Juniperus sabina Variegata

The Juniperus sabina 'Variegata' is a variegated Sabine juniper with speckled foliage of cream to yellow macules. This evergreen conifer has a spreading and low habit, and this small bush has dense foliage that sprouts in all directions, and is not prickly. Its astonishing pigmentation could easily make you believe that it has been splashed with paint! It is a slow-growing conifer, but also an extremely hardy plant, perfectly adapted to wind, drought, and altitude. It enjoys full sun while tolerating partial shade and well-drained soil.

Also known as Sabine, Juniperus sabina is a montane species native to cold regions of Europe (Andalusia, Turkey, Alps, Balkans), North Africa (Algeria and Morocco), and Asia. It is found between 1400 and 2750 meters (4593 feet 2 inches and 9022 feet 4 inches) above sea level, but also in many parks and gardens in the plains where it has acclimated perfectly. It is an extremely hardy conifer (down to -40°C (-40 °F)) and remarkably vigorous, belonging to the Cupressaceae family, which also includes the genera Thuja, Chamaecyparis, and Cupressus.

'Variegata' forms a small bush with a spreading habit after about ten years, measuring from 50 cm (19.7 in) to 1 m (3 ft 4 in) in height, and 1 m (0 and 3 ft 4 in) to 1.50 m (4 ft 11 in) in width. The branches spread in all directions, inclined at 45° (113 °F) to the center of the plant, giving it a charmingly disheveled appearance. The foliage, fragrant when crushed, is slightly bluish green, and especially remarkable for its strange cream to yellow macules that speckle its surface on both sides, in a rather random manner.
With slow growth, this small conifer is a true tough plant, capable of enduring extreme cold, provided it is planted in well-drained soil. Resistant to wind and pollution, it will find its place in all small urban gardens. Not picky about the soil, it adapts to a fairly wide range of pH, from slightly acidic to alkaline (limestone), and is satisfied with a poor substrate. It is the ideal plant to start with in the garden!

This small juniper will be valuable in a rock garden or a mixed border, as well as in a decorative container. Its decorative foliage throughout the year will weave between rocks and can dress up an unsightly slope if planted in groups. It will be happily associated with other columnar conifers to play with volumes, or with coloured ones to create attractive contrasts. A golden yew 'David' with its upright habit will create a lovely evergreen scene with our low juniper. Purple is also a colour to try for a spectacular contrast, for example with the Berberis thunbergii Red Rocket with an upright habit, or the Physocarpus opulifolius All Black with almost black dark leaves.