Chinese juniper and Common juniper are often considered for the same spot in the garden (specimen, screening). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Juniperus chinensis 2 m × 1 m after 10 years
A tough evergreen that takes full sun and fairly dry soil, sold in gardens as cultivars: slim cones, loose upright shrubs and wide spreading forms…
Juniperus communis 2.5 m × 80 cm after 10 years
A native, slow-growing evergreen with prickly needles and blue-black berry-like cones, planted in gardens mostly as its slender columnar cultivars for…
Chinese juniper grows faster than Common juniper.
Common juniper is hardier: down to -40 °C, against -34 °C for Chinese juniper.
Common juniper needs less water than Chinese juniper.
|
Feature
|
Chinese juniper
|
Common juniper
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shrub | Shrub |
| Size after 10 years | 2 m × 1 m | 2.5 m × 80 cm |
| Ultimate size | 1–8 m × 1–4 m | 1.5–8 m × 0.6–4 m |
| Growth rate | Medium | Slow |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Calcareous, Acidic | Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic, Clay |
| Hardiness | down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Water need | Medium | Low |
| Drought tolerance | High | High |
| Maintenance | Low | Low |
| Planting distance | 150 cm | 100 cm |
| For children | Mildly toxic (uncertain) | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €8 | approx. €8.50 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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