Irish Juniper
Juniperus communis (jew-NIP-er-us KOM-yoo-nis)
Irish juniper or 'Hibernica' is a large, needled, evergreen shrub, cultivar in the Cupressaceae (cypress) family. It grows as a dense, upright narrow column that becomes broader and conical with age from 5 to 15 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet wide. The branch tips are stiff and erect. Confers do not bear flowers, but the short needles are tightly crowded on the twig, 3 at a whorl, and fleshy seed cones, bluish and berry-like, create a winter interest. Male and female cones are produced on separate plants. Female plants produce 1/2 inch wide, fleshy, fruit-like seed cones commonly referred to as juniper berries. The plant is low-maintenance and requires little to no pruning. Plant in the full sun in well-drained soil. It is resistant to drought once established and is not often browsed by deer. Irish Juniper does well in sandy, loamy, and clay soils, but prefers medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun. It will tolerate heavy clay, nutritionally poor soils, and very acid and very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). Established plants tolerate cold temperatures as well as heat and humidity. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Insects that may damage this juniper include bagworms, webworms, and scale. Blight and rust issues are common on junipers The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common juniper diseases and insect pests. More information on Juniperus communis var. communis .
Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 54 attributes.
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