What Are the Different Types of Juniper Plant

Juniper plants are a diverse group of evergreen shrubs and trees that belong to the genus Juniperus. With over 60 recognized species, this plant family offers a wide range of choices for gardeners and landscapers. Junipers are known for their hardiness, adaptability, and attractive foliage, making them a popular choice for both residential and commercial landscapes. In this article, we will explore some of the different types of juniper plants available.

1. Common Juniper (Juniperus communis)

The Common Juniper is native to Europe, North America, and Asia and is one of the most widely distributed juniper species. It is a low-growing shrub with an irregular shape and typically reaches a height of 3 to 10 feet. The foliage is needle-like and has a greenish-gray color. This juniper produces small berries that are used in the production of gin and other alcoholic beverages.

2. Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana)

The Eastern Redcedar is native to eastern North America and is known for its excellent adaptability to various soil types and climates. It can grow up to 60 feet tall and has dense, dark green foliage that turns bronze in winter. This juniper species produces small blue-black berries that are an important food source for birds and wildlife.

3. Chinese Juniper (Juniperus chinensis)

The Chinese Juniper is a versatile evergreen shrub native to China, Japan, Mongolia, and Korea. It is a popular choice for landscaping due to its attractive blue-green foliage, which can vary in texture from fine to course depending on the cultivar. Chinese Junipers come in various shapes and sizes, including low-growing ground covers and upright trees.

4. Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis)

As the name suggests, the Creeping Juniper is a low-growing ground cover that spreads horizontally. It is native to North America and is commonly used for erosion control on slopes and as a filler plant in rock gardens. The foliage of this juniper is soft and scale-like, ranging in color from blue-green to silver-blue.

5. Rocky Mountain Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum)

The Rocky Mountain Juniper is native to western North America and is well adapted to the harsh conditions of high altitudes and rocky slopes. It can grow up to 30 feet tall and has dense, bluish-green foliage that turns bronze in winter. This juniper species produces small brown cones that add an interesting texture to its overall appearance.

6. Shore Juniper (Juniperus conferta)

The Shore Juniper, also known as Japanese Garden Juniper, is native to Japan and is commonly found along coastal areas. It is a low-growing shrub with dense, spreading branches that form a mat-like ground cover. The foliage is needle-like and ranges in color from dark green to bluish-green. Shore Junipers are often used in seaside gardens due to their tolerance for salt spray and wind.

7. Pfitzer Juniper (Juniperus × pfitzeriana)

The Pfitzer Juniper is a popular hybrid juniper that is widely cultivated for its attractive, arching branches and feathery foliage. It is a cross between the Chinese Juniper and the Japanese Garden Juniper, resulting in a plant with intermediate characteristics. Pfitzer Junipers come in various cultivars, offering a range of colors from green to gold and textures from fine to coarse.

8. Blue Point Juniper (Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’)

The Blue Point Juniper is a cultivar of the Chinese Juniper known for its pyramidal shape and striking blue-green foliage. It can reach a height of 10 to 15 feet and is often used as a focal point in landscapes and gardens. This juniper is relatively low-maintenance and tolerant of various soil types, making it a popular choice for beginner gardeners.

9. Hollywood Juniper (Juniperus chinensis ‘Torulosa’)

The Hollywood Juniper, also known as Twisted Juniper, is a unique cultivar of the Chinese Juniper. It is characterized by its contorted branches and irregular growth habit, which gives it an artistically twisted appearance. This juniper can reach a height of 15 to 20 feet and is often used as a specimen plant in gardens and landscapes.

10. Weeping Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum ‘Tolleson’s Weeping’)

The Weeping Juniper is a cultivar of the Rocky Mountain Juniper that has pendulous branches and a cascading form. It is a slow-growing evergreen tree that can reach a height of 10 to 12 feet. The foliage is silvery-blue and provides an elegant touch to any landscape. Weeping Junipers are often planted as focal points or used to create privacy screens.

In conclusion, junipers offer a diverse range of options for gardeners and landscapers. Whether you are looking for a low-growing ground cover, an upright tree, or something with unique foliage, there is likely a juniper species or cultivar that will suit your needs. Consider the different types mentioned in this article when planning your next landscaping project or garden design, and enjoy the beauty and versatility that junipers bring to outdoor spaces.