Juniperus communis 'ARNOLD' common juniper

Arnold is a fascinating juniper variety of slim, columnar habit. It is closely related to another narrow variety called Compressa but grows slimmer and taller which is why it is a sought after plant for landscapes larger than rockeries or front yards.

Arnold juniper has short, medium green needles that are white underneath. Overall appearance is soft green. It grows medium fast, from about 20 cm to 30 cm in good soil per year. It needs no pruning nor a low-fat diet to remain so slim. This shape makes it an ideal choice for landscapes where you need a narrow and tall accent to balance up prostrate and mound-forming shrubs such as Japanese azaleas, box, and hebe.

Unfortunately, so far I have been unable to find the reason why it is called Arnold. Obviously, the breeder has nothing to do with the current governor of the richest US state California – Arnold Schwarzenegger. I would really like to know the breeder since he deserves a big thank-you from all of us here in the colder parts of Europe for bringing to life a hardy substitute of Italian cypress. Italian cypress is a typical plant of Tuscany and any picture describing that lovely part of Italy shows at least one such plant, however, it is too tender for our climate (zone 6). So if you are making a Mediterranean-style garden here, try Arnold juniper. You won’t go wrong.

Junipers are quite soil adaptable. They will grow almost everywhere provided the soil is well-drained. Full sun is best; wind, cold or snow is not an issue. It withstands heavy and wet snow without breakage or bending like other some other junipers with long and thin branches. Fully hardy to about -40°C (USDA zone 3).

Last update 28-12-2010