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Spiral Juniper

A spiral juniper is an attractive plant that grows upright in a naturally pyramidal form. The branches for a dense mat of bright green on this evergreen shrub. This plant grows very fast and grows best in a sunny location.

To maintain its spiral shape, shear it annually. This juniper can grow up to 15 feet tall, so place it somewhere that height won't become an issue.

Junipers are known to be drought tolerant and easy to care for.

This juniper was first introduced in the 1940s in Pennsylvania. This evergreen provides a lot of bang for your buck and will look nice in a variety of settings. There are over sixty different species of juniper that were classified in 1767 by Linnaeus. Today there are even more cultivars.

Landscaping Ideas

Spiral juniper shrubs can be placed in pots near a gate or front door to formalize an entrance. They can be used as a specimen plant, as it is a very large topiary. A row of them can be used as a screen or edging for a yard or garden.

It has a very formal shape and works best in a manicured garden. Plant with organized plantings of annuals or perennials. They also work well in a formal herb garden as specimens. They add a nice architectural element to the garden.

Good companion plants include dwarf myrtle, variegated abelia and purple rock rose. They each provide a nice difference in texture, color and foliage. When left to grow naturally they can spread quite a bit and fill a large area. Use manicured specimens to highlight a water feature, pool or central patio.

Caring for Your Spiral Juniper

Spiral juniper needs a place in full sun to thrive. Water regularly until the plant is established. Once it has grown a good root system, junipers are very tolerant of drought. Fertilizing is rarely needed... simply adding some compost in early spring should provide more than enough.

Chemical fertilizers may offer too many nutrients and cause harm to the juniper. Shear your spiral juniper as needed to maintain its shape.

Spiral Juniper Information

Scientific Name: Juniperus chinensis

Best Soil: Tolerant of a wide variety of soils

Light Needs: Full sun

Growth Rate: Vigorous

Foliage: Green; evergreen

Mature Size and Shape: Grows to 15 feet tall and 5 feet wide if left untrimmed; pyramidal shape

Pruning: Shear as needed to maintain spiral shape

Watering: Water regularly until established; juniper is drought tolerant after that

Hardiness Zone: 4 - 9

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