Juniperus

( joo - NIP - er - us )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly called Juniper, this genus of evergreen shrubs and trees includes species which need full sun to partial shade and little to no water to perform well in the landscape. These plants can be used as groundcovers, weeping shrubs, upright specimens, columns, or even trees. They are part of the Conifer family, and produce inedible fruits. Use Juniper shrubs and trees for erosion control, as groundcover, for shade, as specimens or bonsai, or in food forests as edimentals. Take care when planting these evergreens in the landscape, as berries, needles, and stems contain toxins that have the potential to harm humans and pets if ingested in large quantities.

Juniperus Species and Varietals

The genus Juniperus includes between 50 and 67 species and is a member of the plant family Cupressaceae. Species in this genus are closely related to those in Cupressus, Hesperocyperis, and Playcladus. The best growing zones for Junipers vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below (to find your zone, click here: Zone Map).

Juniperus angosturana (Slender One-Seed Juniper, Mexican One-Seed Juniper)
This species is endemic to northeastern Mexico, and is considered vulnerable to extinction due to expansion of grazing lands. Individual plants grow as small evergreen trees or shrubs, and can reach up to between 10 and 26 feet tall at maturity. It has an irregular, spreading and somewhat drooping canopy.

Juniperus ashei (Ashe Juniper, Mountain Juniper, Rock Cedar, Mountain Cedar, Blueberry Juniper, Post Cedar, Ozark White Cedar)
This species is highly drought-tolerant and native to the south-central United States and northeastern Mexico. They do well in USDA hardiness zones 6-9, and grow to form large, multi-stemmed shrubs or small trees. They typically reach up to between 15 and 30 feet tall at maturity. This species is considered invasive in Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas in the United States as well as northern Mexico.

Quick Question: What is Cedar Fever?
Cedar Fever is a severe, localized allergic reaction caused by the pollen released from Ashe Juniper (Juniper ashei) trees and shrubs. They blanket areas in Texas, and each year from mid-December through February, release a visible, massive pollen cloud. The sheer volume of the pollen can overwhelm the immune systems of even otherwise healthy people who do not experience allergies during the rest of the year. Their immune systems go into overdrive, and produce a collection of symptoms that many call 'Cedar Fever'. The true 'fever' caused by this phenomenon rarely reaches over 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit, but other symptoms include severe congestion (commonly called "Cedar Head"), red/itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, and fatigue.

Juniperus bermudiana (Bermuda Juniper, Bermuda Cedar, Cedar)
This species once covered the island of Bermuda in forest, which was decimated by settlers through forest clearing and wood harvesting (for shipbuilding). During WWII, the United States military was a vector for scale insects which decimated over 99% of the species that remained. This event is known in Bermuda as 'The Blight' or 'The Cedar Blight', and caused cascade extinctions of endemic species of cicadas and solitary bees. Bermuda Cedar is an evergreen tree to 50 feet tall.

Juniperus brevifolia (Azores Juniper, Brevifolia Juniper, Short-Leaf Juniper, Cedro)
This species is native to the Azores and is considered vulnerable to extinction due to habitat loss and overharvesting. The species forms a small tree or shrub reaching up to 20 feet tall at maturity. Foliage is green, and trunks are grey-brown, becoming gnarled with age (especially in coastal areas). Best in USDA zones 8-10.

Juniper californica (California Juniper, California White Cedar, Desert White Cedar, Sweetberry Cedar)
This shrub or small tree reaches up to 10-26 feet tall at maturity and is native to California, United States and Baja California, Mexico. Bark is ashy grey to brown and is typically thin, appearing 'shredded'. Foliage is blue-grey and berry-like cones are blue-brown with a whitish bloom. Best in USDA zones 8-10.

Juniperus cedrus (Canary Islands Juniper, Cedro Canario, Cedar Juniper)
This species is native to the high mountain ranges of the Canary Islands, and is valued for its striking pyramidal form. Individual shrubs and trees can reach up to between 16 and 65 feet tall when mature. The species is considered endangered in its native range due to over-harvesting and overgrazing by goats. This species does well in USDA hardiness zones 7b-10b.

