Canary Islands Juniper
juniperus cedrus
Also known as: ["Canary Island Juniper","Cedro de las Islas Canarias"]
Overview
A coniferous tree native to the Canary Islands, known for its aromatic foliage and conical shape.
Benefits & Perks
["cold hardy","drought tolerant","shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Pinophyta |
| Class: | Pinopsida |
| Order: | Pinales |
| Family: | Cupressaceae |
| Genus: | Juniperus |
| Botanical Name: | Juniperus cedrus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in a sunny, sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil mix; cactus or succulent potting mix with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates bright indirect light indoors with some direct sun exposure.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight to prevent scorching; provide dappled shade during peak afternoon sun in hot climates; for indoor plants, rotate regularly for even light exposure.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid sudden light changes; protect from harsh midday sun; provide bright light year-round.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry between waterings
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry out partially between waterings; avoid frequent shallow watering.
Soil
well-draining, slightly alkaline soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; use organic matter sparingly.
Temperature
Prefers mild temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler temperatures down to 50°F (10°C) but avoids frost.
Protect from frost; avoid extreme heat; maintain moderate temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during active growth (spring and summer)
Fertilize only during active growth; use a balanced formula; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings (softwood or semi-hardwood) in late spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower needles.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Keep warm and bright.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is developing.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (70–75°F or 21–24°C), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand; or cactus/succulent potting mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use fresh cuttings; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches; light shaping cuts to maintain form.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant to maintain form; remove dead or diseased branches; encourage denser growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp knife, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead/diseased wood; shape evenly; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; place in slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter, allowing soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or browning of needles; needle drop; stunted growth; bud drop.
Cold Stress
Prolonged exposure to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause root damage and needle discoloration; frost can kill tender new growth.
Solution: Move container plants indoors or to a sheltered location before frost; provide frost cloth protection in mild freezes; ensure good air circulation to prevent cold dampness.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat above 85°F (29°C) can cause wilting, needle scorch, and reduced growth; heat stress weakens the plant, making it susceptible to pests.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates; increase watering frequency to keep soil moist but not waterlogged; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid over-fertilization; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Juniperus cedrus. The plant's compounds can cause irritation, but severe poisoning is uncommon in felines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Juniperus cedrus can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The berries and needles contain compounds that may irritate the digestive tract, though severe toxicity is rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicJuniperus cedrus, commonly known as Azores Juniper, contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and allergic reactions in humans. The berries and needles are the primary toxic parts, with the berries being more concentrated in irritant compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Juniperus cedrus suitable for indoor cultivation?
A: No, it is best suited for outdoor landscapes due to its size and growth habits.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: Is Juniperus cedrus toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Cupressaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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