Species

Juniperus chinensisChinese Juniper

27 other cultivars

shrub

Hollywood Juniper

Juniperus chinensis 'Torulosa'

The Story

Plant Bio

Juniperus chinensis is an evergreen conifer native to eastern Asia, forming an upright tree or dense shrub with scale-like adult foliage and needle-like juvenile leaves. It bears inconspicuous spring flowers and thrives in lean, dry, or alkaline soils provided drainage is sharp.

'Torulosa' is distinguished by its sculptural, flame-like habit formed by dense spiraling branches of rich dark green foliage. It retains its asymmetrical, twisted silhouette year-round without requiring formal shearing or structural training.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round architectural structure with twisted, spiraling branches and deep green scale foliage.

Tolerates high salt spray, wind, urban heat, and poor soils once established.

Offers dense foliage canopy for bird nesting and shelter from cold winter winds.

SpeciesJuniperus chinensisChinese Juniper

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

360"

Width

180"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate to High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Eastern Asia

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with highly permeable soil, avoiding areas subject to standing water.
Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root container and equal in depth, ensuring the root collar sits level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with native soil without adding rich organic amendments, then water deeply to settle air pockets.
Apply a two-inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping the material several inches away from the main trunk.
Water regularly during the first growing season until established, after which supplemental water is rarely required.

Pro Tip

Never prune into bare, brown interior wood; junipers lack dormant buds on old wood and will not regenerate new green foliage from bare branches.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in full sun to maintain dense foliage and vivid green color.
Ensure soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot pathogens.
Prune lightly and selectively to maintain the natural, irregular shape.

Don't

Do not cut back into old, leafless interior wood.
Do not shear into tight, formal geometric shapes.
Do not overwater or plant in soggy, heavy clay pockets.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen PlantingScreeningCoastal GardensWindbreakArchitectural Accent

Companion Plants

Salvia rosmarinus Lavandula angustifolia Agave americana Ceanothus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hollywood Juniper questions

What zones can Hollywood Juniper grow in?

Hollywood Juniper is hardy in USDA Zones 5–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Hollywood Juniper deer resistant?

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

When does Hollywood Juniper bloom?

Hollywood 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 Hollywood Juniper need full sun?

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

Is Hollywood Juniper drought tolerant?

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