Spanish juniper (Juniperus thurifera)
Care, watering, light and tips for Spanish juniper on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Cupressaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 10 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Spanish juniper
Juniperus thurifera, also known as Spanish Juniper or Incense Juniper, is a medium to large coniferous tree native to the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa. It is characterized by its conical or pyramidal crown, dense gray-green foliage, and small, spherical cones. It's an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens, rockeries, or as a specimen tree in Mediterranean landscapes, adding a rustic yet elegant touch.
Native range
Western Mediterranean region (Spain, France, Morocco, and Algeria)
Care tips
It thrives in full sun exposure and well-drained soils, even poor or calcareous ones, tolerating drought once established. Watering should be moderate, especially in summer, avoiding waterlogging which can be detrimental. It doesn't require frequent pruning, only for shaping or removing dead branches. A common mistake is planting it in very wet soils or with insufficient light, which can weaken the plant and lead to diseases.
How to save a dying Spanish juniper
- Warning signs
- Brown, dry, brittle needles; internal foliage loss; dead branches.
- First aid
- Check drainage, prune dead branches, ensure adequate sun exposure and moderate watering.
- What kills it
- Overwatering, compacted soil, or lack of sun. Does not tolerate shade or waterlogging.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't rotted and green shoots exist. Requires patience and adjustments.