Juniperus chinensis (30/12/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun
Flowering period: Late winter
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 20m
Eventual Spread: 7m
Hardiness: 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a
Family: Cupressaceae
Juniperus chinensis is an evergreen tree or shrub with a variable habit. Its dark green leaves appear in two forms, juvenile and adult. Its juvenile leaves are sharp, needle like and up to 10cm long. Its adult leaves are scale like and up to 4mm long. Its (usually) dioecious flowers are pollen cones are light brown, up to 3mm long, wind pollinated and are not self fertile. Its blue/ black fruit are berry like seed cones and are up to 12mm across.
Juniperus chinensis Leaf (30/12/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Juniperus chinensis, commonly known as Chinese Juniper, is native to north east Asia. Some people are allergic to the pollen of this tree.
The etymological root of the binomial name Juniperus is derived from the old Latin name for the Juniper tree. Chinensis is derived from the Latin meaning ‘from China’.
The landscape architect may find varieties of Juniperus chinensis useful as an evergreen tree or spreading shrub. It may also be used as a hedging species. There are numerous varieties of this tree with various habits to choose from. Once established this tree is drought tolerant.
Ecologically, Juniperus chinensis seed cones are attractive food for birds and mammals. Its structure provides shelter for birds.
Juniperus chinensis Cone Buds (30/12/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
The Royal Horticultural Society has given a number of varieties of Juniperus chinensis their prestigious Award of Garden Merit.
Juniperus chinensis prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil, although it prefers neutral to alkali soils. It will tolerate dry soils.
Juniperus chinensis requires little maintenance.