shrub

Sargent's Juniper

Juniperus chinensis 'var. sargentii'

 

 
Sargent's Juniper (Juniperus chinensis 'var. sargentii') at Green Glen Nursery

Sargent's Juniper foliage

Sargent's Juniper foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  24 inches

Spread:  8 feet

Sunlight:  full sun 

Hardiness Zone:  4a

Brand:  Monrovia

Description:

A highly regarded, low growing evergreen, with dusty bluish-green needle-like foliage and showy blue berries; very wide and sprawling; ideal when massed as a groundcover in sunny dry locations, a favorite of garden designers

Ornamental Features

Sargent's Juniper is a dwarf conifer which is primarily valued in the garden for its broadly spreading habit of growth. It has attractive bluish-green evergreen foliage. The scale-like sprays of foliage are highly ornamental and remain bluish-green throughout the winter. It produces blue berries from late spring to late winter.

Landscape Attributes

Sargent's Juniper is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a ground-hugging habit of growth. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which should be used to full effect.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Sargent's Juniper is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • General Garden Use
  • Groundcover

Planting & Growing

Sargent's Juniper will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 8 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.

This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. 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.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Garden  Groundcover 
Applications
Fruit  Foliage Color  Texture  Plant Form  Winter Value 
Ornamental Features