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juniperus occidentalis

Juniperus occidentalis, commonly known as Western Juniper, is a resilient and attractive evergreen tree native to the western regions of North America. With its rugged silver-green foliage and striking, gnarled form, Juniperus occidentalis is highly valued by New Zealand gardeners seeking a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant option for large landscapes, shelterbelts, or wildlife-friendly plantings. This hardy conifer thrives in poor soils, copes with dry conditions, and provides year-round texture and colour, making it a practical and beautiful choice for diverse garden designs.

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'

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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
Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' hedge with bright green foliage.

Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' (Green Cedar)

Thuja 'Smaragd', commonly known as the Green or Emerald Cedar, grows with a narrow, dense, and columnar habit. The foliage is rich green, sometimes...

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Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis' trees with lush green foliage standing 1.5 metres tall in a plant nursery ready for sale.

Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis'

Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis' is an elegant conifer that grows with a narrow and dense, pyramidal shape. The foliage is dark green, sometimes...

From$33.68
Juniperus conferta

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

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Features and Benefits of Juniperus occidentalis

Juniperus occidentalis stands out for its exceptional hardiness and unique appearance. It typically grows as a multi-stemmed tree with a rounded, irregular crown, reaching up to 10-12 metres in height over many decades. Its aromatic, scale-like leaves and clusters of blue-grey berries provide food and shelter for native birds, promoting biodiversity in New Zealand gardens.

Drought resistance is a key attribute of Juniperus occidentalis, making it ideal for exposed sites, coastal gardens, and other challenging locations. Its dense evergreen foliage offers year-round privacy and wind protection, while its tolerance for poor, rocky soils makes it an excellent solution for erosion control and difficult planting sites.

Juniperus occidentalis in Your Garden

Western Juniper’s natural beauty makes it perfect for rural or Mediterranean-style landscapes. Use it as a striking specimen tree, a low-maintenance shelterbelt, or in mixed conifer plantings to create a tapestry of colour and texture. Juniperus occidentalis thrives in full sun and requires minimal pruning once established, appealing to gardeners who prefer plants that can largely look after themselves.

For a striking effect, consider planting Juniperus occidentalis alongside other ornamental conifers with contrasting foliage. If you’re interested in colourful alternatives or lower-growing junipers, explore options like Juniperus All Gold, which offers vibrant golden tones, or choose the distinctive blue foliage of Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star' (Juniperus Blue Star). For superb winter interest, Juniperus Winter Gold (Gold Juniper Plant) introduces glowing gold hues during the colder months.

Juniperus occidentalis and Related Junipers

There is a wide range of juniper varieties suited to New Zealand gardens, each with its own growth habit, foliage colour, and landscape use. Consider pairing Juniperus occidentalis with groundcover types such as Juniperus conferta, which thrives in coastal and sandy soils, or Juniperus communis Depressa Aurea (Yellow Juniper), which adds low-growing golden accents throughout your landscape. These combinations offer year-round interest and enhance biodiversity while remaining low in maintenance.

Caring for Juniperus occidentalis

Plant Juniperus occidentalis in a sunny, well-drained position for best results. Although tolerant of dry spells, it will benefit from regular watering during its first few years. Little to no fertiliser is required, and its slow growth means pruning is rarely necessary. With its exceptional robustness and low-care requirements, Juniperus occidentalis is an outstanding option for New Zealand gardens seeking lasting beauty and ecological value.


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