Juniperus chinensis (Chinese Juniper, Yuan Bai, 圆柏, Ibuki, Byakushin, ビャクシン)
This species is commonly used as an ornamental in landscapes, and has many developed cultivars. Chinese Juniper grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4-9. The straight species reaches up to between 3.5 and 65.5 feet tall at maturity, and has a highly variable form. This species contains one of the top specimens for Bonsai in Japan, where it is referred to as 'Shimpaku'. This species is considered invasive in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States, as well as Hawai'i.

'Blue Point'
Blue-green foliage and a conical shape to 10-12 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide.

'Gold Lace'
Golden-yellow lacy foliage on a spreading low-grower to 3-4 feet tall and 5-7 feet wide.

'Itoigawa'
Naturally compact, great for Bonsai.

'Kaizuka'/'Torulosa'
Known as the Hollywood Juniper, to 15-30 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide.

'Kishu Shimpaku'
Great for Bonsai, with red-brown bark.

'Mint Julep'
Mint-green foliage, to 4-6 feet wide and 6-8 feet wide.

'Parsonii'
To 2-3 feet tall and 4-10 feet wide, feathery blue-green foliage.

'Robusta Green'
Upright, irregular columnar habit with emerald foliage. 10-15 feet tall and 6 feet wide.

'San Jose'
To 1-2 feet tall and 6-9 feet wide with green-blue foliage.

'Saybrook Gold'
Very popular cultivar with vibrant gold-yellow foliage. To 2-4 feet tall and 5-6 feet wide.

'Sea Green'
Resilient, with arching branches and mint green foliage. To 4-6 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide.

'Sea Spray'
Soft, feathery blue-green leaves to 4-6 feet wide and 1-2 feet tall.

'Spartan'
Fast-growing dense column or pyramid to 15-20 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide.

'Viridis'
2-3 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide.

Juniperus communis (Common Juniper, Ground Juniper, Dwarf Juniper, Mountain Juniper, Prostrate Juniper, Aaraar, अरार, Haubera, हौबर, Abhal, अबल)
This species of small trees or shrubs has a highly variable form, ranging from prostrate groundcovers to towering 50-foot tall giants. Foliage is green and bark is thin and red-brown to grey-brown in color, often peeling or shredding into long, vertical strips at maturity. Common Juniper is suited for USDA hardiness zones 2-7. This species is considered invasive in Patagonia, Argentina, New England and the Upper Midwest in the United States, and in Europe.

'Alpine Carpet'
To 8 inches tall and 36 inches wide.

'Compressa'
Also called 'Pencil Point Juniper', grows to 2-6 feet tall and 1-1.5 feet wide.

'Gold Cone'
To 3-5 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide, maturing in 10 years. Bright gold new growth.

'Green Carpet'
4-6 inches tall and 3 feet wide with green foliage.

'Hibernica'
Slow-growing, narrow columnar shrub with blue-green foliage. To 10-12 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide.

'Hornibrookii'
Dwarf groundcover to 12-18 in. tall and 3-5 feet wide. Needles turn copper-bronze in winter.

'Repanda'
To 12-15 in. tall and 5-8 feet wide.

'Vemboö'
To 10-16 feet tall and 4 feet wide. Green foliage.

Juniperus conferta (Juniperus rigida var. conferta) (Shore Juniper, Blue Pacific Juniper)
This low-growing species is native to Japan where it grows among sand dunes. Individual plants in this species reach up to 1-2 feet tall and 6-9 feet wide.

'All Gold' ('Golden Pacific')
Bright gold-yellow foliage. To 6-12 in. tall and 6-8 ft. wide.

'Blue Lagoon'
6 inches tall with intense blue-green foliage. Tolerant of windy coastal climates.

'Blue Pacific'
To 12 inches tall and 6-7 feet wide with feathery blue-green foliage.

