Care of the shrub Juniperus osteosperma or Utha juniper |
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The Juniperus genus, Cupressaceae family, comprises 60 species of trees and shrubs native to the Northern Hemisphere. Some species are: Juniperus osteosperma, Juniperus brevifolia, Juniperus x pfitzeriana (hybrid), Juniperus thurifera, Juniperus squamata, Juniperus phoenicea, Juniperus oxycedrus, Juniperus horizontalis, Juniperus conferta, Juniperus communis, Juniperus chinensis, Juniperus californica, Juniperus cedrus, Juniperus drupacea. Common name: Utha juniper. This species is native to the southwestern United States. They are shrubs or small trees with a short trunk and a rounded crown that reach 9 meters (29.5 feet) in height. The erect branches bear small, yellowish-green, scale-like leaves. They produce bluish-brown cones. These slow-growing plants are used as isolated specimens, in rockeries, in bush groups and on dry, sunny slopes. Juniperus osteosperma needs full sun exposure and a dry climate. Frost resistant up to -25 ºC (-13 ºF). They grow in any soil that has good drainage, be it rocky, sandy, poor or stony. Water moderately, waiting for the substrate to dry completely. They resist drought well. They do not need fertilizer or pruning. They are plants resistant to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to the accumulation of water in the roots. They are propagated from spring sown seeds but it is a slow process. |
Images of the shrub Juniperus osteosperma or Utha juniper |
 Juniperus osteosperma  Juniperus osteosperma  Juniperus osteosperma |