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juniperus communis

If you’re searching for an evergreen shrub that’s as tough as it is beautiful, juniperus communis stands out as a versatile choice for New Zealand gardens. Commonly known as the common juniper, this resilient conifer offers striking blue-green foliage, aromatic berries, and incredible adaptability—from rock gardens to hedging and even container plantings. Whether you’re enchanted by its classic upright form or seeking a low-growing variety, juniperus communis is prized for landscape design, edible gardening, and ecological planting. Its berries are renowned for culinary uses, notably flavouring gin, making it an intriguing addition for both ornamental and edible gardens. With its drought tolerance and low-maintenance requirements, it’s ideal for Kiwi gardeners seeking both beauty and practicality.

Juniperus procumbens 'Nana' (prostrate Juniper) growing as a tidy ground cover.

Juniperus procumbens Nana (Japanese Dwarf Juniper)

Juniperus procumbens 'Nana', commonly known as the Prostrate Juniper, is a ground-hugging conifer that forms a carpet of blue-green, needle-like leaves. The foliage is held densely on prostrate branches as it grows to 30 cm in height and 1.5 m in width. Juniperus procumbens 'Nana' is commonly used as an attractive groundcover, included in rock gardens, grown around the base of large trees, used in borders, mass planted on a bank, or generally included where a hardy, ground-covering plant is required.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 30 cm
Spread: 1.50 m
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Ground covering, Paths & Steps
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock
Juniperus 'Skyrocket' shrubs with blue-grey foliage.

Juniperus 'Skyrocket'

5 from 2 customers

Juniperus 'Skyrocket', commonly known as the Skyrocket Juniper or Rocky Mountain Juniper, is a popular conifer that grows as a broad column. It carries fine and delicate, blue-grey leaves on upright branches that are held somewhat loosely from the central core. It typically grows to 5 m tall and 1.2 m wide and can be trimmed as necessary. Juniperus 'Skyrocket' is commonly grown as a sculptural specimen, included in a mixed planting, combined with other low-growing conifers, used as pillars at an entrance, or planted as a cluster.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Conifers
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 1.20 m
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Containers, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern
Juniperus communis Suecica Nana plant.
Juniperus communis Suecica Nana (Juniperus Suecica Nana)

Juniperus communis Suecica Nana is an upright conifer that has lovely texture, colour, and form. This shrub makes an impressive specimen with its...

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juniperus-depressa-aurea-
Juniperus communis Depressa Aurea (Yellow Juniper)

Juniperus communis Depressa Aurea, commonly known as the Yellow Juniper, is a colourful conifer with fantastic texture, colour, and form. It features...

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Juniperus communis 'Compressa' (Common Juniper) plants.
Juniperus communis Compressa

Juniperus communis 'Compressa', known as the Common Juniper, is an upright conifer that has lovely texture, colour, and form. This shrub makes an...

OUT OF STOCK
Juniperus 'Skyrocket' shrubs with blue-grey foliage.
Juniperus 'Skyrocket'

Juniperus 'Skyrocket', commonly known as the Skyrocket Juniper or Rocky Mountain Juniper, is a popular conifer that grows as a broad column. It...

From$270.40
Juniperus procumbens 'Nana' (prostrate Juniper) growing as a tidy ground cover.
Juniperus procumbens Nana (Japanese Dwarf Juniper)

Juniperus procumbens 'Nana', commonly known as the Prostrate Juniper, is a ground-hugging conifer that forms a carpet of blue-green, needle-like...

From$34.43
Large Juniperus 'Kaizuka' trees as a cluster.
Juniperus chinensis Kaizuka

Juniperus 'Kaizuka', commonly known as the Hollywood Juniper tree or Torulosa Juniper, is an upright conifer with an oriental style. It bears...

From$270.40
juniperus-conferta-2
Juniperus conferta

Juniperus conferta, commonly known as Shore Juniper, is a hardy evergreen conifer valued for its dense, spreading habit and fresh green foliage. It...

