Pfitzer Group Juniperus x pfitzeriana

A wide-spreading, compact, evergreen shrub in the Cupressaceae family that works well as a hedge, a foundation planting, or in a rock garden. Some cultivars remain short enough to serve as a spreading groundcover.  Juniperus x pfitzeriana is a hybrid that includes certain cultivars that are crosses between Juniperus chinensis and Juniperus sabina.  The foliage has scale-like leaves and is fragrant when crushed. The branches, which stand at a 45-degree angle from the trunk, provide winter interest as they stay green throughout the season. 

Juniperus x pfitzeriana prefers a site with average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun.  It tolerates a variety of conditions from urban to seaside such as drought, erosion, dry, shallow-rocky, or clay soil, and air pollution.  However, it is intolerant of wet soils.  Pruning helps to maintain its compact habit.  It is seldom damaged by deer.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease problems. Occasional insect pests include aphids, bagworms, webworms, and scale. Junipers are generally susceptible to tip and needle blights. Cedar-apple rust and related rust diseases spend part of their life cycle on junipers. Root rot may occur, particularly in wet, poorly drained soils. Canker may attack bark or main stems. 

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