What soil does Irish juniper grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, calcareous, acidic.

Is Irish juniper hardy?

Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Irish juniper toxic to children?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to children.

How far from the house should Irish juniper be planted?

Plant it at least 2 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

How much water does Irish juniper need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

Irish juniper

Juniperus communis 'Hibernica'

Irish juniper (Juniperus communis 'Hibernica') is a shrub. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Mildly toxic to children.

Illustration of Irish juniper — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A dense, blue-green needled column that grows slowly, so it stays in proportion for years even in a small garden or rock garden. It is happiest in sun on poor, even sandy or chalky soil and tolerates drought well, though it loses density in part shade. The needles are prickly, so keep it a step back from paths and play areas.

Watch out for

Scale insects can do serious damage, especially in polluted city air, and in hot, dry sites pests and diseases weaken it more easily. Rust and twig blight occur, and root rot in waterlogged soil. Snow can splay older columns, and browned, bare inner parts do not regrow.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Low
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 2 m × 50 cm
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Evergreen

All details

Group	Shrub
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	2 m × 50 cm
Ultimate size	3–5 m × 0.6–2 m
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	no data
Harvest	September–October
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 2 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	80 cm
For dogs	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For children	Mildly toxic
Typical price	no data

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 17, 2026 · How our data is made

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Shrubs for part shade Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant shrubs Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Evergreen plants Plants for containers Low-maintenance shrubs

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