common juniper

Common juniper (Juniperus communis) typically requires moderate to occasional watering. Water the plant only when the soil in its pot or in the ground is dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering; excess water can cause root rot or nutrient deficiencies, stunting growth. In general, in the spring and summer, the juniper should be watered about once a week, and in the fall and winter, once every 2 to 3 weeks.

The Common Juniper needs full sun, or 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day, for optimal growth and health. The plant can thrive in partial shade, getting 4 to 6 hours of sunlight a day, so it can easily grow in areas that have a mix of sun and shade. The sunniest and warmest locations tend to be best for the Common Juniper as it can suffer in cold, wet conditions or shady areas. In the summer, the best time of day for Common Juniper to receive sunlight is between 10am and 4pm, when the sun is at its strongest and most intense. During the winter, 8am to noon will provide enough light for the juniper but won’t force it to endure the coldest temperatures. For optimum growth, the plant should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.

Common juniper thrives in a variety of conditions and can handle some neglect when it comes to pruning. However, for optimal growth and health, pruning should be done once a year in late winter or early spring. When pruning juniper, you should start by removing any dead or damaged branches, as well as any diseased or insect-infested limbs. This will help reduce the chances of further problems in the future. After removing any dead or damaged branches, you should begin to shape the plant by selectively trimming and cutting back the branches. This should be done with sharp pruners, shears, or a hand saw to ensure precise cuts. When pruning juniper for shaping purposes, make sure to leave the inward-facing branches intact as they help to create the plant’s desired shape. To achieve a pleasing, symmetrical shape, it is often beneficial to do some minimal trimming each year rather than wait for a large-scale pruning every few years. In general, juniper should be pruned lightly, with only about 10-15% of the branches removed in a single pruning session. It is important to remember to leave enough branches to ensure the plant is still healthy, as pruning too much can damage the health of the juniper.