Hollywood Juniper
Juniperus chinensis 'Torulosa'
An evergreen conifer with twisted, irregular branches and dense, dark green scale-like foliage that creates a dramatic, sculpted appearance.
- Light
- Full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Water
- Low to moderate. Water deeply during prolonged dry spells, allowing the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Growth
- Evergreen shrub or small tree with an upright, irregular, and often twisting growth form. Reaches a mature height of 15 to 30 feet and a spread of 8 to 12 feet with a moderate growth rate.
Care instructions
Plant in a location with full sun and well-draining soil. Water deeply when newly planted to establish a deep root system, then reduce frequency as it develops drought tolerance. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Watering
Low to moderate. Water deeply during prolonged dry spells, allowing the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Soil
Prefers well-draining sandy, loamy, or clay soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH range of 6.0 to 8.0.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 5 through 9, exhibiting strong tolerance to heat and cold.
Growth habit
Evergreen shrub or small tree with an upright, irregular, and often twisting growth form. Reaches a mature height of 15 to 30 feet and a spread of 8 to 12 feet with a moderate growth rate.
Bloom season
Non-flowering
Propagation
Propagated primarily through semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or autumn, or from seeds which require stratification.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to twig blight, root rot in poorly draining soils, and spider mites during hot, dry weather. Prevent by ensuring proper spacing and good air circulation.
Similar species
Chinese Juniper (Juniperus chinensis), which has a more uniform and upright pyramidal shape compared to the distinctively twisted branches of the 'Torulosa' cultivar.