Juniperus chinensis 'Torulosa' (Torulosa Chinese Juniper)

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USDA Hardiness Zone: 5B - 11
Mature Height: 10 to 15 ft
Mature Spread: 6 to 10 ft
Growth Rate: Moderate
Availability: Generally available
Drought Tolerance: High
Salt Tolerance: High
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial sun.
Native Origin: Not native to North America. Non-invasive.
Soil Drainage: Needs a well-drained site.
Foliage: Evergreen tree with no showy fall color.
Flowers: None.
Pests: Free of serious pests and diseases, but mites and bagworms can infest the foliage and it is susceptible to root rot and bacterial blight.

Description: Torulosa Chinese Juniper grows into a narrow cone shape when young, then opens up as the plant ages. Although the main body of its foliage is as thick as if it had been sheared, delicately twisted, upright branches emerge gracefully all around the plant, in almost a flame-like manner. It may grow to 15 feet tall in 15 years, perhaps leaning to one side in a picturesque manner.

Do not expect a row of them to provide a uniform shape since crown form varies. Torulosa Chinese Juniper develops into a showcase specimen without pruning and is probably best used for this purpose. Planted on four to six-foot centers, it can develop into a thick screen which could be useful along a driveway, where a narrow, bright green screen is often needed to create privacy.

Growing best in full sun, more open in partial shade, Torulosa Chinese Juniper needs well-drained soil or it will decline from root rot. It tolerates alkaline soil and is quite drought-tolerant but root regeneration is slow after transplanting from a field nursery. It is frequently offered in containers from a nursery.

Gaisnesville Observations: Trees have grown well following planting and should make a good candidate for planting near power lines. Bright green foliage of Chinese junipers always appears refreshing in the summer heat. No pests have affected any of our plants.

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