How to Grow Taylor Juniper - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Taylor juniper is a species of juniper that is native to western North America. It is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that typically grows to 15-20 m (49-66 ft) tall. The leaves are needle-like, 2-3 cm (0.8-1.2 in) long, and blue-green in color. The cones are berry-like, 3-4 cm (1.2-1.6 in) in diameter, and blue-black in color. The taylor juniper is an important plant in the western North American landscape. It is a keystone species in many ecosystems and provides habitat for a variety of animals. The taylor juniper is also an important source of food and shelter for many birds and small mammals.

How to Grow Taylor Juniper - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Bailey's juniper
  • Creeping juniper
  • juniperus scopulorum
  • Mountain juniper
  • Rocky Mountain juniper

Good to Know

  • The Taylor juniper (Juniperus virginiana var. Taylorii) is a medium-sized evergreen tree native to the southeastern United States.
  • It typically grows to 20-30 feet tall and 15-20 feet wide.
  • It has a pyramidal shape with a dense, upright growth habit.
  • The leaves are dark green, needle-like, and arranged in opposite pairs.
  • The male and female cones are on separate trees.
  • The male cones are yellow and produce pollen, while the female cones are blue-black and produce the seeds.
  • The Taylor juniper is an important food source for many wildlife species, including deer, rabbits, and quail.
  • It is also used as a decorative tree in landscapes.
  • The Taylor juniper is susceptible to several diseases and pests, including scale, juniper twig blight, and Phomopsis blight.
  • It is considered to be an invasive species in some parts of the United States.

Growing Steps

  1. For taylor juniper, first step is to find a sunny spot in your yard that has well-drained soil.
  2. You will need to dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the container that your taylor juniper is currently in.
  3. Gently remove your taylor juniper from its current container and loosen the roots around the edges with your fingers.
  4. Place your taylor juniper into the hole you have dug, making sure that the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
  5. Fill in the hole with the excavated soil, tamping it down gently as you go.
  6. Once the hole is filled, water your taylor juniper deeply to help settle the roots.
  7. For the first year, water your taylor juniper on a weekly basis, making sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
  8. Fertilize your taylor juniper in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
  9. Prune your taylor juniper in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful taylor juniper!

The Soil

About soil condition, the taylor juniper grows in a range of soils, from rocky hillsides to sandy washes. It is tolerant of both alkaline and acidic soils, as well as of drought and seasonally wet conditions. In general, this tree requires little supplemental water once established.

About light

Similar to other junipers, the Taylor juniper needs full sun to partial shade to thrive. It's a good idea to plant this tree in an area that gets at least six hours of sun each day. It's also important to make sure the tree has good drainage. If the soil is too wet, the roots will rot.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature is one of the most important environmental conditions for the growth of Juniperus virginiana. The tree is not drought tolerant, and it is very sensitive to changes in temperature. The tree is most commonly found in the eastern United States, where the climate is more moderate. The tree prefers bright, sunny conditions and well-drained soils. It is not tolerant of shade, and it does not do well in dry, sandy soils.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 to 60%. They are drought tolerant and can withstand long periods of time without water. However, if the leaves start to turn brown and drop off, then it is an indication that the plant is not getting enough water.

Fertilizing

About fertilizer, this plant doesn't need much. In fact, too much fertilizer will burn the roots and damage the plant. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring is all that's needed. As for the roots, they're very shallow so be careful when you're watering.

About light

Pruning is a critical part of keeping a taylor juniper plant healthy and looking its best. Without proper pruning, the plant can become overgrown and unattractive. Pruning also helps to encourage new growth and keep the plant from becoming too leggy.

About Propagating

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. The most common method of propagation for Taylor Juniper is by seed. Seeds can be collected from the wild or purchased from a nursery. To propagate by seed, the seeds must be sown in a well-drained medium and kept at a temperature of 21-32 degrees Celsius. Seedlings typically emerge within four to six weeks. Once the seedlings have reached a height of 15-20 cm, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate studies have been done in the western United States, where the species is most common. Growth rates vary depending on moisture, elevation, and soil type, but are generally slow. In a study done in southern Utah, the average height growth rate for taylor juniper was just under 1 cm per year (0.8 cm/yr). However, the average width growth rate was much higher, at almost 7 cm per year (6.7 cm/yr). This means that taylor junipers tend to grow wider than they do tall.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are leaf spot, rust, needle blight, and root rot. These problems are often due to too much moisture or poor drainage. To prevent these problems, make sure to plant taylor juniper in well-drained soil and water only when necessary.

Basics of Growing

  • If you're growing taylor juniper indoors, make sure to give it plenty of bright light.
  • Keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
  • Feed your taylor juniper a balanced fertilizer every few weeks.
  • Pinch back the new growth to encourage a fuller plant.
  • When your taylor juniper is about a foot tall, you can start shaping it into the desired form.
  • Once it reaches the desired size, you can begin trimming it to keep it neat and tidy.
  • If you notice any yellowing leaves, it's likely due to too much sun or heat. Move your taylor juniper to a cooler location.
  • If spider mites are a problem, treat them with an insecticidal soap.
  • Watch for scale insects and treat them with an appropriate pesticide.
  • Enjoy your healthy and attractive taylor juniper

Alternative Plants

  • Cossonus: cossonus (TAYLOR juniper)
  • Chamaecyparis thyoides (juniper)
  • Juniperus cephalonica (TAYLOR juniper)
  • Juniperus drupacea (TAYLOR juniper)
  • Juniperus foetidissima (TAYLOR juniper)
  • Juniperus formosana (TAYLOR juniper)
  • Juniperus lusitanica (TAYLOR juniper)
  • Juniperus macrocarpa (TAYLOR juniper)
  • Juniperus oxycedrus (TAYLOR juniper)
  • Juniperus pingii (TAYLOR juniper)

Source:
Taylor's Education Group
Taylor's University | Top 284 and 1% in the world.
Study - Taylors University

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Trees Category