'Emerald Sea'
To 2 feet tall and 10 feet wide. Hardy and salt-tolerant.

'Silver Mist' ('Shiro Toshio')
To 16 in. tall with silver-blue foliage that takes on purple tones in wintertime.

Juniperus deppeana (Alligator Juniper, Checkerbark Juniper, Oak-Bark Cedar, Mountain Cedar, Tascate, Cedro Chino)
This species is native to northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. It reaches up to between 33 and 49 feet tall at maturity, and has hard, dark grey-brown cracked bark that resembles alligator skin. Berries are harvested to make gin. This species does well in USDA hardiness zones 7a-9b.

Juniperus drupacea (Arceuthos drupacea) (Syrian Juniper, Andiz, Genévrier à Drupes, Druv-en)
This species is native to the eastern Mediterranean, from southern Greece and Turkey to western Syria and Lebanon, and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 7-9. It forms a conical tree 33-82 feet tall and produces green foliage. It is the largest species in the genus, and produces the largest seed cones.

Juniperus flaccida (Weeping Juniper, Drooping Juniper, Mexican Juniper, Tláscal)
Native to central and northern Mexico and extreme southwestern Texas in the United States. Bark is brown and foliage is green, borne in flattened sprays (unlike other species). Seed cones contain between 6 and 12 seeds each. Individual plants reach up to 25 to 40 feet tall and 15-30 feet wide, forming a tree with a globose crown and graceful, cascading branches. Best in USDA hardiness zones 8-11.

Juniperus grandis (Sierra Juniper, Western Juniper, Grand Juniper, Sierra Western Juniper)
This medium-sized tree reaches up to 40-85 feet tall and 15-60 feet wide at maturity with a broad, spreading crown. It has a stout, reddish brown trunk. Leaves are green and scale-like, and fleshy berry-like cones are light blue. These trees are known as the fourth-longest lived tree species in the world and grow well in USDA hardiness zones 3-9.

Juniperus horizontalis (Creeping Juniper, Creeping Cedar, Waukegan Juniper, Creeping Savin, Bar Harbor Juniper)
These low-growing shrubs are native to northern regions of North America, typically reaching up to 6-18 inches tall at maximum with a spread of between 4 and 10 feet. Foliage in the straight species is green, taking on purple to plum colored hues in wintertime. Creeping Juniper shrubs grow well in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 and can survive severe winters (down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit). There are many (over 100) developed ornamental cultivars, some of which are listed and described below.

'Alpina'
To 1-2 feet tall and 5 feet wide with soft blue-green leaves that turn purple in winter. Hardy.

'Andoora Compacta'
Dense foliage to 12-15 inchest all and 4-6 feet wide. Turns rich plum in winter.

'Bar Harbor'
To 12 inches tall and 10 feet wide. Blue-green foliage turns purple in fall.

'Blue Chip'
Silver-blue foliage to 1 foot tall and 10 feet wide.

'Blue Forest'
With tiny plumed branches that create the look of a mini forest. To 9-12 in. tall and 3-4 feet wide.

'Blue Rug' ('Wiltonii')
Very slow-growing, to 4-6 inches tall and 6-8 feet wide. Blue-green foliage acquires purple tones in winter.

'Glacier'
To 6-8 inches tall and 8-10 feet wide with light blue-green foliage.

'Golden Carpet'
Brilliant golden foliage turns Salmon in fall. To 3-6 inches tall and 5 or more feet wide.

'Grey Pearl'
To 6-12 inches tall and 5-10 feet wide.

'Hughes'
Silver-blue foliage tints purple in winter. To 12-18 inches tall and 6-9 feet wide.

'Icee Blue'
To 4 inches tall and 8 feet wide with creeping stems clothed in blue-green foliage.

'Limeglow'
1-2 feet tall and 4 feet wide with lemon-yellow feathery leaves.

'Neumann' ('Blue Pygmy')
Miniature; ideal for rock gardens. To 3-12 inches tall and 1-2 feet across. Very slow growing.

