Juniperus procumbens Seeds | Japanese Garden Juniper
LATIN NAME: Juniperus procumbens
COMMON NAME: Japanese Garden Juniper
Plant Profile
Juniperus procumbens, commonly known as Japanese Garden Juniper, is a species in the cypress family with a long record in gardens. The Japanese garden juniper carpets low, spreading mat with dense, blue-green, scale-like leaves on trailing branches that hug ground, the whole plant forming the soft, evergreen carpet. Foliage keeps blue-green tone through year, and plant spreads wide and low. It stands cold, heat, and dry spells well. Bees find the flowers quickly, and that pollinator traffic is a garden benefit in its own right. It is the sort of plant that quietly justifies the space it occupies.
Science & Biotechnology
Within the cypress family, Juniperus procumbens is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. In cypress family, prostrate junipers have a recognised place in studies of evergreen groundcovers, and procumbens species appears in research on rooting of trailing branches and cold hardiness. For researchers, plants like this one offer practical material for propagation studies and selection work.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, Japanese Garden Juniper earns its place in borders, containers and mixed plantings, and it also rewards growers who raise plants for cutting, drying or kitchen use. In rock garden and the slope, the Japanese garden juniper carpets ground with the blue-green. Dense, trailing mat covers banks and borders, holds soil well, and keeps colour through year, standing cold and dry spells. It grows well in light, well-drained, sunny ground. Establishment is uncomplicated, and afterwards ordinary care suffices.
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
Starting Japanese Garden Juniper from seed is simple and satisfying. Broadcast the seed thinly over a fine, free-draining compost, sieve a little more compost on top, and water with a fine rose. Pot the young plants on as they grow, harden them off gradually, and plant them into their final positions when sturdy.
Our Take
Given the right start, Japanese Garden Juniper is a long-term garden companion. Beginners will find it patient of imperfect technique.
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