From$192.51
pear-conference-semi-dwarf-
Pear Conference

The Conference pear tree is a popular variety due to its delicious fruit which have a yellow skin with a pink blush. These ripen in autumn and are...

From$340.69
pear-doyenne-du-comice-semi-dwarf-2
Pear Doyenne du Comice (Comice Pear Tree)

The Comice pear tree (Pyrus communis Doyenne du Comice) is regarded as having the best flavour of all the pear varieties. It bears green skinned...

From$340.69
juniperus-gold-cone-
Juniperus Gold Cone

Juniperus Gold Cone is a smaller conifer with colourful foliage and great form. It carries fine, needle like leaves which emerge golden-yellow and...

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juniperus-all-gold-
Juniperus All Gold

Juniperus All Gold is a ground hugging conifer that forms a carpet of golden-yellow, needle-like leaves. The foliage is held densely on prostrate...

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Juniperus Winter Gold ground cover plant with yellow foliage.
Juniperus Winter Gold (Gold Juniper Plant)

Juniperus Winter Gold, commonly known as the Gold Juniper Plant, is a spreading conifer with colourful foliage and great form. It carries fine...

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juniperus-spartan-
Juniperus Spartan

Juniperus Spartan, commonly known as the Spartan Juniper Tree, is a coniferous shrub grown for its attractive form and quick growth. It carries dark...

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Juniperus 'Prince Of Wales' plant.
Juniperus Prince of Wales

Juniperus Prince of Wales, commonly known as the Prince Of Wales Creeping Juniper, is a lovely, ground hugging conifer. It features slender, trailing...

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Juniperus plumosa Aurea plant.
Juniperus Plumosa Aurea (Golden Juniper)

Juniperus Plumosa Aurea, commonly known as the Golden Juniper, is an interesting and brightly coloured conifer. It grows as a dense, evergreen shrub...

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Juniperus 'Blue Chip' plant.
Juniperus Blue Chip

Juniperus Blue Chip, commonly known as Creeping Juniper, is a ground hugging conifer. It features slender, trailing branches that host silver-blue...

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Juniperus 'Blue Point' plant.
Juniperus Blue Point

Juniperus Blue Point, commonly known as the Blue Point Juniper tree, is a shrub grown for its attractive blue-green foliage. This conifer grows...

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Juniperus Robusta Green plant.
Juniperus Robusta Green

Juniperus Robusta Green is an upright conifer that has an interesting style to it. It features a narrow, upright, textured appearance with foliage...

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Juniperus 'Depressed Star' plant.
Juniperus Depressed Star (Irish Juniper)

Juniperus Depressed Star, commonly known as the Irish Juniper tree, is a lovely, small, conifer which is often used as a groundcover. It features...

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Juniperus horizontalis Plumosa plant.
Juniperus horizontalis Plumosa

Juniperus horizontalis Plumosa is a lovely, ground hugging conifer. It features slender, trailing branches that host green-yellow, needle like...

OUT OF STOCK
Juniperus japonica tree.
Juniperus Japonica

Juniperus Japonica, commonly known as the Juniper tree, is a coniferous shrub grown for its attractive form and quick growth. It carries dark green...

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A Juniperus chinensis 'Pyramidalis' plant growing in a pot and displaying fine, green-blue foliage.
Juniperus chinensis 'Pyramidalis' (Chinese Juniper)

Juniperus chinensis 'Pyramidalis', commonly known as the Chinese Juniper, is a popular conifer that grows slowly as a narrow column of delicate...

OUT OF STOCK
Juniperus 'Bar Harbor' plant.
Juniperus Bar Harbor

Juniperus Bar Harbor, commonly known as Creeping Juniper, is a lovely, ground hugging conifer. It features slender, trailing branches that host...

OUT OF STOCK
Juniperus chinensis 'Expansa Variegata' plant.
Juniperus chinensis Expansa Variegata

Juniperus chinensis Expansa Variegata is a ground hugging conifer often used as a groundcover. It has needle like, dark green foliage with...

