Species juniper
green, scaly, dense leaves with  blue-navy drupes

juniper

Juniperus chinensis var. sargentii

Juniper (Juniperus chinensis var. Sargentii) is an evergreen coniferous shrub native to East and Central Asia. It grows in a distinctive conical shape that can reach up to 3.5 meters in height and has densely overlapped bright green needles. The special foliage and vibrant colours make it an attractive ornamental species commonly planted in gardens and parks. It is also a popular choice for bonsai due to its small size and easy maintenance. Juniper has a good tolerance for drought and can be used in shelterbelts or as windbreaks to provide protection from the wind in exposed areas, making it an ideal species for gardens in both urban and rural environments.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Seed Propagation,Division

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 9

Flowers:

Non-flowering Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Cones:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Juniper (Juniperus chinensis var. sargentii) should be watered every 7-10 days during the growing season, approximately from March to October. You want to ensure the soil is moist but not overly soggy as the plant is prone to root rot if it's left saturated. Aim to water the soil until it's moist 5in deep, then wait to see if the top inch of soil becomes dry before watering again. In the winter months, decrease watering to every 2-3 weeks. Make sure the plant is completely dry before resuming regular watering again in the spring.

sunlight

Juniperus chinensis var. sargentii, commonly known as Chinese junipers, require direct sunlight in order to remain healthy and thrive. They prefer 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day, during the warmer months of the year. In the cooler months, however, they need only 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight. Sunlight should reach the plant's foliage directly and indirectly for maximum results. Placing the juniper in a location that gets morning, late afternoon, or both, sunshine is recommended. Additionally, filters can be used to help protect against extreme midday sun.

pruning

Juniperus chinensis var. sargentii, commonly known as Sargent Juniper, is most often grown as an upright groundcover or shrub, making it a great choice for garden beds, borders or slopes, and filling in bare garden spots. Pruning should be done judiciously, as too much or too little can adversely affect the plant’s health and appearance. For Sargent Juniper, pruning should be done once or twice a year. In the late winter to early spring, lightly prune the plant’s top growth, removing up to 20% of the total shoots and concentrating the cuts on the oldest parts of the plant. Doing so will help invigorate the plant’s growth and create a denser, more attractive shape. In midsummer, you can perform light maintenance pruning any time when new growth has begun to slow. Remove any dead wood or diseased branches and trim any excess, wayward or damaged growth. Again, concentrate on the oldest sections. Pruning Sargent Juniper is fairly easy but should not be overdone. Too much pruning can cause excessive shoot growth and potentially weaken the plant. With careful pruning and regular maintenance, this handsome evergreen can add texture and beauty to your garden for years to come.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Juniperus chinensis var. sargentii typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Is Juniper Bonsai suitable for indoor cultivation?

Yes, Juniper Bonsai is suitable for indoor cultivation. As an evergreen conifer, Juniper Bonsai is accustomed to low light, making it a great choice for indoors. Juniper Bonsai tend to thrive in cooler temperatures, so keeping it near a drafty window or in a porch area can provide the ideal environment. Its small size also makes it a suitable choice for limited space. Juniper Bonsai require weekly or bi-weekly watering to stay healthy, and the soil should be allowed to dry out completely between waterings.

Should I repot my Juniper Bonsai annually??

Yes, you should repot your Juniper Bonsai annually. Repotting is a necessary part of Juniper Bonsai care, because it allows for newly established roots to spread out and helps the tree to access more nutrients. The roots should be disturbed annually, as Juniper Bonsais tend to become potbound quickly. Choose a pot with drainage holes that is slightly larger than the previous pot, and use a well-drained soil mix specifically designed for Bonsais. Use the same procedure during repotting as when the Juniper was first potted, including pruning any roots that are coiled or tangled around the edges of the pot.

Do Juniper Bonsai plants require a dormant period?

Yes, Juniper Bonsai plants do require a dormant period. Dormant period for Juniper Bonsai plants typically lasts for 2-3 months, from late autumn to early spring. During that time, the temperature should not go below 5°C (41°F) and the soil should be kept fairly dry. The bonsai will not require any watering during this period, and should be kept in an environment that is cool and dark. This will allow the Juniper Bonsai to rest and prepare for the upcoming growing season.

Are there any special techniques for shaping Juniper Bonsai?

Yes, there are a few special techniques used for shaping Juniper Bonsai. These techniques include pruning, wiring, and defoliation. Pruning, or cutting away unwanted branches, is done to keep the bonsai's shape as it grows. Wiring is used to give the bonsai its desired shape, and defoliation can be used to reduce leaf size and produce better ramification. By using these techniques, the bonsai can be shaped and developed over time.

Juniper Bonsai be grown in a group planting style?

A group planting style is a common way to display and grow juniper bonsais. This style of planting translates to multiple bonsais planted together in a container, where each tree has its own space and is carefully positioned in relation to the other trees. This type of planting provides the bonsai artist with a stunning display of multiple bonsai plants and allows for a great opportunity to show off a collection of bonsais at once.

Is Juniper Bonsai suitable for outdoor gardens?

Yes, Juniper Bonsai is suited to outdoor gardens if certain conditions are met. They prefer to be placed in areas with good air circulation, preferably not in windy spots, and they require several hours of direct sunlight each day. The soil should be well-draining, and the tree should be watered frequently during hot weather. Juniper Bonsai should be protected from extreme temperatures, either through shelter or containers. Gardeners should also protect the tree from potential wind damage, either by covering it in extreme conditions or by placing it away from winds.

Is Juniper Bonsai considered a long-lived plant?

Yes, Juniper Bonsai is considered a long-lived plant. It is a strong plant that lives for decades and even centuries with proper care and maintenance. These little trees require regular pruning, proper watering, and care to stay healthy and can live up to 200 years old. Bonsai trees that are properly cared for are often passed down through generations and cherished by families for many years.