Sargent juniper

Sargent juniper should be watered once or twice a week during the summer months and once every few weeks in the winter months. When watering your Sargent juniper, it is important not to overwater--allow the soil to dry out some between waterings. Overwatering can cause the plant to become unhealthy and can even cause root rot. Check the soil moisture level by sticking your finger 1-2 inches into the soil; if it is still moist, delay watering until it is dryer to the touch. If the soil becomes too dry, water deeply until water begins to run out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the container.

Sargent juniper is best suited for full sun exposure. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day for optimal growth. To ensure your Sargent juniper is receiving enough light, position it in a spot that receives full sun all day, or partial sun (morning or late afternoon sun). Additionally, since this plant is native to the Northern hemisphere, it should receive more sunlight during the summer and less during the winter months.

Sargent juniper should be pruned twice a year, once in the spring (March to early April) and once in the summer (July to early August). In the spring, all dead, broken, or diseased branches should be cut with sharp pruning shears to the main branch. The branches can also be shaped and thinned lightly during this pruning session in order to encourage growth and health of the plant. For summer pruning, again all dead, broken or diseased branches should be removed. This pruning is more about maintain shape and size, so only prune back if necessary to get the desired look. Pruning more frequently than twice a year can lead to over-pruning and make the plant more susceptible to disease and insect damage.