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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-conferta-2

Juniperus conferta

Juniperus conferta, commonly known as the Shore Juniper plant, is an impressive, ground hugging conifer which is often used as a groundcover. It features fine, green-grey foliage held on slender, sprawling stems. It typically grows to 40 cm tall and 2 m wide as a somewhat dense mat. Juniperus conferta is commonly used as a groundcover, allowed to spill over the side of a wall or across steps, or planted around the base of larger trees.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 40 cm
Spread: 2.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Ground covering, Paths & Steps
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern
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 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$33.68
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$299.92
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$299.92
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$299.92
Juniperus conferta

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

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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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Start your garden with Ficus benjamina 'Starlight' and Corokia Bronze King, and add depth with lesser-known gems like Acer 'Katsura', Juniperus chinensis Kaizuka, and Rose White Romance.
–The Plant Company

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