Juniperus communis Hibernica

Juniperus communis 'Hibernica', or common juniper of Ireland, is a tall bush with slow to medium growth. It stands as a relatively narrow column, with very dense and erect branches. Its evergreen foliage has a beautiful silver-blue colour in summer and brownish-green in winter. Hardy, adaptable to the soil, and enjoying the sun and tolerating partial shade, it is an easy plant to grow in the garden. Its architectural habit will be highlighted in isolated planting or in a row, but it can also integrate well into a bed or hedge.

Juniperus communis is an evergreen and spiny conifer belonging to the Cupressaceae family, which also includes related species such as cypresses and Chamaecyparis. It is native to northern Europe, North America, and Asia Minor. In its natural environment, it has a fairly variable habit, cone-shaped or spreading, reaching heights of 6 m (19.7 ft) and widths of 3 m to 4.5 m (9.8 ft to 14.5 ft). This species prefers poor, sandy and/or limestone soils and is not afraid of arid conditions.

'Hibernica', derived from this species, is an already ancient variety, selected in the first half of the 19th century, and cultivated to this day due to its numerous qualities. This Irish juniper forms a beautiful narrow columnar bush after 10 years, measuring approximately 3.5 m (11.5 ft) in height with a spread of 90 cm to 100 cm (2.9 ft to 3.3 ft). It grows slowly at first, about 20 cm (7.9 in) in height in the first year, then more rapidly (30 cm (11.8 in) or more after 2 years when well rooted). At maturity, it can reach a height of 5 m (16.4 ft) with a width of 1.4 m (4.6 ft). The foliage consists of small pointed leaves measuring 5 mm to 7 mm (0.2 in to 0.3 in), but not very prickly. They are inserted on very dense branches with an upright tip. Its colour is a lovely silver green, with a bluish hue. Inconspicuous flowering is followed in autumn by green fruits turning blue-black.

The great adaptability of this juniper allows it to thrive in most soils, even if poor, neutral, or slightly acidic. Once established, it withstands drought well but also tolerates a moist soil, provided it is well-drained as it does not like excess water. It prefers full sun but can tolerate a few hours of shade per day. Very hardy (-25° C (-13° F)), it is an easy plant to grow and will suit most gardens.

'Hibernica' is a hardy and elegant conifer that can be adopted without reservation in the garden for its perfect habit and density. With its slow to medium growth, it will work wonders when planted alone, on a slope, in a large rockery, or planted in groups of 3 specimens in a bed along with lower conifers with a rounded or bushy habit. 
Plant with Taxus baccata 'Summergold' with its golden foliage and spreading habit, and Cotinus coggygria Golden Lady, a smoke tree with foliage that can be either golden or orange, whose rounded shape and practically orbicular leaves will contrast with the juniper's dense and fine foliage.

The visual qualities of dwarf conifers naturally shine in the design of a contemporary garden, which values the aesthetics of shapes, silhouettes, and textures over the fleeting beauty of flowers. These plants, with their reassuring permanence, provide long-lasting structure to flower beds. They mark pathways and border terraces, easily replacing the strong presence of trimmed boxwood or holly. It can be pruned into topiary to accentuate its natural spindle shape and be paired with other sculpted or graphic plants, such as Berberis 'Apricot Queen' with its small dark green leaves and its very particular geometric shape, and especially with flowers of an absolutely fascinating orange colour.