'Pancake'
Flat evergreen groundcover to 2-4 inches tall and 3-4 feet wide. Good for cascading.

'Prince of Wales'
To 6 inches tall and 5 feet wide with green foliage that turns purple in winter.

'Prostrata'
6 inches tall and 2-5 feet wide. Green foliage.

Juniperis indica (Black Juniper, Wallich's Juniper, 滇藏方枝柏, Dianzang Fanzhibai, کالا صنوبر)
Native to high-altitude climates in the Himalaya (Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, China), this species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5-8. It is the highest elevation woody plant known, and forms a shrub to between 20 and 80 inches tall at maturity. Foliage is green.

Juniperus lutchuensis (Juniperus taxifolia var. lutchuensis)(Ryukyu Juniper, Okinawa Creeping Juniper, オキナワハイネズ)
This species is native to Japan, and produces spearmint-green foliage on a plant that reaches up to 3.5 to 10 feet tall and 6.5 to 13 feet wide. It typically forms a low, creeping groundcover or a broadly spreading evergreen shrub.

Juniperus occidentalis (Western Juniper, Sierra Juniper, Yellow Cedar, Western Red Cedar, Pencil Wood, Q'eeLo)
These trees and shrubs are native to the western United States, and reach up to between 13 and 50 feet tall when mature. They are slow-growing and have very aromatic foliage. Crown is broad and irregular and trunk is thick and brown-grey; gnarls with age. This species is considered invasive in sagebrush steppe ecosystems in California, Oregon, Nevada, and Idaho.

Juniperus oxycedrus (Cade, Cade Juniper, Prickly Juniper, Prickly Cedar, Sharp Cedar)
These spreading shrubs reach up to 6.5 to 10 feet tall, and can also form small trees to 35-50 feet tall. They are variable in shape depending on growing climate and conditions. Cade Oil is an essential oil which is derived from destructive distillation of the wood. It is a dark, aromatic oil with a strong smokey smell.

Juniper x pfitzeriana (Juniper x media)
This hybrid is a cross between Juniperus chinensis and Juniperus sabina, and has cultivars that are very popular in smaller gardens. They grow only as shrubs, never as trees. Popular cultivars include 'Gold Coast' (with bright golden needles that hold their color through winter; to 4 feet tall and 6 feet wide), 'Golden Joy' (with bright yellow lasting needles to 3 feet tall), 'Pfitzer Blue' (with powder blue-green needles to 5 feet tall with a sprawling habit), and 'Daub's Frosted' (to 1.5-2 fet tall and 6 feet wide with blue-green foliage frosted with bright yellow new growth).

Juniperus phoenicea (Phoenicean Juniper, Arâr, Mediterranean Juniper, Sabina Mora, Ginepro Fenicio)
This species, native to the western Mediterranean region, forms a large evergreen shrub or small tree reaching up to between 16 and 26 feet tall with a rounded or irregular crown. It is the vegetable symbol of the island of El Hierro. Phoenicean Juniper grows well in USDA hardiness zones 7-11.

Juniperus procera (African Juniper, African Pencil-Cedar, East African Juniper, East African Cedar, Kenya Cedar, ጥድ)
This species produces a medium-sized tree to 66-85 feet tall when mature. It has a broadly conical to rounded or irregular canopy. It is native to mountainous regions in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Foliage is green and bark on the trunk is brown-grey.

Juniperus procumbens (Japanese Garden Juniper, Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper)
This species is native to Japan and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4-9. It forms a low-growing shrub or groundcover that is commonly grown as an ornamental or Bonsai subject. The species typically reaches up to 8-18 inches tall and 6-8 feet wide at maturity. Cultivars include 'Nana' (also called 'Green Mound' or 'Bonin Isles', to 0.5-1 foot tall and 5-6 feet wide with green foliage), and 'Kishiogima' (with golden-yellow branch tips to 20-30 inches tall and 6 feet wide).

