Species

Juniperus chinensisChinese Juniper

25 other cultivars

shrub

Mint Julep Juniper

Juniperus chinensis 'Mint Julep'

The Story

Plant Bio

Juniperus chinensis, or Chinese Juniper, is a species of highly adaptable and durable evergreen conifers, available in a vast range of sizes and forms.

'Mint Julep' is a widely popular cultivar featuring a compact, spreading habit with beautiful, arching branches. Its foliage is a vibrant, refreshing mint green.

Uses & Benefits:

The bright mint-green color and graceful, fountain-like habit make 'Mint Julep' a standout in foundation plantings and mixed borders, providing year-round color and texture.

Its dense, spreading form makes it an effective choice for mass plantings to cover large areas or slopes, helping to control erosion and suppress weeds.

The arching branches and dense foliage offer excellent cover and protection for ground-feeding birds like sparrows and juncos.

SpeciesJuniperus chinensisChinese Juniper

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

72 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived evergreen shrub

Native To

China, Japan, Korea

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Early spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location with at least 6 hours of sun.
Ensure the soil is well-drained.
Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
Place the plant in the hole, with the root flare at soil level.
Backfill with soil, firm gently, and water deeply.
Mulch to conserve moisture, keeping it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Avoid heavy shearing, which will destroy its graceful, fountain-like habit. Prune selectively.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in full sun for the best color and form.
Allow space for its branches to arch naturally.
Water regularly during the first year to establish.
Prune selectively to maintain its shape.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, wet clay soil.
Avoid planting in deep shade.
Don't shear it into a box or ball shape.
Avoid overwatering once established.

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

Graceful foundation plantingBright green mass planting on slopesArching accent in mixed borders

Companion Plants

Rosa 'The Fairy'Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame'Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam'Hemerocallis 'Stella de Oro'Berberis thunbergii 'Orange Rocket'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Mint Julep Juniper questions

What zones can Mint Julep Juniper grow in?

Mint Julep 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 Mint Julep Juniper deer resistant?

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

When does Mint Julep Juniper bloom?

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

Does Mint Julep Juniper need full sun?

Mint Julep Juniper does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Mint Julep Juniper drought tolerant?

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