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Juniperus 'Gold Coast' plant.
Juniperus Gold Coast

Juniperus 'Gold Coast' (Pfitzer Juniper) is a vibrant evergreen conifer known for its rich golden foliage and spreading habit. It provides year round...

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Juniperus chinensis 'Blue Alps' plant.
Juniperus chinensis Blue Alps

Juniperus chinensis 'Blue Alps' is a striking evergreen conifer known for its blue green foliage and upright, slightly spreading form. It provides...

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juniperus-blue-cloud-
Juniperus Blue Cloud

Juniperus 'Blue Cloud' is an attractive evergreen conifer known for its soft blue foliage and spreading habit. It provides year round colour and...

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juniperus-dandelight-
Juniperus Dandelight

Juniperus 'Dandelight' is an eye catching evergreen conifer known for its golden yellow foliage and low spreading habit. It provides year round...

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Juniperus scopulorum 'Gray Gleam' plant.
Juniperus scopulorum 'Gray Gleam'

Juniperus scopulorum 'Gray Gleam' is an elegant evergreen conifer valued for its soft grey green foliage and upright form. This hardy plant adds year...

OUT OF STOCK
Juniperus procumbens plant.
Juniperus procumbens

Juniperus procumbens is a ground hugging conifer that forms a dense mat of blue-green needle like leaves. It typically grows to 30 cm tall and 1.5 m...

OUT OF STOCK
Juniperus procumbens Nana (Japanese Dwarf Juniper)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Juniperus, and Pear, or related Categories - Conifer Shrubs, Pear Trees, and Groundcover Plants.

Search juniperus communis

What is Juniperus communis?

Juniperus communis is a hardy, evergreen conifer native to the Northern Hemisphere, but it thrives in New Zealand conditions as well. Its needle-like, aromatic foliage forms a dense canopy, offering year-round colour and texture in borders or mixed plantings. The berries, technically modified cones, attract birds and provide culinary interest. This species adapts effortlessly to a range of soils, from sandy to loamy, and performs well in full sun. Often planted as privacy screens or windbreaks, juniperus communis also suits formal and informal garden styles thanks to its tolerance for pruning and shaping.

Varieties of Juniperus communis for New Zealand Gardens

The beauty of juniperus communis lies in its diversity. For those wanting a narrow, upright specimen, Juniperus communis Hibernica provides a stately presence ideal for architectural planting. If you prefer a compact, dwarf form, Juniperus communis Compressa fits beautifully in smaller spaces or containers. Groundcover enthusiasts will love Juniperus communis Hornibrookii (Juniperus communis Hornibrook), which sprawls attractively at the front of borders or on slopes. For soft, upright foliage with a delicate silhouette, consider Juniperus communis Suecica Nana (Juniperus Suecica Nana). If you’d like a splash of golden colour, Juniperus communis Depressa Aurea (Yellow Juniper) offers unique, vibrant tones throughout the year.

Planting and Care Tips for Juniperus communis

Juniperus communis is renowned for its low maintenance. Choose a sunny site with well-drained soil, and avoid overwatering, as these conifers dislike soggy conditions. Water new plants regularly until established, then let them thrive on natural rainfall. Minimal pruning is needed, but dead or damaged stems can be trimmed back in late winter. Mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture, and feed annually with a slow-release, balanced fertiliser if needed.

Uses of Juniperus communis in New Zealand Gardens

Juniperus communis is perfect for hedging, privacy screens, specimen planting, and edible gardens. Its aromatic berries (though not all forms produce them abundantly) are popular with birds and used in culinary recipes. Landscape designers value juniperus communis for its texture and colour, while home gardeners appreciate year-round interest and easy upkeep.

Explore our range of juniperus communis varieties, including Juniperus communis Hibernica, Juniperus communis Hornibrookii (Juniperus communis Hornibrook), Juniperus communis Suecica Nana (Juniperus Suecica Nana), Juniperus communis Depressa Aurea (Yellow Juniper), and Juniperus communis Compressa to discover the perfect fit for your garden.


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