Juniperus recurva (Weeping Juniper, Himalayan Weeping Juniper)
This species forms a tree to between 20 and 100 feet tall and is native to mountainous regions of the Himalayas and southwestern China. A popular ornamental cultivar is 'Castlewellan', with a strong upright habit and highly pendulous branches clothed in grey-green foliage. It reaches up to 50 feet tall at maturity. Best in USDA hardiness zones 6-9.

Juniperus rigida (Temple Juniper, Needle Juniper)
This species is closely related to Shore Juniper (Juniperus conferta), which contains groundcover shrubs. It is native to temperate eastern Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, and Russia. These trees reach up to 15-25 feet tall and 10-20 feet wide at maturity. A notable cultivar of the species is 'Pendula' (pictured), also called Weeping Needle Juniper, with weeping branches to 10-20 feet tall and 6-10 feet wide. This species has escaped garden cultivation and naturalized in California and Alabama in the United States, but is not considered invasive. This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5-8.

Juniperus sabina (Savin Juniper, Savin)
This species produces plants that are highly variable in shape and size. It is native to the mountains of central and southern Europe and western and central Asia. These shrubs grow well in USDA hardiness zones 3-7. Take care when planting these shrubs in the landscape, as berries and other plant parts are toxic to humans and pets if ingested.

'Arcadia'
Slow-growing to 12-18 inches tall with vibrant green foliage.

'Broadmoor'
To 2-3 feet tall and 6-10 feet wide.

'Buffalo'
To 1 foot tall and 10 feet wide, with bright green feathery foliage.

'Calgary Carpet' ('Monna')
9 in. tall and 6 feet wide with light green foliage.

'Skandia'
12-18 inches tall and 8-10 feet wide.

'Tamariscifolia'
Also called the Tamarix Juniper, to 18 inches tall and 10 feet wide with blue-green foliage.

Juniperus scopulorum (Rocky Mountain Juniper, Colorado Redcedar, Mountain Red Cedar, Mountain Redcedar, River Juniper, Rocky Mountain Redcedar)
This species is native to the western regions of North America, and represents the most widespread of the genus. They are relatively small trees or large bushes, reaching 66 feet tall at most. Rocky Mountain Juniper grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-7.

'Blue Arrow'
To 10-15 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide with blue-green foliage and a columnar habit.

'Blue Creeper' ('Monam')
To 2 feet tall and 8 feet wide with silver-blue foliage.

'Medora'
This cold-hardy juniper reaches 10-12 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide at maturity.

'Moonglow'
Striking, silver-blue foliage and pyramidal growth to 15-20 feet tall and 5-8 feet wide.

'Skyrocket'
To 15-20 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide with mint-green foliage.

'Tolleson's Blue Weeping'
15-20 feet tall and 10-12 feet wide with pendulous branches and silver-blue leaves.

'Wichita Blue'
Fast-growing to 10-15 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide with silver-blue foliage.

Juniperus squamata (Flaky Juniper, Singleseed Juniper, Himalayan Juniper, Scaly-Leaved Nepal Juniper)
This variable species is native to the Himalayas and China, and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4-8. There are a few notable cultivars, varying in height from 1 to 25 feet tall.

'Blue Carpet'
1 foot tall, 4 feet wide. Foliage is silver-green.

'Blue Star'
3 feet tall, 4 feet wide. Uniform branching and silver-blue foliage.

'Chinese Silver'
7 feet tall and 4 feet wide. Silver-blue foliage on cascading branches.

'Golden Flame'
With bright irregular yellow and cream variegation. To 4-5 feet wide and just as tall.

'Holger'
4-5 feet tall and wide. Dense, with yellow-tipped new growth.

'Meyeri'
Bushy form that reaches 6-8 feet tall with blue-green ascending branches.

Juniperus virginiana (Eastern Red Cedar, Red Cedar, Virginian Juniper, Eastern Juniper, Red Juniper)
This slow-growing species is native to eastern North America and forms a shrub or tree with a dense conical crown. Foliage is green. This species is considered to be invasive in prairies and rangelands in Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas and the Midwest and Southeastern United States.

