Quick Guide: summer, hardy, sun/ semi-shade, height: 60cm/24in, width: 2m/6ft 6in

Juniper trees may be divided broadly into those that are columnar in form and those that are spreading, though there are variations. The leaves are usually needle-shaped when young, scale like in maturity. They may be green, grey-green or blue; all are slow-growing. Some species bear fruits (berries or cones). Junipers make good focal points in a formal rock garden.

GROWING Plant seedlings in late spring, on well-drained soil in full sun or light shade.

PROPAGATION Take heeled cuttings 7.5cm/3in long in autumn and insert in a peat/sand mixture in a cold frame until rooted. Pot up individually and place outdoors or grow on in a nursery bed. Plant out after two years.

VARIETIES Juniperus sabina `Tamariscifolia' (Spanish juniper); the bright green needle-like leaves release an aromatic oil if bruised; dense, prostrate habit, the stems building up in layers; prune to limit size. J. communis `Compressa', dwarf form of the Irish juniper at 60cm/ 24in high, columnar, grey-blue foliage; best in groups of 3 or 5, no pruning. J. virginiana `Globosa', dwarf rounded bush, 90cm x 90cm/3 x 3ft, pale green foliage, no pruning.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Scale insects; rust.