Species

Juniperus chinensisChinese Juniper

25 other cultivars

tree

Keteleer Juniper

Juniperus chinensis 'Keteleeri'

The Story

Plant Bio

Juniperus chinensis, the Chinese Juniper, is a highly variable species of evergreen conifer, ranging from groundcovers to large trees. They are known for their extreme toughness, and tolerance of drought, heat, and poor soils.

'Keteleeri' is a popular, vigorous, female cultivar that forms a broad, pyramidal tree. It is prized for its attractive gray-green foliage and its prolific production of large, silvery-blue, berry-like cones that persist through winter.

Uses & Benefits:

'Keteleeri' is a handsome, stately evergreen that provides a strong vertical element and year-round structure. Its most notable feature is the heavy crop of attractive, waxy blue 'berries' that contrast beautifully with the gray-green foliage, providing excellent winter interest.

Its extreme tolerance of drought, heat, and a wide range of soils makes it an invaluable tree for difficult sites. It is an excellent choice for creating tall, dense privacy screens or windbreaks that require virtually no maintenance once established.

The berry-like cones are a very important winter food source for many birds, including Cedar Waxwings and Robins. The dense branches also provide excellent cover and nesting sites.

SpeciesJuniperus chinensisChinese Juniper

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

240 inches

Width

180 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Tolerates low and high

Lifespan

Very long-lived

Native To

China, Japan, Korea

Toxicity

Berries can be mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities

Bloom period

Late spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
Ensure the soil is well-drained; amend heavy clay only to improve drainage.
Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
Place the tree in the hole, making sure it is straight.
Backfill with the original soil, as junipers prefer lean conditions.
Water well after planting, then only during prolonged drought.

Pro Tip

Plant it in a location with full sun and excellent drainage and then leave it alone; it thrives on neglect and dislikes coddling.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for the densest growth and best berry production.
Water only until established, then let it be.
Give it plenty of room to grow to its mature size.
Use it in hot, dry, difficult areas of the landscape.

Don't

Do not plant in shade or poorly drained soils.
Avoid overwatering, which is the most common cause of failure.
Do not fertilize; junipers thrive in poor soil.
Avoid planting near apple or crabapple trees to prevent cedar-apple rust.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Durable screening tree for tough sitesHardy windbreak for exposed locationsHandsome specimen with winter berry interest

Companion Plants

Yucca filamentosa Echinacea purpurea Perovskia atriplicifolia Sedum 'Autumn Joy'Panicum virgatum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Keteleer Juniper questions

What zones can Keteleer Juniper grow in?

Keteleer 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 Keteleer Juniper deer resistant?

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

When does Keteleer Juniper bloom?

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

Does Keteleer Juniper need full sun?

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

Is Keteleer Juniper drought tolerant?

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