Flaky Juniper

Flaky juniper (Juniperus squamata) is a low-growing evergreen conifer with flaky brown bark and blue-green, needle-like foliage. It is native to the Himalaya and western China and forms a broad, spreading shrub ([Royal Horticultural Society](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/9625/juniperus-squamata/details)). ## Landscape Use The Royal Horticultural Society profile gives a mature height range of about 0.1–0.5 metres and a spread of 1.5–2.5 metres. The foliage is glaucous and the glossy, berry-like cones appear from winter into early spring. This broad, low habit can cover ground in gravel gardens, borders, and hot sunny sites. The species is variable, so its habit and measurements should not be treated as a uniform upright tree form. ## Growing Conditions Grow in full sun or partial shade and in well-drained soil; the RHS lists chalk, clay, loam, and sand and notes drought resistance. Its hardiness rating on the RHS page uses the United Kingdom's H7 scale, so no USDA zone is inferred from that rating. Family is Cupressaceae. ## Maintenance The RHS says no pruning is required. Choose a freely draining site, water during establishment, and avoid keeping the roots wet. Remove only damaged growth if needed. [Royal Horticultural Society](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/9625/juniperus-squamata/details)