Juniperus Communis Compressa Juniper Compressa

Juniperus Communis Compressa is an RHS AGM winning dwarf evergreen conifer that’s popular in the UK. It’s pencilled formed, very narrowly conical and over ten years only reaches a height of 50 centimetres. It’s an excellent low-maintenance evergreen for rockeries, slopes, banks, and containers.

Juniper Communis is one of the most widespread evergreen conifers. It grows in most of the northern hemisphere, thriving on chalkland, rocky soils, and moors. It’s a naturally low-growing shrub with scented needles and a reputation for deterring witches.

Common Juniper’s cultivar Juniperus Communis Compressa is one of the most popular varieties for gardens. It’s commonly known as Noah’s Ark Juniper. It retains common juniper’s attributes, but is much better suited to gardens because it is narrow and remains compact throughout its life.

This dwarf conifer has light green needles with white lines on branches that form an upright narrow cone. New foliage emerges light, but matures to match the rest of the shrub over summer. When rubbed, the foliage is freshly aromatic and invigorating, but the foliage is a potential skin irritant.

Height and Spread of Juniperus Communis Compressa
This is a very low growing dwarf conifer that only reaches 50 centimetres tall by 15 centimetres wide over 10 years.

How Hardy Is Juniperus Communis Compressa
Noah’s Ark Juniper is very hardy and capable of withstanding UK winters, drought, and pollution if its roots are well drained.

How To Use Juniperus Communis Compressa
This dwarf juniper is a popular ‘backbone’ choice for a rockery due to its compact size. It suits drought-prone slopes, banks and poor soils too. Pair it with drought-proof grasses or succulents in dry spaces, Japanese rock gardens, coastal or low-maintenance front gardens.
It doesn’t flower, but this hardy dwarf juniper is excellent cover for wildlife and a mainstay in low-maintenance architectural gardens because it naturally grows in a short dense cone without any fuss.
You can grow Juniper Compressa in a trough or container, though it will require water in hot spells. 

How To Care For Juniperus Communis Compressa
Easy to grow and care for, this low-growing conifer will thrive in the majority of well-drained soil, including chalk and sand. Choose a free draining position in full sun to partial shade and fill the planting hole with well-rotted organic matter. Be sure to water it regularly until new growth appears. Pruning is not required.
A yearly top-up organic mulch around its roots will help keep a dwarf conifer in tip-top shape.