Juniperus chinensis Seeds | Bonsai Chinese Juniper
.jpeg "Chinese Juniper seeds (Juniperus chinensis)")
LATIN NAME: Juniperus chinensis
COMMON NAME: Chinese Juniper
Plant Profile
Chinese Juniper (Juniperus chinensis) is a tree in the cypress family. The Chinese juniper sculpts dense, sculptural crown with scale-like, blue-green foliage and spreading, layered branches, the whole plant carrying the ancient, bonsai look of the old junipers. Foliage keeps cool, blue-green tone through year, small, berry-like cones ripen to blue-black, and plant takes hard pruning and shaping well. It grows into broad, rugged tree or trained specimen, and it stands cold, wind, and dry air well. Not many plants ask so little and repay so much.
Science & Biotechnology
Within the cypress family, Juniperus chinensis is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. In cypress family, junipers have a long, documented record in bonsai and ornamental research, and the Chinese juniper appears in studies of sculptural growth and drought tolerance. In practice, its long garden history means the grower inherits a plant of known and dependable habits.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Chinese Juniper has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. In rugged garden, the Chinese juniper takes shaping and keeps the character. Sculptural crown and blue-green foliage give evergreen structure, plant makes fine specimen, hedge or trained bonsai, and it stands cold, wind and dry soil without the fuss. Durable wood has served fine work for generations. It takes hold quickly and asks for no special treatment from then on.
Juniper berries flavor gin and game and are a classical European diuretic for urinary teas, official in several herbals; the wood’s fragrant oils scent pencils, chests and incense.
Growing from Seed
Seed is the natural starting point for Chinese Juniper, and the process is uncomplicated. Level a tray of loose seed compost, sow evenly, cover to about the seed’s own depth, and keep it moist in full light. Grow the youngsters on steadily in pots until well rooted, then move them to their final positions.
Our Take
Chinese Juniper is the kind of plant that rewards a permanent spot. Established seedlings need little beyond ordinary attention.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Chinese Juniper often pair it with these related subjects: