Juniperus x media (Pfitzer Juniper)
Michael's Opinion
A hybrid that is renowned for its unique branching habit, dense foliage and deep green colour. A good selection for massing or hedging due to its natural growing habit.
Botanical Information
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Genus | Juniperus |
| Species | x media |
| Synonyms | Juniperus x pfitzeriana, Juniperus chinensis 'Pfitzeriana' |
| Category | Woody |
| Type | Shrub (evergreen) |
| References | The Morton Arboretum, Michigan State University. |
| Origin | A cross between J. chinensis and J. sabina. |
| Pronunciation |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 1a - 6a |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | 0a - 5b |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H7 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | -51 - (-21) |
| Temperature (°F) | -60 - (-5) |
| Height | 3 - 6 m |
| Spread | 2.5 m |
| Growth | Fast |
Description and Growing Information
| General Description | Juniperus x media is a dense, wide-spreading shrub with grey-green foliage and arching branches. |
| ID Characteristic | Young shoots are slightly pendulous (with tips drooping), branches tend to arch at 45° angles, old stems can assume a contorted habit. |
| Shape | Wide spreading, upright branching. |
| Landscape | Makes a good foundation plant, hedge, specimen and mass planting. |
| Propagation | By hardwood heel cuttings: cut 5 - 8 long, 8000 ppm 1BA-talc, rooted 84 - 100% in controlled studies. |
| Cultivation | Grow in full sun, in well-drained soil. Extremely cold hardy. |
| Pests | Possible problems include: spider mites, aphids and twig borers. Juniper blight causes twigs and branches to die back. |
| Habitat | Horticultural origin. |
| Bark/Stem Description | Pale brown in colour, ridges and furrows on mature bark, peeling in thin strips. |
| Leaf Description | Scale-like, grey-green. Juvenile leaves are awl-shaped, in whorls of 4. |
| Fruit Description | Cones are globose, berry- like, up to 1.5 cm in diameter, pale blue when young maturing to a dark brown. |
| Texture Description | Medium-textured. |
Photographs
Juniperus x media 'Milky Way'
Juniperus x media 'Sulphur Spray'
Juniperus x media 'Blaauwi'
Juniperus x media 'Carbery Gold'