Hetzi Columnar Juniper

Juniperus chinensis ‘Hetzi Columnaris’

Plant Details

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 3a-9b Find Your Zone

Plant Type: Coniferous Evergreen

Height at Maturity: 15-20′

Width at Maturity: 4-5′

Spacing: 5′ for solid hedges; 7’+ for space between plants

Growth Habit / Form: Upright, Narrow Pyramid

Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast

Flower Color: None

Flower Size: NA

Flowering Period: NA

Flower Type: NA

Fragrant Flowers: No

Foliage Color: Rich Green

Fragrant Foliage: Yes

Berries: Yes

Berry Color: Bluish

Sun Needs: Full Sun or Mostly Sun

Water Needs: Very Low when established

Soil Type: Clay, Loam, Sandy, Silty

Soil Moisture / Drainage: Well Drained Moist or Dry

Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.5 (Moderately Acid to Slightly Alkaline)

Maintenance / Care: Very Low when left in it’s natural form

Attracts: Visual Attention

Resistances: Deer – more info, Disease, Drought, Dry Soil, Heat, Insect

Description

The Hetzi Columnar Juniper is a very handsome evergreen conifer. We’re not sure why it was named ‘Columnaris’ because its natural form is somewhat more of a narrow pyramid than a column. Regardless, this is one tough yet attractive juniper with many uses in the landscape. The foliage is a nice rich green color and aromatic, and bluish berries add extra appeal.

Landscape & Garden Uses

Growing 15-20 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide at maturity, the Hetzi Columnar Juniper is ideal for use as a privacy screen or wind buffer or to frame in the corners or entryways of tall homes or other structures. It shears well so is also suitable for spiral and poodle tier topiary and as a temporary indoor or permanent outdoor Christmas tree. A fine addition to the conifer garden, rock garden and Xeriscape (low water needs).

Spacing: 4′ for solid hedges and privacy screens; 10′ or more for space between plants

Growing Preferences

Hetzi Columnar Juniper grows best in a well-drained soil and as much sun as you can give it. It is exceptionally drought tolerant and low maintenance. Constantly soggy or wet soil is problematic. No pruning is necessary, however can be sheared a couple times a year for a more formal shape or for topiary.

Helpful Articles

Click on a link below to find helpful advice from our experts on how to plant, fertilize, prune and water Juniper trees.

How To Plant And Care For Juniper Trees

Privacy Screen Design & Planting Tips

Plant Long & Prosper!

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Questions? Contact Us

I am in Arizona (zone 9b) and purchased this juniper in October 2022. I put it in the ground right away, at the time it was about 2.5 ft tall. This spring it has taken off, adding about 4-6 inches of growth so far. You can see in the picture, the growth offshoots on the top of the plant and the sides. This is ‘spikier’ than I thought it would be, I imagined the juniper would be soft to the touch, and perhaps it’s my inexperience with the plant to have thought that, but I’ve discovered it’s quite a ‘pokey’ plant to the touch. I am pleased with my purchase!————————————-Thanks for the photo and the awesome review! And yes some Junipers are a little prickly. We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG