San Jose Chinese Juniper

San Jose Chinese Juniper (Juniperus chinensis 'San Jose')

San Jose Chinese Juniper (Juniperus chinensis 'San Jose') is a rugged, fast-growing evergreen shrub with a broad, mounding form and rich bluish-green foliage. Known for its durability and adaptability, this cultivar is widely used in foundation plantings, slopes, and mass plantings where tough, low-maintenance coverage is essential.

Distinctive Features

'San Jose' grows 2 to 3 feet tall and spreads 6 to 10 feet wide, forming a dense, horizontal mass with slightly ascending branch tips. The foliage is a steely blue-green that bronzes slightly in winter, offering subtle seasonal variation. Its spreading habit and sturdy constitution make it a reliable choice for erosion control and large-scale plantings in both residential and commercial landscapes.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained soil; tolerates clay, sand, and poor soils
• Water: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4�9

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Wide-spreading form and blue-green color create bold contrast in open beds
• Groundcover: Quickly blankets large areas with dense, evergreen texture
• Slopes and Banks: Excellent for stabilizing soil and preventing erosion
• Foundation Planting: Adds broad structure and year-round greenery
• Mass Plantings: Reliable and uniform for expansive coverage in commercial sites

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water regularly during establishment; drought tolerant with deep roots once mature
• Pruning: May be trimmed to control spread or maintain shape
• Fertilizing: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring
• Mulching: Helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
• Pest Resistance: Generally pest-free and resistant to deer

Why Choose San Jose Chinese Juniper?

• Fast Growth: Quickly fills large spaces with dense, evergreen coverage
• Blue-Green Foliage: Offers subtle color and texture year-round
• Adaptable and Durable: Performs well in harsh, dry, and poor soil conditions
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established
• Focal Point: Stands out with its spreading habit and cool-toned foliage in sunny landscapes

Juniperus chinensis 'San Jose' combines fast growth, rugged resilience, and attractive evergreen color, making it a practical solution for covering ground, controlling erosion, and adding reliable structure in a wide range of settings.