Water
Water regularly when the top inch of soil is dry, especially during hot, dry periods. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Reduce watering in winter when growth slows.
Also known as Himalayan Juniper · Nepalese Juniper · Scale-Leaf Juniper
Flaky Juniper (Juniperus squamata) is a low-growing evergreen conifer with needle-like foliage, often used as groundcover or in rock gardens.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers full sun for best growth and color, but tolerates partial shade. Protect from intense afternoon sun in very hot climates.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Drought tolerant once established, but benefits from consistent moisture.
Well-drained, Sandy, Loamy
50% intensity
Hardy
50% intensity
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures, hardy in USDA zones 4-8. Protect from extreme heat and frost.
Low
25% intensity
Feed once in spring with an evergreen fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly when the top inch of soil is dry, especially during hot, dry periods. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Reduce watering in winter when growth slows.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to shape the plant, remove dead or damaged branches, and maintain desired size. Avoid cutting back into old wood as it may not regrow.
Light shaping can be done lightly in summer.
Propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or early autumn. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining potting mix. Keep them moist and in a sheltered location until they root.
Repot young plants every 2-3 years in spring, or when they become root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a blend of potting soil and coarse sand. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Flaky Juniper (Juniperus squamata)
Where Flaky Juniper (Juniperus squamata) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Genus | Juniperus |
| Species | Juniperus squamata |
Similar in genus Juniperus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
