Light. Needs full sun and open space. It grows best with sun most of the day.
Water. Water regularly while it establishes. After that it is drought tolerant and handles heat; never keep the soil wet.
Soil and feeding. It tolerates a wide range of soils, including poor ones, and prefers dry, sandy soil. It does not tolerate wet soil. In a container, use a well-drained potting soil.
Size. Trained as a standard tree, it reaches about 4 ft. It grows slowly.
Pruning. Japanese garden juniper tolerates severe pruning, so the head of the standard is easy to keep shaped.
Problems to watch. Low junipers can struggle in Florida heat and humidity. Avoid overhead sprinklers, which encourage blight. Spider mites and root rot in wet soil are the other common problems.
Good to know. It is moderately salt tolerant. The needles are prickly and can irritate skin, so wear gloves when trimming.
Sources: NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: Juniperus procumbens 'Nana' · NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: Juniperus procumbens · UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County: Picture perfect parson's
