common juniper

Common juniper should be watered regularly during the growing season, April through October. As a general guideline, water the plant once every 7 to 10 days. Make sure to check the soil before watering and only water if the top 2 inches of soil feel dry. During hot, dry weather, it may be necessary to water 2 or 3 times per week. In winter the frequency of waterings should be reduced. When temperatures are warmer, water the plant about once every 2 weeks. Towards the end of fall and during cold winter months, the soil should be allowed to dry out before each watering. A good rule of thumb is to wait until the top 2 inches of soil dry out before watering again. In general, you should keep the soil evenly moist by not allowing it to dry out completely between waterings. Junipers prefer moist, but not soggy soil, so it is important not to overwater.

Common juniper (Juniperus communis 'Gold Cone') grows best in bright, indirect sunlight. If planted in an area with full sun, it should receive at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. If planted in an area with partial shade, it should receive 3-4 hours of direct sunlight each day. In the winter, common juniper should receive slightly less sunlight than during the summer months due to the decreased hours of daylight. It’s best to avoid heavy shade as it may cause the plant to become weakened and susceptible to pests and diseases.

Pruning of common juniper (Juniperus communis 'Gold Cone') should be done in late spring or early summer once the growth of the new season has begun. To keep the plant looking its best, start with light pruning of new growth and then gradually remove more old, unproductive growth. Prune enough to keep the plant shapely, but not too much to where it is too sparse. When finished, make sure to sterilize pruning tools with alcohol or a 10% bleach solution.