Common juniper

A rock garden classic, growing slowly to make a neat, naturally compact grey green column that does not scorch even in hot dry sunny situations. Its good looks and rugged temperament make it ideal for difficult situations few other conifers would endure - shallow alpine troughs, for example, where it stays smaller than normal due to root restriction. However it is also superb in a rock garden or raised bed, on a hot dry bank and similar situations. Team it with prostrate forms and drought tolerant grasses and rock plants to make a feature. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).