Chinese juniper

Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis 'Keteleeri') should be watered once a week, with 1-3 inches of water depending on the size of the plant. For best results, use rainwater or distilled water, but tap water is fine as well. During the summer months, check the soil before watering and only water if it is dry to the touch. During the winter, water less, about once a month, as the plant goes dormant and needs less water.

Chinese Juniper (Juniperus chinensis 'Keteleeri') needs full sun, for at least 6 hours per day, or partial shade if near full sun. The ideal amount of sunlight for this plant species is 8 hours per day, keeping in mind that exposure must be filtered to avoid extreme temperature changes and dryness. The best time for this species to get full sun exposure is between 10:00 am and 3:00 PM during the summer months. During the winter, the hours should be shortened to avoid leaf burn or other damage from extreme cold.

The Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis 'Keteleeri') should be pruned twice per year, once in late winter or early spring and then again a few months later in mid-summer. Pruning should be done judiciously, as it’s easy to over-prune the plant. In late winter or early spring, remove only uneven, irregular, and crossing branches to improve the shape of the plant. In mid-summer, prune back new growth by up to half the length to encourage a fuller, bushier appearance. This mid-summer pruning will help reduce the potential for disease and insect problems, and it is particularly important for newer Chinese junipers.