Junipers are coniferous plants in the genus Juniperus. Originally from the northern hemisphere. Varieties are grown mainly for ornamental purposes - the one exception is Juniperus communis, grown for its berry which is picked and used in cooking as a spice and to flavour spirits like gin. Varieties range from low growing ground covers that are used heavily in landscaping, smaller compact varieties suited to smaller gardens and rockeries, to large and long-lived trees tolerant of very cold conditions - the latter are used more as specimen plantings in large gardens.


How to grow Juniper in a garden

  1. Choose a position in full sun or part shade with well drained soil.
  2. Enrich the soil with Yates Thrive Natural Blood & Bone with Seaweed. If the soil is clay based, add gypsum and fork in well. 
  3. Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the plant from the container and gently tease the roots.
  4. Position in hole and backfill, gently firming down. Form a raised ring around the plant, creating a well so that water will go where it’s needed most. Water in well. 
  5. Mulch with an organic mulch like woodchip or pea straw, keeping it away from the base of the plant.
  6. Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.
  7. Feed with Yates Thrive All Purpose Granular Plant Food. TIP: for an added boost apply Yates Thrive Fish Blood & Bone Plant Food Concentrate.

How to grow Juniper in a pot

Groundcover and smaller growing varieties are ideal for pots.
Tree varieties can be used for temporary plant displays - when the plant outgrows the pot, plant in the garden.

  1. Choose a pot at least 300mm wide with adequate drainage holes.
  2. Position in full sun or part shade and fill with quality potting mix, such as Yates Premium Potting Mix.
  3. Remove the plant from the container and gently tease the roots.
  4. Position in hole and backfill, gently firming down. Water in well.
  5. Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.
  6. Feed with Yates Thrive All Purpose Liquid Plant Food. TIP: for an added boost, apply Yates Thrive Fish Blood & Bone Plant Food Concentrate.

Growing tips

  • Prune very lightly in spring or summer to shape only.

  • Most prefer full sun.

  • May need multiple trees if producing for fruit/berry.

  • At Christmas time, potted specimens with a nice shape can be brought indoors for about a week and used as a Christmas tree.

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Daphne

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Smoke Bush

Smoke Bush is an ideal shrub to add a splash of foliage colour to gardens. It provides year-round seasonal interest and looks fabulous in both gardens and pots.

Picea

Piceas, or Spruces, are evergreen coniferous trees from the Pinaceae family with a lovely conical shape, needle-like leaves and ornate pendulous cones.

Recommended products

Yates Thrive All Purpose Liquid Plant Food

A liquid plant food suitable for most types of plants and provides balanced feeding to promote stronger, healthier growth and greener foliage. Feeds through the leaves and roots for fast results.

Yates Premium Potting Mix

A premium potting mix, ideal for all potted plants and shrubs, including ornamentals, fruit trees, vegies and herbs.