Juniperus phoenicea
Mediterranean juniper with grey-green foliage and aromatic balsams. Highly adapted to dry climates.
The Phoenicean juniper (Juniperus phoenicea) needs a full sun position with at least 6 hours of direct light per day, in well-drained and preferably dry soil, as it is highly drought-tolerant and requires only sparse watering once established. It is a very hardy plant, resistant to temperatures down to -12 °C, making it ideal for Mediterranean outdoor gardens with no need for winter protection. Plant it in autumn or spring in poor or stony substrate, avoiding compact or waterlogged soils that can cause root rot. It requires very little maintenance: avoid over-fertilising, and bear in mind that it has mild toxicity, so caution is advised in gardens with children or pets.