Junipers ‘Kaizuka’ is a distinctive, sculptural evergreen with a twisted, irregular growth habit that gives it a striking appearance. Its sharp, needle-like foliage, rich green in color, often forms dense clusters. This slow-growing conifer is resilient and drought-tolerant, thriving in well-drained soils and preferring full sun exposure, conditions that enhance its twisted silhouette and ornamental value in landscapes.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Kaizuka are a fascinating shrub, endemic to China, Japan, Mongolia, and the Himalayas. From humble beginnings they quickly became a must-have for the Hollywood elite, sweeping through the gardens of Los Angeles neighbourhoods in the 1920s, and peaking in popularity in the late 1960s.
These Kaizuka can still be seen around California to this day, and have matured into magnificent specimens, contrasting beautifully with the white and pastel-coloured houses, hence Kaizuka being commonly known as “The Hollywood Juniper”. However, admiring the beauty of Kaizuka is not exclusive to Hollywood, with many famous English and European gardens utilizing the graceful and unusual angles of their artistically twisted branches.
Hollywood Juniper is a small, upright, evergreen tree or shrub in the Cupressaceae family that grows up to 20′-30′ high. This plant prefers the sun and has excellent heat and salt tolerance. It is pH adaptable and prefers moist, well-drained soils. Hollywood Juniper tolerates erosion and air pollution and is easily transplanted. This plant makes an excellent specimen or accent plant due to sculptural branching and the eye-catching strips that occur when the bark peels off. It has a slow to medium growth rate and works well planted as a privacy screen, windbreak, or in an Asian style garden. This plant has some pest and disease problems but it is resistant to damage by deer. It grows in a wide variety of soils including clay but does not tolerate wet soils.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Junipers ‘Kaizuka’ needs sufficient sunlight and can only grow normally with more than 4 hours of sunlight per day. If it’s planted under big trees or in any other shady environment, its growth slows, with sparse branches and yellowing leaves. It needs to be shaded on hot summer days to avoid sunburn.
Temperature
Junipers ‘Kaizuka’ is mainly distributed throughout the Northern temperate zone. It likes cool weather, but can also tolerate heat. Some species blossom multiple times a year in warm areas. It doesn’t require much air humidity and is somewhat drought-tolerant.
Watering
Originating from regions with temperate climates, junipers ‘Kaizuka’ has adapted to withstand periods of dryness, making it moderately drought-tolerant. This resilience is reflected in its watering needs; junipers ‘Kaizuka’ thrives when watered every week, ensuring a balance that supports its health without over-saturation. Commonly cultivated outdoors due to its robust nature, junipers ‘Kaizuka’ benefits significantly from the seasonal rainfall patterns, which complement its water cycle and contribute to the lush evergreen foliage characteristic of this species.
Soil
Junipers ‘Kaizuka’ can grow in all types of soils and has no requirements for soil pH. But it grows most robustly in loose, fertile soils with good water drainage. It has strong roots and can survive in dry, sandy lands and rock cracks, but cannot tolerate standing water.
Fertilizing
For junipers ‘Kaizuka’, use balanced nutrition fertilizers annually in early spring to support vigorous growth, with enhanced greening. Optimal quantity varies with size; refer to the specific product’s guideline. Over-fertilizing risks burn; under-fertilizing leads to weak development. In growth stages, juvenile junipers ‘Kaizuka’ benefits from more frequent feeding. Seasonal adjustments are key; reduce in fall to prepare junipers ‘Kaizuka’ for winter. When fertilizing, avoid direct contact with foliage and roots. Water soil before and after application to ensure nutrient absorption and prevent root damage.
Planting Instructions
To transplant, dig a planting pit with a layer of 4 to 6 cm organic manure on the bottom as the base fertilizer. Next, add a layer of soil on top of the manure to avoid the junipers ‘Kaizuka’ roots coming into direct contact with the fertilizer, so the highly concentrated fertilizer doesn’t dehydrate the roots. Place the plant into the pit, backfill the soil to fully cover the roots, and press the soil firmly. Water thoroughly.
Pruning
Junipers ‘Kaizuka’ doesn’t need much pruning. For a plumper look, prune top buds in daily care to promote the growth of lateral buds. In the winter, when the plant is dormant, prune old, dry, pest- and disease-infected branches. Trimming excessively dense branches can improve the plant’s internal ventilation and light permeability, and reduce the chance of pests and disease.
Propagation
Junipers ‘Kaizuka’ can be easily propagated by cuttings. To achieve the best results, select healthy, semi-hardwood stems from mature plants. Cut a segment of the stem ensuring it contains several nodes and remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes. Dipping the cut end in rooting hormone can enhance root development. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and maintain consistent moisture levels without waterlogging. Provide a stable environment with indirect light to encourage root growth.
Transplanting
The best time to transplant junipers ‘Kaizuka’ is during the season’s youthful vigor, ideally in the cradle of spring through to its zenith, or when winter’s touch begins to wane. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil, ensuring that junipers ‘Kaizuka’ can root firmly and spread its foliage beneath open skies. When moving junipers ‘Kaizuka’, be gentle, prioritizing root integrity to foster seamless acclimatization to its new home.
III. Uses and Benefits
The Hollywood Juniper is renowned for its versatility. They can be grown as a small tree, a specimen shrub left untrimmed, an informal hedge planting, look stunning when cloud pruned, and are a popular bonsai option for indoor gardeners. Cloud pruning is back on trend, and if you are looking for a cloud pruning option, then look no further than this Juniper. However, arguably, Kaizuka is most interesting when planted as an untrimmed shrub, with the room to grow and assume its sculptural form.
Popular design uses for Kaizuka including lining an entrance path, marking gateways (especially wrought iron gates or in front of classic brick walls), and along the side of homes in between windows. These plants are perfect for Japanese and Mediterranean-style gardens.
IV. Harvesting and Storage
When junipers ‘Kaizuka’ branches are harvested and placed in vases for viewing, they can last for 2 months. Early-morning harvest is best to avoid branches withering due to dehydration. Cut the branches off at a 45° inclined angle with a pair of sharp gardening scissors and quickly put them in clean water to prevent water loss.