My Garden
| Category | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennial plant | |
| Medicinal Usage | Medicinal Usage | |
| Estimated Plant Lifespan | 150 years lifespan | |
| Sun Requirements | 6+ hours direct sunlight (Full Sun) | |
| Pollination | Method: wind | |
| Watering Requirements | Frequency: Water deeply when soil is dry, especially during establishment. Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant and needs minimal watering. Notes: Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. | |
| Humidity Requirements | Level: Low | |
| Cleaning Requirements | Prune lightly to maintain shape and remove dead or diseased branches. Avoid heavy pruning, as it can damage the plant. | |
| Temperature Range | Min: -18°C Max: 38°C | |
| Alternative Names | sweet-berried juniper, desert white cedar |
Ponderosa pines, when mature, can outcompete California Juniper for resources like sunlight and water, potentially suppressing its growth.
Spider mites are tiny pests that suck sap from the needles, causing yellowing, bronzing, and eventual needle drop. Look for fine webbing on the plant.
Juniper scale are small, white, scale-like insects that attach themselves to the twigs and needles, sucking sap. Heavy infestations can cause yellowing, stunting, and dieback.
Steps:
- Collect seeds from mature berries in the fall.
- Stratify seeds by storing them in a cool, moist environment (e.g., refrigerator) for several months to break dormancy.
- Sow seeds in well-draining soil in spring.
- Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until germination.
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer or early fall.
- Dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
- Place cuttings in a well-draining propagation mix.
- Keep the cuttings moist and in a humid environment until rooted.
Neem Oil
Effective against spider mites and juniper scale.
Diatomaceous Earth
Can be used as a physical barrier against crawling pests.