Shrub
Hollywood juniper
Juniperus chinensis 'Torulosa' · Cupressaceae
Also called: Twisted juniper, Torulosa juniper, Kaizuka juniper
Hollywood juniper (Juniperus chinensis 'Torulosa') is a low-water shrub well suited to Tucson and the low desert. It thrives in full sun, with a slow to moderate growth rate. Expect not ornamental (grown for foliage) blooms Insignificant.
Hollywood juniper at a glance
- Water use
- Low (established)
- Sun
- Full sun; tolerates reflected heat. Avoid deep shade, which causes thin, open growth.
- Mature size
- 10-15 ft tall and 6-10 ft wide; upright, irregular, spiraling habit.
- Growth rate
- Slow to moderate
- Bloom
- Not ornamental (grown for foliage), Insignificant; grown for evergreen foliage rather than flowers. Female plants may bear small blue-gray berry-like cones.
- Cold hardiness
- Very cold hardy (USDA Zone 5-10); no frost protection needed in Tucson. Heat and salt tolerant.
- Soil
- Adaptable to poor, rocky, sandy or alkaline desert soils; the key requirement is excellent drainage.
- Native range
- Cultivar of Chinese juniper, native to China, Mongolia, Japan and Korea
- Best used as
- Specimen / accent, Screen or corner planting, Topiary / sculptural form, Foundation planting
- Wildlife
- Dense evergreen foliage provides bird cover and nesting sites; berries (on female plants) eaten by some birds.
- Toxicity
- Low toxicity. Foliage and berries can cause mild stomach upset if eaten in quantity; sap may irritate skin in sensitive people. Generally considered safe around pets and children.
How to grow Hollywood juniper in Tucson & the low desert
Watering
Water deeply but infrequently once established; in Tucson irrigate roughly every 10-14 days in summer and every 3-4 weeks in winter, letting soil dry between waterings. Must have well-drained soil and never sit in standing water.
Fertilizer & nutrients
Light feeder. An optional application of a balanced or slow-release tree/shrub fertilizer in early spring is sufficient; over-fertilizing forces weak growth. Iron chelate can correct occasional chlorosis in alkaline desert soil.
Pruning & care
Minimal pruning; do not shear into a hedge. Selectively thin or tip-prune in late winter/early spring to enhance the natural twisted, sculptural form. Avoid cutting into bare old wood, which does not regenerate.
Notes
A tough, evergreen vertical accent valued for its twisting, flame-like form. Susceptible to spider mites in hot dry conditions (rinse foliage periodically) and to root rot in poorly drained or overwatered soil. Junipers are a known pollen allergen in Tucson.
Sources: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (Juniperus chinensis 'Torulosa'); Oregon State University Landscape Plants; University of Arizona Cooperative Extension