tree

Temple Juniper

The Story

Plant Bio

Juniperus rigida, known as the temple juniper, is an evergreen conifer native to East Asia that forms a slender, conical small tree or large shrub. The species is characterized by its pendulous branchlets and rigid, needle-like leaves arranged in whorls of three.

The foliage features a distinct narrow white stomatal band on the upper surface of each sharply pointed needle. Female plants produce small, berry-like seed cones that transition from green to a waxy, dark purple-black over an eighteen-month ripening period.

Uses & Benefits:

Features a picturesque, weeping habit with gracefully pendulous branchlets and dark purple-black winter cones.

Highly tolerant of wind, drought, and coastal salt spray, making it an excellent choice for exposed or coastal landscapes.

Provides excellent year-round cover and nesting sites for small birds and mammals, while the seed cones serve as a food source for native birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

393"

Width

157"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long

Native To

East Asia

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site that receives full sun throughout the day and has loose, well-aerated soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the soil at the base is firm to prevent settling.
Position the plant so the root flare sits slightly above the surrounding soil level to facilitate drainage.
Backfill with the native soil without adding organic amendments, and water thoroughly to settle the roots.

Pro Tip

Plant in coarse, rapidly draining mineral soils on a slope or raised bed, as stagnant moisture in heavy clay causes rapid, fatal root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Wear thick leather gloves when handling the plant to protect hands from the painfully sharp, spiny needles.
Ensure the soil dries out significantly between waterings once the root system is established.
Prune only in late winter or early spring to remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, bare wood, as this species cannot regenerate from dormant buds on leafless branches.
Do not plant in low-lying areas, heavy clay, or poorly drained soils where water collects.
Do not over-fertilize, as an annual light top-dressing of organic mulch or balanced fertilizer is sufficient.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen plantingBonsaiRock gardensWindbreaksSeaside plantings

Companion Plants

Pinus thunbergii Acer palmatum Cotoneaster horizontalis Sedum album

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Temple Juniper questions

What zones can Temple Juniper grow in?

Temple Juniper is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Temple Juniper deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Temple Juniper, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Temple Juniper bloom?

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

Does Temple Juniper need full sun?

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

Is Temple Juniper drought tolerant?

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