Care of the shrub Juniperus californica or California juniper |
The Juniperus genus, Cupressaceae family, comprises 60 species of shrubs and trees native to the Northern Hemisphere. Some species are: Juniperus californica, Juniperus oxycedrus, Juniperus communis, Juniperus osteosperma, Juniperus phoenicea, Juniperus horizontalis, Juniperus squamata, Juniperus chinensis, Juniperus drupacea, Juniperus thurifera, Juniperus x pfitzeriana (hybrid), Juniperus brevifolia, Juniperus conferta. Common name: California juniper. This species is native to southwestern North America. They are dioecious evergreen shrubs or trees that reach 8-10 meters in height. Their growth is slow and they have leaves up to 5 mm long arranged in opposite pairs or whorls of three. They produce berry-like female cones with a waxy white flower and male cones up to 4mm in length. They bloom in spring. They are used for bonsai, as isolated specimens, in groups in dry areas of the garden, on rockeries and on slopes. Juniperus californica needs full sun exposure and a hot, dry climate (Mediterranean climate). They resist occasional frosts. They can grow in any type of soil that has good drainage. Water moderately waiting until the substrate has completely dried. They resist drought very well. They do not need fertilizers or pruning. They are plants resistant to pests and diseases but sensitive to excess humidity. They propagate from seeds sown in autumn. Plant a lot of seeds because the germination rate is low. |
Images of the shrub Juniperus californica or California juniper |