Savin juniper (Juniperus sabina)

Savin juniper

Features and Characteristics

Juniperus sabina, commonly known as savin juniper, is a shrubby evergreen conifer that is native to mountain areas of central and southern Europe to the Caucusus. It is usually seen in the wild as a spreading shrub to 4-6′ tall and to 5-10′ wide. Foliage is dark green with no purplish color in winter. Crushed foliage releases an unpleasant aroma. Brown bark on mature stems peels in strips. Although species plants are rarely sold in commerce (not particularly ornamental), a number of cultivated varieties have become popular ornamental landscape plants. Sabin juniper leaves come in two types: scale-like (adult) and awl/needle-like (juvenile). Cones (pollen and seed-bearing) usually appear on different plants. Male plants produce catkin-like pollen cones. Female plants produce fleshy, berry-like, bluish-black seed cones.

Genus name comes from the Latin name for the juniper.

Specific epithet comes from the name of an ancient people who lived in central Italy, the Sabines.

Care and Maintenance

Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerant of a wide variety of soils including clay. Also grows well on limestone soils. Intolerant of wet soils. Tolerant of some drought once established. Also tolerant of many city air pollutants.

Savin juniper (Juniperus sabina) Requirements

Hardiness zone	3 - 7
Sun light	Full sun
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

Savin 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. Occasional insect pests include aphids, bagworms, webworms, borers and scale. Watch for spider mites.

Uses

Group or mass in sunny landscape areas. Foundations. Small garden areas or rock gardens. Hedge. Slopes for erosion control. Japanese gardens.

Savin juniper (Juniperus sabina) Details

Common name	Savin juniper
Botanical name	Juniperus sabina
Plant type	Needled evergreen
Family	Cupressaceae
Hardiness zone	3 - 7
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	Non-flowering
Flowering period	Non-flowering
Height	4 - 6 ft.
Width	5 - 10 ft.