Juniperus Communis Var. Saxatilis
Contents
Description
Juniperus Communis Var. Saxatilis is a low-growing evergreen shrub that is native to the mountainous regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. It is a variety of the Juniperus Communis species and is commonly known as the Common Juniper. It has a slow growth rate and can reach a height of up to 1 meter tall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Genus | Juniperus |
Appearance
Juniperus Communis Var. Saxatilis has needle-like leaves that are dark green in color and arranged in whorls of three. It produces small, berry-like cones that are blue-black in color and have a waxy coating. The bark is reddish-brown and peels off in long, thin strips.
Care Guide
Juniperus Communis Var. Saxatilis prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types but does not do well in waterlogged soil. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter. Fertilize the plant in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate cold temperatures down to -40°F. It is hardy in USDA zones 2-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Juniperus Communis Var. Saxatilis is susceptible to a few pests and diseases. Spider mites and scale insects can infest the plant and cause damage. It can also be affected by rust and blight. To prevent these problems, keep the plant well-watered and ensure good air circulation around the plant. If infested, prune affected branches and use an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control pests.
Habitat
Juniperus Communis Var. Saxatilis is found in rocky, mountainous regions across Europe, Asia, and North America. It grows in a wide range of soil types but prefers well-draining soil. It is a slow-growing plant and can live up to 100 years.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Juniperus Communis Var. Saxatilis be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough and has good drainage.
Q: How often should I prune my Juniperus Communis Var. Saxatilis?
A: Prune the plant in the spring to remove any dead or damaged branches. You can also shape the plant at this time.
Q: Is Juniperus Communis Var. Saxatilis deer-resistant?
A: Yes, it is deer-resistant.
Q: Can I propagate Juniperus Communis Var. Saxatilis from cuttings?
A: Yes, you can propagate the plant from cuttings in the summer.
Related Plants
- Juniperus Communis
- Juniperus Horizontalis
- Juniperus Sabina
References
- “Juniperus communis var. saxatilis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed July 13, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c144.
- “Juniperus communis.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed July 13, 2021. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:262967-1.
- “Juniperus.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed July 13, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/8505/i-Juniperus-i/Details.
