PLANTprofile

Juniper

By Kathy Jentz

Junipers (Juniperus sp.) are evergreen shrubs that are a great addition to any garden. They come in many shades of green, from aqua-blue to bright citrus yellow. There are more than 60 species of juniper and of those, 13 are native to the United States. One of the most common is the Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana), which is the plant from which gin is sourced as well as the so-called “cedar” wood that is used in clothing drawers and wardrobes. Junipers are tough plants. In general, they are salt-tolerant, droughttolerant, and can cope with many soil types. They prefer full sun and good drainage. Junipers should not be planted too close together so they can have good air circulation around them. They do not respond well to pruning, so plant them in a spot where they can attain their full size without interference. If you notice an occasional dead, broken, or diseased branch, cut it back to the trunk and do not leave a stub sticking out. Junipers cultivars are widely available and are bred in many sizes and shapes, from wide, round forms to straight, tall specimens. They can be used in combination with other evergreens and make handsome hedges. They are good plants for holding in slopes and as a groundcover. Dwarf junipers are often placed in container combinations as well as used in miniature garden railways and rock gardens. o

Kathy Jentz is the editor and founder of Washington Gardener.