Juniperus media Mint Julep

Juniperus x media 'Mint Julep' is a lovely variety of Juniper obtained through cross-breeding. Its main attraction lies in the colour of its delicate foliage, a beautiful mint green that lightens at the tips of the branches. These branches are arranged in layers, giving a spread-out tabular appearance to this conifer. Wider than it is tall, it can be placed in flower beds or as a standalone on a short grass lawn. Hardy and resilient, it adapts to most growing conditions.

Belonging to the Cupressaceae family, like Chamaecyparis, Thuja, and Cupressus, Juniperus are widely used as ornamental plants, both as species and more often for their varieties and hybrids. This is the case with Juniperus x media, which is the result of a cross-breeding between J. chinensis, originating from Asia, and J. sabina, a creeping bush widespread in Asia, Europe, and North Africa. As for the 'Mint Julep' variety, it was obtained in 1960 by Monrovia Nurseries in the United States, which are among the largest in the world (with 4 production sites in different states, including the historic 240-hectare site in California!).

'Mint Julep' was selected for its foliage colour. The "Mint Julep" is an alcoholic cocktail from the southern United States that includes mint. This conifer indeed features mint green foliage that lightens towards the tips of the branches. Its delicate foliage, made up of fine non-spiny leaves, is arranged in successive tiers oriented outward. In 10 years, this bush reaches a spread of 2.5 m (8.2 ft) and a height of 1.5 m (4.9 m), and will ultimately grow up to 3 m (9.8 ft) wide. Its inconspicuous flowers produce small white-yellow berries. Extremely adaptable, it grows in almost all types of soils, from acidic to calcareous, dry to moderately moist, but especially well-drained. Resistant to cold (down to about -20° C (-4° F)), it is not affected by atmospheric pollution, making it a good plant for urban gardens. It can be planted in full sun or partial shade, which it tolerates better than other juniper varieties. Juniperus x media 'Mint Julep' is an ideal plant for beginners in gardening thanks to its robustness.

This conifer is a great choice for covering slopes, as it withstands drought well and its dense foliage leaves no room for unwanted weeds. It can also be used as a standalone on a short grass lawn or in flower beds alongside other plants. In challenging soil and humidity conditions, beautiful colour contrasts can be created by pairing it with purple bushes like Cotinus 'Royal Purple' or Physocarpus 'Diabolo'. Its beautiful mint green will also be enhanced by the proximity of golden or variegated yellow foliage, such as Buddleia 'Masquerade', which is also remarkable with its large panicles of violet flowers. A small Caryopteris 'Sterling Silver' with greyish foliage and blue flowers will create a gentle scene alongside our juniper.