'Brodie'
Moderate to fast-growing to 20-30 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide. Green foliage.

'Burkii'
Dense, pyramidal growth with blue-green foliage that bronzes in winter.

'Emerald Sentinel'
10-15 feet tall with a dense pyramidal form. Disease resistant.

'Glauca'
Also called the Silver Eastern Red Cedar; Silver-blue foliage. To 20-25 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide.

'Grey Owl'
To 3-4 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide.

'Silver Spreader'
Fine-textured silver-green foliage.

'Taylor'
Narrow, upright shrub similar to Italian Cypress. To 15-20 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide.

Caring for Juniperus

Take care when planting these evergreens in the landscape, as berries, needles, and stems contain toxins that have the potential to harm humans and pets if ingested in large quantities. They can also cause physical damage through contact with their needles; wear protective gear while planting, pruning and harvesting. Juniperus is considered an easy-care genus of shrubs and trees. Note that upright or weeping varieties of Juniper purchased from nurseries are commonly grafted onto hardier, disease-resistant rootstock to ensure survival, as they typically have naturally weak root systems on their own. They are also allelopathic, releasing chemical compounds into the soil around them that inhibit the growth of other plants. Although these plants are tolerant of many types of soil, they do prefer a slightly acidic pH (between 5.5 and 7.0). Ensure that the area gets good drainage and that roots will not be sitting in any standing water. If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. These shrubs do not need any supplemental fertilizer and once they are established, do not need supplemental water either. New shrubs should be watered once every week or two. Mature trees and shrubs can be deep watered occasionally during extended periods of drought, but otherwise do not need formal garden irrigation.

Junipers need very little pruning; their natural form is picturesque and striking. In early spring, trim away dead or damaged areas and lightly shape as needed. Prune young plants more frequently to keep them healthy and to form an attractive habit. If a shrub becomes overgrown, it is difficult to carry out hard prunings and rejuvenations; older wood will not grow back at the center of the plant, and cutting back will result in a bald spot in the middle of the plant. Cutting any branches past their live growth can result in bare patches, as well. It is not advised to shear Juniper shrubs or trees; this ruins the plant's natural growth habit and creates a thin outer shell of green growth while starving the interior of sunlight and airflow, eventually leading to a dead zone of brown, bare branches. Junipers are very long-lived in the landscape, able to survive for upwards of centuries if cared for properly before needing to be replaced.

Harvesting Juniperus
The species most commonly cultivated for their fruits are Juniperus communis, Juniperus virginiana, Juniperus californica, Juniperus osteosperma, Juniperus deppeana, and Juniperus phoenicea. Avoid Juniperus sabina (Savin Juniper), which is toxic. Typically, female plants will produce cones if they have a male nearby, though there are self-pollinating cultivars. They are also wind-pollinated, meaning that they can be pollinated through a neighbor's male plant. They produce berry-like cones, which are typically deep blue to deep purple with a white bloom. These berries are produced yearly, but individual berries take upwards of 3 years to mature. They are harvested from late fall through spring, and can be picked by hand or a tarp can be spread out underneath the plant and they can be shaken out. After harvesting, discard any green, unripe berries. Rinse the ripe berries with water and dry them completely. They can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry area for between 1 and 2 weeks. They can also be frozen and stored for 6 to 12 months.

Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.

Propagation

Juniperus shrubs and trees are best propagated by using cuttings. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your Juniper shrub or tree, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Juniperus by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
In late summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new plant.

Problems and Pests

Certain species of Juniperus are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. These shrubs and trees also release chemical compounds (essential oils and terpenes like camphor) into their surroundings, which inhibit the seed germination of competing plants. Note that it can be difficult to grow underplantings in their canopy. Juniper shrubs and trees are typically free from pest and disease issues, though they can suffer from time to time from the following: