About
Juniperus squamata, the flaky juniper, is a low-growing, often spreading evergreen conifer with flaky, brown bark and distinctive, glaucous blue-green, awl-shaped, prickly leaves. Small, glossy, berry-like cones ripen to black in winter. One of the most popular of the blue-foliaged ground-cover conifers for a sunny, well-drained position.
About the genus
Juniperus, the junipers, are evergreen shrubs and trees ranging from prostrate ground-covers to tall, columnar or broadly spreading trees. They have aromatic foliage in juvenile awl-shaped or adult scale-like forms and produce small, fleshy, berry-like cones. Among the most garden-worthy and widely adaptable of all conifers.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeConifers, Shrubs
HabitBushy, Spreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Gravel garden
Native toHimalaya, W China
ToxicityHarmful if eaten/skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well-drained soil. Useful in hot sunny sites. Good ground cover
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, juniper scale and caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to phytophthora, canker and honey fungus. See also Conifers: brown patches