Juniperus Chinensis

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The Chinese Juniper belongs to the Cypress family and is a very popular and easy to care bonsai. It is originary from North-east Asia and mostly from China. If left to grow naturally, it reaches 50-60 feet tall with an upright conical form. It can live for hundreds of years. The bark is reddish-brown and shreds off in thin strips. The trunk also don't take too long to thicken.As with other Junipers, there are two kinds of leaves; juvenile leaves on young growth are wedge shaped needles with sharp points and borne in sets of two or three. Adult leaves are diamond shaped and arranged in four ranks overlapping flat on the twigs like fish scales. Its dark green needles are soft to the touch. The needles are so small, they are in scale with the rest of the tree and form tight, neat patches of foliage that is attractive year round. The foliage has to be pinched regularly, they develop quickly. Male and female cones are carried on separate plants. The female cones are fleshy, violet brown and berrylike.

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Hardiness zones 4-9, (-5°C, 25°F/ -32°C, -25°F) in Winter. Use standard soil mixture and well draining soil. Abundant watering, but let the soil dry almost completely between waterings. Tolerates full sun as well as half-shadow. He is also tolerant to heavy cold. This tree is forgiving for a few mistakes or negligence. Germination For faster germination, soak the seeds in slightly hot water for 24-48 hours, followed by 3 months cold stratification before sowing at 1/3" deep in sterile gardening soil. Keep damp soil, not soaking wet. Keep pot in warm situation 68-75°F. Germination usually occurs in 2-4 weeks. It can be a lot more depending on their degree of unbroken dormancy, don't lose faith. Cold stratification This will break their dormancy. It creates a cold and moist environment for the seeds. Mixed in seeds with slightly moistened vermiculite or peat, only damp in a ziplock bag. Close zip bag shut and store it in the salad crisper compartment of your refrigerator. If any seeds begin to sprout during the cold stratification, simply remove the seed and plant.