3 named cultivars

shrub

Juniper

The Story

Plant Bio

Juniperus sabina, or savin juniper, is a spreading needled evergreen from northern Africa, Asia and Europe, growing four to six feet high and five to ten across. Branches rise at an angle and then arch outward, clothed in scale-like adult foliage that gives off a sharp resinous smell when crushed. It carries small blue-black cones.

It is genuinely toxic rather than merely unpalatable, containing sabinyl acetate, so it is a poor choice around grazing animals or where children play. It is also among the more blight-prone junipers; give it full sun, sharp drainage and space for air to move, and cut out affected shoots promptly rather than letting them spread.

Uses & Benefits:

Arching evergreen structure and year-round texture on dry, difficult ground.

Tolerates clay, limestone, drought, urban conditions and erosion-prone slopes with little care.

Dense low cover gives shelter to birds and small wildlife through winter.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

60 inches

Width

84 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Low to average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Northern Africa, Asia and Europe

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in spring or autumn in full sun.
Choose free-draining soil; clay and limestone are both tolerated.
Allow the full mature spread; it resents being cut back.
Water through the first season only.
Cut out any blighted or dieback shoots as soon as seen.
Prune lightly into green growth, never into bare wood.

Pro Tip

Space it for its mature width from the start; savin will not regrow from bare old wood, so a plant cut back to fit stays gappy.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in full sun with good air movement ☀️
Give it sharply drained soil 🪨
Cut out blighted shoots promptly ✂️
Wear gloves when pruning; the foliage is irritant 🧤

Don't

Plant it in wet or poorly drained ground ❌
Cut back into bare old wood ❌
Site it where livestock or small children can reach it ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Inspect
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Mass planting on sunny banks for erosion controlFoundation and low informal hedgingEvergreen structure in a gravel or Japanese garden

Companion Plants

Blue Fescue Russian Sage Bearberry Little Bluestem Creeping Thyme

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Juniper questions

What zones can Juniper grow in?

Juniper is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Juniper deer resistant?

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

When does Juniper bloom?

Juniper typically blooms in non-flowering; small blue-black cones through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Juniper need full sun?

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

Is Juniper drought tolerant?

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