Overview
Juniperus rigida is a bushy, columnar upright, matforming, trailing tree in the genus Juniperus, part of the Cupressaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 6–10 metres tall. 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
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 rigida size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Tree
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright, Matforming, Trailing
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 6–10 metres
- 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.
How big does Juniperus rigida grow?
Juniperus rigida reaches a height of 6–10 metres.
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
- Juniperus recurva 'Embley Park'Himalayan Juniper
- Juniperus sabina 'Musgrave'Savin Juniper
- Juniperus scopulorum 'Blue Arrow'Rocky Mountain juniper 'Blue Arrow'
