Juniperus chinensis 'SPARTAN'

Chinese juniper comes from China, Mongolia, and Japan. It is commonly a slower growing evergreen conifer of columnar, upright growth but its varieties may differ in habit. It is renowned for its smooth, non-prickly foliage in most varieties, and elegant shapes and colours.

Spartan is a hard-to-believe variety of juniper. Precisely a Chinese juniper. What makes it so incredible? Both its colour and habit are unique and so not juniper. Fresh, emerald green shade of scale-like leaves (needles), lying flat along the stems make you want to touch the plant every time you pass it by because they are not prickly. And its robust, columnar habit may resemble Tuscan cypress with one important exception – it is absolutely hardy to some -34°C. Summing up, this handsome boy will find its place in every garden where it will make a vertical statement. Spartan juniper was found in 1950's in Monrovia Nursery in California, USA, and named in 1961. The same plant is also cultivated in Denmark named Helle.

It grows moderately and can be pruned in any way in early spring ir midsummer. Chinese juniper likes full sun or some shade but will not thrive in deep shade. The soil should be well-drained, preferably calcareous and equally moist throughout the year – it does not like drought so keep it mulched. It is hardy to about -34°C (USDA zone 4), and it can be grown in large outdoor pots.

Last update 25-11-2019