Juniperus chinensis 'Viridis'
shrub

Green Chinese Juniper

Juniperus chinensis 'Viridis'

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

240 inches

Width

72 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

50+ years

Native To

China, Japan, Himalayas

Toxicity

Berries can be mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities.

The Story

Plant Bio

Juniperus chinensis is a highly variable species of evergreen conifer, ranging from groundcovers to large trees. They are known for their extreme toughness and adaptability in the landscape. 'Viridis' is a narrow, columnar to conical cultivar with dense, ascending branches clothed in vibrant green, mostly scale-like foliage. It maintains its excellent green color through winter.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental Uses'Viridis' provides a strong, formal, vertical element in the landscape. Its bright green foliage is a refreshing color year-round and serves as an excellent backdrop for other plants. Its narrow form is elegant and space-saving.
Practical UsesThis juniper is an outstanding choice for creating tall, narrow privacy screens or hedges, especially in areas with limited horizontal space. It can be used to frame doorways, anchor the corners of a house, or create a formal allee.
Ecological BenefitsThe dense evergreen branches offer crucial year-round shelter and nesting locations for songbirds. If it produces cones, they are a food source for birds in winter.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

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Planting

How to Grow

  1. Plant in a location that receives full sun all day.
  2. Use any well-drained soil; junipers are not picky.
  3. Dig a hole twice the width of the container.
  4. Place the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
  5. Backfill the hole with the soil you removed.
  6. Water deeply after planting and only during extended droughts thereafter.

Pro Tip

To create a seamless hedge, space plants about 4-5 feet apart; their dense, upright growth will fill in quickly.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Provide full sun for best growth and color.
  • Water only until established, then it is very drought tolerant.
  • Shear annually if a very formal, tight appearance is desired.
  • Ensure good air circulation around the plant.

Don't

  • Do not plant in a shady or waterlogged location.
  • Avoid planting near apple trees, which are alternate hosts for cedar-apple rust.
  • Don't prune back into the old, bare wood, as it will not regrow.
  • Avoid letting snow and ice build up and splay the branches.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Formal vertical accent for entrywaysTall, narrow privacy screen for tight spacesEvergreen backbone in foundation plantings

Companion Plants

Buxus 'Green Velvet' Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' Rosa 'Knock Out' Spiraea japonica Hemerocallis (Daylily)

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Green Chinese Juniper questions

What zones can Green Chinese Juniper grow in?

Green Chinese Juniper is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Green Chinese Juniper deer resistant?

Yes — Green Chinese Juniper is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Green Chinese Juniper bloom?

Green Chinese Juniper typically blooms in mid-spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Green Chinese Juniper need full sun?

Green Chinese Juniper does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Green Chinese Juniper drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Green Chinese Juniper handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Green Chinese Juniper with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

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