Digging deeperPlant Library

Spartan Juniper

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Description:

A tall evergreen shrub with a narrow pyramidal habit of growth; sharp needle-like deep green foliage and interesting blue berries, great for articulation in the home landscape, makes a wonderful tall screen or hedge planted in rows; best in full sun

Ornamental Features

Spartan Juniper is a dwarf conifer which is primarily valued in the landscape for its rigidly columnar form. It has emerald green evergreen foliage. The scale-like sprays of foliage remain emerald green throughout the winter. It produces powder blue berries from late spring to late winter.

Landscape Attributes

Spartan Juniper is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a narrowly upright and columnar growth habit. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub. When pruning is necessary, it is recommended to only trim back the new growth of the current season, other than to remove any dieback. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Spartan Juniper is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Vertical Accent
• Hedges/Screening
• Rock/Alpine Gardens
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Spartan Juniper will grow to be about 15 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 5 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.

This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.