Compact Pfitzer Juniper Juniperus x pfitzeriana 'Pfitzeriana Compacta'
- Phonetic Spelling
- jew-NIP-er-us fit-zair-ee-AY-nuh
- Description
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Juniperus x pfitzeriana 'Pfitzeriana Compacta' or compact Pfitzer juniper is an evergreen conifer shrub of the Pfitzer Group that has a dense, low-growing, compact habit, growing 3 to 4 feet tall and equally as wide. It has graceful, feathery, gray-green foliage that provides year-round interest. The leaves are scale-like, and its juvenile leaves are awl-shaped or needle-like. The hybrid, Juniperus x pfitzeriana, is native to Northern China and was introduced at the Spath Nursery in Germany in the 1890s. It is a cross between Juniperus chinensis and Juniperus sabina. The hybrid was named in honor of Wilhelm Pfitzer, who owned Spath Nursery. The Pfitzer Group includes this selection 'Pfitzeriana Compacta' as well as many others. It was developed as a low-maintenance shrub to control erosion and serve as a foundation planting or groundcover.
Prefers full sun and well-drained, organically rich, sandy, loamy, rocky, neutral soil. It is hardy in zones 4 through 9. It has excellent drought tolerance once established. It is poor-soil-tolerant; however, it is intolerant of wet soils. Prune only to remove dead or broken stems as needed.
Consider mass plantings to provide a low screen and erosion control. This evergreen will provide color as a foundation planting or border in all four seasons.
Quick ID Hints:
- 95% scale leaves, 5% juvenile awl leaves, grayish-green in color
- Tiny, male cones appear at branch tips
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Known for its insect and disease resistance.
The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common juniper diseases and insect pests.
- See this plant in the following landscape :
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Juniperus
- Family:
- Cupressaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Fire Risk Rating:
- high flammability
- Wildlife Value:
- Fruits attract birds.
- Play Value:
- Screening
- Wildlife Cover/Habitat
- Wildlife Food Source
- Dimensions:
- Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Ground Cover
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Needled Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Dense
- Erect
- Spreading
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Coarse
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Shallow Rocky
- Soil pH:
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Occasionally Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- 3 feet-6 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Description:
- Separate male and female plants. The male cones are tiny, dark brown, and appear at branch tips. The female cones are whitish-blue to brown..
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Flowers:
- Flower Description:
- Non-flowering
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Needled Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Gray/Silver
- Green
- Leaf Type:
- Needles
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- 95% of leaves are scale leaves, while the other 5% are juvenile awl leaves. Leaves are gray-green in color.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Small Space
- Walkways
- Landscape Theme:
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Rock Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Foundation Planting
- Hedge
- Mass Planting
- Screen/Privacy
- Specimen
- Attracts:
- Songbirds
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Drought
- Heat
- Humidity
