Juniperus rigida (needle juniper) — Bushy, Columnar upright, Matforming, Trailing

Overview

Juniperus rigida is a bushy, columnar upright, matforming, trailing tree in the genus Juniperus, part of the Cupressaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Juniperus rigida 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 rigida, the temple juniper, is a species of juniper, native to northern China, Mongolia, Korea, Japan, and the far southeast of Russia (Sakhalin and Primorsky Krai), occurring at altitudes of 10–2,200 metres (33–7,218 ft). The species is also naturalized in the United States (California and Alabama). It is closely related to Juniperus communis (common juniper) and Juniperus conferta (shore juniper), the latter sometimes treated as a variety or subspecies of J. rigida. It is a shrub or small tree growing to a height of 6–10 metres (20–33 ft) and a trunk diameter up to 50 centimetres (20 in). 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 rigida

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 rigida 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 rigida

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 rigida?

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

What soil does Juniperus rigida need?

Juniperus rigida 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 rigida hardy in the UK?

Juniperus rigida 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 rigida?

Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings in early autumn.

More in the Juniperus genus

Browse all Juniperus →