Savin Juniper Juniperus sabina 'Skandia'

Savin Juniper is a low growing needled evergreen conifer shrub and a female cultivar of J. sabina in the cypress family, a genus that is native to Europe. Like most of the J. sabina family, Savin Juniper is a wide spreading plant reaching a height of 18 inches and a width of 10 feet at maturity. The bright green scale-like foliage is attractive, especially in winter and, when crushed, gives of an aroma that is unpleasant to some. As a female cultivar, it produces bluish-black, fleshy seed cones.

It is easy to grow in full sun, with average water requirements, in well-drained soil. Once established, the plant is tolerant of a wide variety of soils, except for poorly drained ones. It is drought tolerant and grows well on limestone soils. It is, however, intolerant of wet soils.

This plant's hardiness, coupled with its low habit and large spread make it useful in a rock garden, on slopes for erosion control and as a ground cover. It is not considered particularly ornamental, compared to some junipers, and can be hard to find in commerce; however, it can be useful as a landscape plant.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: Susceptible to tip and needle blights. Root rot may occur, particularly in wet, poorly drained soils. Canker may attack bark or main stems. Occasional insect pests include aphids, bagworms, webworms, borers and scale. Watch for spider mites.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common juniper diseases and insect pests.