Chinese juniper Juniperus chinensis
Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Cupressaceae family, native to China, Korea, Japan and the Russian Far East. It grows 1–15 m (3.3–49 ft) tall and 1.5–5 m (4.9–16 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -34 °C (-29 °F). Space plants about 2 m (6.6 ft) apart.
Plan Chinese juniper in your garden →
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Chinese juniper at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Mature height | 1–15 m (3.3–49 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–5 m (4.9–16 ft) |
| Spacing | 2 m (6.6 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -34 °C (-29 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | China, Korea, Japan and the Russian Far East |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Chinese juniper toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: berry-like cones, foliage
Foliage and cones can cause stomach upset if eaten, and the oils irritate skin.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Chinese juniper
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Chinese juniper
- How far apart should I plant Chinese juniper?
- About 2 m (6.6 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–5 m (4.9–16 ft).
- Does Chinese juniper need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Chinese juniper need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Chinese juniper?
- It tolerates about -34 °C (-29 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- Is Chinese juniper poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Foliage and cones can cause stomach upset if eaten, and the oils irritate skin.
- What grows well with Chinese juniper?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Chinese juniper. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Flora of China (eFloras), Missouri Botanical Garden & Harvard University Herbaria
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
Notes and assumptions
- Very variable: from tall columns to spreading forms such as ‘Pfitzeriana’ and the twisted ‘Kaizuka’; the main juniper of Chinese temple courtyards and bonsai. Hosts cedar–apple rust.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Creeping juniper Juniperus horizontalis
- Leyland cypress x Cuprocyparis leylandii
- Hinoki cypress Chamaecyparis obtusa
- Dawn redwood Metasequoia glyptostroboides
- Bald cypress Taxodium distichum
- Eastern red cedar Juniperus virginiana
- Northern white cedar (arborvitae) Thuja occidentalis
- Common juniper Juniperus communis