Overview

Juniperus procera is a bushy, columnar upright, matforming, trailing tree in the genus Juniperus, part of the Cupressaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Juniperus procera 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 procera (known by the common English names African juniper, African pencil-cedar, East African juniper, East African cedar, and Kenya cedar) is a coniferous tree native to mountainous areas in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It is a characteristic tree of the Afromontane flora. 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 4.0Juniperus procera

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 procera 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 procera

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 procera?

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

What soil does Juniperus procera need?

Juniperus procera 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 procera hardy in the UK?

Juniperus procera 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 procera?

Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings in early autumn.

More in the Juniperus genus

Browse all Juniperus