shrub

Parson's Juniper

Name: Parson's Juniper
Brand: Juniperus
Availability: InStock

Juniperus chinensis 'Parsonii'

$18.95

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

30 inches

Width

72 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to high

Lifespan

Very long-lived

Native To

East Asia

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Juniperus chinensis, or Chinese Juniper, is a species of evergreen coniferous shrub or tree known for its extreme variability in form, from low-growing groundcovers to tall trees. They are valued for their toughness and adaptability. 'Parsonii' is a dense, low-spreading cultivar with attractive blue-green to gray-green, awl-shaped foliage. It is exceptionally tolerant of heat, drought, salt spray, and a wide range of soils, making it a rugged and reliable landscape plant.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Parson's Juniper offers year-round texture and color with its dense, blue-green foliage. Its low, spreading form creates a soft, undulating carpet effect in the landscape, providing a handsome and durable evergreen presence that contrasts well with other plants and hardscaping materials.

This is a workhorse plant for difficult landscape situations. Its exceptional drought and salt tolerance make it ideal for roadside plantings, coastal areas, and hot, dry slopes. It excels as a groundcover for erosion control on banks and provides a fire-resistant option for landscaping in wildfire-prone areas.

The dense branches of junipers provide excellent cover and shelter for birds and small mammals, especially in winter. The female plants produce berry-like cones that are a valuable food source for many bird species, including the Cedar Waxwing.

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Where to Buy

Plants By Mail

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$18.95

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun.
Ensure the soil is well-drained; junipers hate wet feet.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot but no deeper.
Place the plant in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill with soil and water thoroughly to settle.
Water regularly for the first year, then only during extreme drought.

Pro Tip

Plant in full sun for the densest growth and best foliage color; it will become thin and leggy in shade.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide excellent drainage.
Plant in full sun.
Space plants appropriately to allow for their mature spread.
Mulch to conserve moisture and prevent weeds.

Don't

Do not plant in shade or waterlogged soil.
Avoid overhead watering, which can encourage fungal diseases.
Don't prune back into old wood that has no needles, as it will not regrow.
Do not plant near apple or crabapple trees to avoid cedar-apple rust.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Durable groundcover for sunny slopes and banksTough foundation planting for harsh conditionsEffective mass planting for large, low-maintenance areas

Companion Plants

Yucca filamentosa Sedum 'Autumn Joy' Spiraea japonica Echinacea purpurea Pennisetum alopecuroides

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Parson's Juniper questions

What zones can Parson's Juniper grow in?

Parson's 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 Parson's Juniper deer resistant?

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

When does Parson's Juniper bloom?

Parson's 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 Parson's Juniper need full sun?

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

Is Parson's Juniper drought tolerant?

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