Description

Juniperus Spartan is a superb, naturally narrow and upright juniper prized for its dense, rich-green, scale-like foliage and crisp, architectural form. Reaching 15–20 feet tall yet only 4–6 feet wide, it makes a refined vertical accent, a tidy formal hedge, or a low-maintenance screen. Heat and drought tolerant once established, this wind-pollinated conifer keeps its color year-round and needs only light shaping to maintain its columnar silhouette.

Suggested Uses

• Narrow hedge or privacy screen
• Formal entry or garden accent
• Topiary and patio containers
• Driveway or avenue plantings
• Foundation planting for vertical interest
• Windbreaks (with spacing)
• Mixed conifer borders
• Low-water landscapes

Plant Details

Botanical Name

Juniperus Spartan (often listed as Juniperus chinensis ‘Spartan’)

Common Name

Spartan Juniper

Size & Growth

Columnar; typically 15–20 ft tall and 4–6 ft wide; ~12–18 in of new growth annually in good conditions.

Hardiness Zones

USDA Zones 4–9 (cold-hardy and heat tolerant with adequate moisture and drainage).

Foliage Type

Evergreen; dense, scale-like sprays; deep green year-round with aromatic resinous scent when crushed.

Bloom Time

Not grown for flowers; inconspicuous pollen/seed cones in spring.

Growth Rate

Fast for a conifer; maintains tight, upright habit with minimal training.

Light Requirements

Full sun (6+ hours). Tolerates light shade but may become more open or lean.

Attracts Pollinators

No. Wind-pollinated conifer; not a nectar or pollen source for bees and butterflies.

Indoor Friendly

Not suitable as a long-term indoor plant; best outdoors year-round within hardiness zones.

Container Friendly

Yes, in large containers with excellent drainage; ideal for patio/topiary; water and feed more regularly than in-ground plants.

Deer Resistant

Generally deer resistant; occasional browsing is uncommon.

Pet Warning

Foliage/berries may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if eaten; discourage chewing (not culinary juniper).

Fragrant

Yes—pleasant resinous aroma when foliage is brushed or cut.

Cut Flower

Not a cut flower, but cut evergreen sprigs are excellent for winter arrangements and wreaths.

Grows Well With

Lavender, rosemary, salvia, sedum, barberry, spirea, yarrow, dwarf pines, and ornamental grasses in full sun and well-drained soils.

Care Tips

Planting Instructions

Site in full sun. Dig a hole 2–3× the width of the root ball and no deeper. Loosen circling roots, set the root flare at or slightly above grade, backfill with native soil, and water thoroughly to settle.

Soil Moisture

Keep evenly moist the first season; then water deeply but infrequently. Drought tolerant once established. Avoid soggy or waterlogged soils.

Soil Type

Well-drained sandy or loamy soils are ideal. Tolerant of slightly acidic to slightly alkaline pH. In heavy clay, amend or plant on a raised berm for drainage.

Humidity

Handles dry air well. Provide good air circulation and avoid frequent overhead watering to limit fungal blights in humid climates.

Pruning Instructions

Minimal pruning needed. Lightly shear in late winter to early spring to refine shape. Do not cut into leafless old wood. Remove dead or diseased branches promptly; sanitize tools between cuts.

Winter Care

Water deeply before the ground freezes. Mulch 2–3 in, keeping mulch off the trunk. In exposed sites, consider a burlap windbreak to reduce desiccation; limit exposure to de-icing salt spray.

Planting Depth

Set the top of the root ball level with surrounding soil; never bury the trunk flare. In containers, match nursery depth and ensure drainage holes are unobstructed.

Fertilization

Light feeder. Apply a balanced, slow-release evergreen/conifer fertilizer in early spring only if growth is sparse; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the season.

Special Care

Ensure excellent drainage and spacing (approx. 3–5 ft apart for hedges). Monitor for bagworms, spider mites, and Phomopsis blight. Prefer drip irrigation; stake only during the first season if windy.