Greek juniper (Juniperus excelsa)

Greek juniper

Also known as: Crimean juniper

Juniperus excelsa is a large shrub or tree reaching 6 to 20 m tall (rarely 25 m). It has a trunk up to 2 m in diameter, and a broadly conical to rounded or irregular crown. The leaves are of two forms, juvenile needle-like leaves 8 to 10 mm long on seedlings, and adult scale-leaves 0.6 to 3 mm long on older plants.

Scientific classification

Species

Greek juniper (Juniperus excelsa)

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Perennial

Lifespan

Tree

Plant Type

Early spring

Bloom Time

6 m to 25 m

Plant Height

5 m to 8 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

3 mm to 4 mm

Flower Size

White, Blue, Black

Flower Color

Images of Greek juniper

Distribution of Greek juniper

Distribution Map

Greek juniper is a coniferous plant native to the mountainous regions of Eastern Europe and Southwestern Asia. It thrives in high-altitude locales, spreading across a belt that encompasses both temperate and subtropical zones in these areas. Though primarily wild, greek juniper has also been successfully cultivated and introduced to parts of Southern Europe, demonstrating its adaptability and potential for ornamental use in diverse climates.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Care Guide for Greek juniper

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Originating from rocky slopes and scrublands, greek juniper is drought-tolerant and thrives on minimal moisture, needing watering every 1-2 weeks. This evergreen plant retains foliage year-round, requiring less water during cooler months due to lower evapotranspiration rates.

Fertilize: Greek juniper thrives with biannual balanced NPK fertilization in early spring and mid-fall. Use granular slow-release types, ensuring proper quantity to avoid root burn. Protective gloves are recommended during application for safety, ensuring greek juniper's vitality without over-fertilization.

Pruning: To care for greek juniper, prune in early to late winter during dormancy, focusing on dead or damaged branches and thinning dense areas for air circulation. Avoid heavy pruning due to its slow growth rate. Clean, sharp tools enhance health, appearance, and disease resistance.

Propagation: Greek juniper propagates mainly via seed sowing, requiring a stratification period for germination. Use a well-draining soil mix and plant seeds shallowly, maintaining consistent moisture while preventing waterlogging. Once established, seedlings can be transplanted, considering greek juniper's eventual size and spread.

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