With over 50 species and many cultivars, Junipers are a varied group of garden plants ranging from low growing ground covers to tall trees.
A number of species are native to North America, and some varieties of Juniper communis are included. However many other species make excellent plants for landscaping.
Juniper communis is the species commonly grown for the edible berries, although a few other species also are used.
Some species such as Juniperus chinensis ‘Shimpaku’ are widely used in Bonsai.
Juniper Varieties
- Juniperus conferta or ‘Shore Juniper’ are a low growing species well suited for use as ground cover plants, generally growing less than .5m high they have sharp dense foliage and form a matt, or can be used to fall over low garden walls. Foliage is generally green (Juniperus conferta ’emerald sea’) although some have golden yellow foliage such as Juniperus conferta ‘All Gold’
- Juniperus communis – This is the common Juniper grown for berries as well as a landscaping plant.
- Juniperus horizontalis (Creeping Juniper) are another low growing species.
- Juniperus horizontalis ‘Wiltoni’ or’ Blue Rug Juniper’ living up to its name of forming a ground hugging matt.
- Juniperus horizontalis ‘Bar Harbor’, ‘Blue Chip’ and ‘Youngstown’ are all popular cultivars.
- Juniperus squamata prostrata is a low growing variety used as a ground cover plant.
