Juniperus chinensis 'Spiny Greek'
Overall Description This
is a very attractive juniper with very dense, compact, blue green
foliage. As the name suggests, Spiny Greek has an extremely stiff, prickly
feel to its foliage. Has a columnar to slightly pyramidal growth habit, and keeps a nice neat
shape, even when larger. Sometimes used for plant sculpturing / topiaries instead
of Dwarf Alberta Spruce because of its hardiness combined with its
super dense foliage. Good choice for borders, group plantings, and
small/medium sized wind or privacy screens.
Plant Facts & Specifications
Mature Height: 8-12 ft
Mature Width: 4-5 ft
Growth rate: Moderate ( 6"-10" avg per yr )
Hardiness Zones: 4-9 ( if unsure of your zone, please use zone finder below )
Sun Exposure: Full
sun
preferred,
but will tolerate some partial shade as well. Growth rate, and foliage
density will both suffer slightly when planted in shady locations.
Soil Preference: Average
to
slightly acidic & sandy - well drained. Mulching recommended.
Foliage Color & Texture: Foliage
color
is
a nice sage green color throughout the warmer months, and will bronze
somewhat........especially in very cold climates, or in location where
it is exposed to substantial cold wintry winds. Texture is very
needlelike, and extremely poky, sharp, and spiny to the touch.
Flower, Cone, Or Berry Facts: Occasional small round cones are seen on older, more mature specimens.
Diseases / Insects:
Rather
trouble
free juniper variety - however both Phomopsis & Kabatina lights
have been observed on specimens if planted in soil with inadequate
drainage, or if kept in overly wet conditions for extended periods of
time. Very, very tough juniper with few, if any, problems to speak of at all.
Fertilization / Feeding: Either
water soluble ( Miracle Gro, or equivalent ), or granular ( Holly Tone
is excellent ). Other granular types with 6-12-12, or 10-10-10 ratio is
acceptable. Best to fertilize in early spring, and again in mid fall -
avoid feeding during hot summer months, and directly after
transplanting.
