SCIENTIFIC NAME: Juniperus communis 'Miniature'

COMMON NAME: Miniature Juniper

GARDEN SIZE: 3 feet tall x 1.5 feet wide if left in natural form

GROWTH RATE: Slow (up to 1-6 inches per year under ideal conditions)

USDA ZONE: 4-7

EXPOSURE: Full Sun

WATER & SOIL: Well-drained soil; Average water requirements

HABIT (FORM): Narrow, upright, and pyramidal

FOLIAGE: Evergreen; Compact bluish-green needles

FLOWERS: None

PLANT ORIGIN: Northern Hemisphere, from the subarctic to temperate regions (does not include Tennessee)

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: May provide some nesting sites and shelter for birds and small mammals, but does not serve as much of a food source for local insects and wildlife.

FERTILIZING: Feed in spring and fall with acidic organic fertilizer

PRUNING: Minimal shearing required. Hand pruning in late winter or early summer is preferred.

PET SAFETY: Generally considered mildly toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans.

USES: Topiary