Overview
Juniperus sabina 'Musgrave' is a bushy, columnar upright, matforming, trailing tree in the genus Juniperus, part of the Cupressaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Juniperus sabina 'Musgrave' 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 sabina 'Musgrave' is an evergreen cultivar of Juniperus in the cypress family with variable habit that can appear columnar, form low mats or trail. It tolerates a wide range of soil types and pH, provided the soil is well drained. Fully hardy in the UK (H7), it performs in both exposed and sheltered positions and suits south, west or east aspects.
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
In the garden
Juniperus sabina 'Musgrave' belongs to the Cupressaceae and is a cultivated form of Juniperus whose growth habit ranges from upright columns to mat-forming and trailing forms. As an evergreen, it keeps foliage year-round and shows useful presence through spring and summer. Plant in full sun or partial shade on freely draining soil: it accepts chalk, clay, loam or sand and tolerates acid, alkaline or neutral pH so long as the rootzone does not remain waterlogged. Position the plant on a south-, west- or east-facing aspect; it is rated H7, meaning it is fully hardy in UK conditions and copes with both exposed and sheltered sites. Use Juniperus sabina 'Musgrave' where a low-maintenance, long-lasting evergreen is wanted — coastal situations, cottage or informal beds, and wildlife-friendly schemes are all listed uses. Its ability to form either upright or ground-hugging shapes makes it useful for slopes, edges or as a low evergreen cover where woody structure is required through spring and summer.
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 sabina 'Musgrave' 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 sabina 'Musgrave'
- 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 sabina 'Musgrave'?
Juniperus sabina 'Musgrave' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Juniperus sabina 'Musgrave' need?
Juniperus sabina 'Musgrave' 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 sabina 'Musgrave' hardy in the UK?
Juniperus sabina 'Musgrave' 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 sabina 'Musgrave'?
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings in early autumn.
More in the Juniperus genus
- Juniperus recurva 'Embley Park'Himalayan Juniper
- Juniperus scopulorum 'Blue Arrow'Rocky Mountain juniper 'Blue Arrow'
