Junipers are one of the best grown plants for any landscape. They are popular as ornamental shrubs and trees. They are highly tolerable shrubs that belong to genus junipers which has over 67 species. Its ideal choice for different landscapes and you can’t tell about its living habitat as it grows in both low to high ground covers, different pyramidal as well as vertical, parallel areas.
Typically juniper requires light feeding and this will benefit it for the whole year. Fertilizing the juniper with slow release fertilizer in early spring or after 60 days of frost with a solution of N-P-K as 16-4-8 or 14-4-8. You can also fertilize it with iron based plant food which encourages greening in junipers.
There are various varieties that reach to a height of 120 feet and you can also find the short shrubs which grow in 5-6 inches only. It is perfect for the hedges, lawns, screens, business parks, IT parks, university layering and covering the sideways.
Foliage comes in dark green to light colors, some are red, silver, blue and yellow and there are also some hybrid junipers that come in red-green color.
Lets now know about the different questions you may be wondering about to get answers.
Table of Contents
Why Should I fertilize My Juniper?
The most common reason for fertilizing juniper is to make it healthy for the upcoming years. In the first few years, you need to fertilize it every 6 months as a result they get nutrients which help it to establish its roots. Juniper may reach new heights and get all the branching just because the owner has given it an initial phase nutrient rich fertilizer.
Junipers are evergreen so in fall they may lose color to turn dark and after that a new season will start and that time your tree again needs fertilizer for its proper nutrition. Feeding them well will result in a more healthy and large tree.
Top 10 Best Fertilizers for Juniper Trees
Choosing a best fertilizer for juniper trees should be based on iron, nitrogen components that are essential for the green growth of the juniper leaves. Best fertilizer such as Jobe’s and espoma are the ones that I used in junipers, shrubs, and conical trees.
Here are the Top 10 Fertilizers for Juniper Trees:
Espoma Organic Holly-Tone Fertilizer
Espoma Organic Holly-Tone Fertilizer is a granular fertilizer created especially for junipers and other plants that thrive in acidic environments. Feather meal, chicken dung, bone meal, and green sand are just a few of the natural and organic materials used to make it. This fertilizer aids in enhancing soil structure and microbial activity while giving the plant long-lasting nutrients. It is also simple to use and secure for both animals and pets.
- Iron Rich Fertilizer – Shop Now .
Jobe’s Organics Fertilizer Spikes for Evergreens
A practical and simple-to-use fertilizer choice for juniper trees is Jobe’s Organics Fertilizer Spikes for Evergreens. These spikes are made of a mixture of organic and natural substances, such as sulfate of potash, bone meal, and feather meal. They are designed to gradually release nutrients into the soil over time, giving the plant ongoing sustenance. Additionally eco-friendly, these fertilizer spikes are secure for wildlife and pets.
- Slow Release Fertilizer – Shop Now
Dr. Earth Acid Lovers Organic Fertilizer
Another fantastic alternative for juniper trees is Dr. Earth Acid Lovers Organic Fertilizer. This fertilizer is manufactured from a combination of natural and organic components, such as feather meal, fish bone meal, alfalfa meal, and kelp meal, and is especially designed for plants that like acidic soil. The plant receives both macro- and micronutrients from it, as well as advantageous soil bacteria that support better soil health.
- All Purpose Fertilizer – Shop Now
Scotts Evergreen Fertilizer
A hose-end sprayer or watering can may be used to fertilize juniper trees using Scotts Evergreen Fertilizer, a water-soluble fertilizer. In addition to the micronutrients necessary for plant development, this fertilizer also includes the macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. It is safe to use around pets and animals, and it is intended to encourage strong growth and lush, deep-green leaves.
Miracle-Gro Tree & Shrub Fertilizer Spikes
Another practical and simple-to-use fertilizer choice for juniper trees is Miracle-Gro Tree & Shrub Fertilizer Spikes. With a slow-release formula that delivers nutrients to the roots, these spikes are designed to give the plant long-lasting nutrition. They are safe to use around pets and animals and include a combination of vital nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Osmocote Plus Outdoor and Indoor Plant Food
Various plants, including juniper trees, can benefit from the slow-release fertilizer Osmocote Plus Outdoor and Indoor Plant Food. It combines a variety of micronutrients including iron and magnesium with important nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This fertilizer gently distributes nutrients over time, giving the plant ongoing sustenance. It is also simple to use and secure for both animals and pets.
Alaska Morbloom Fertilizer Concentrate
A water-soluble fertilizer that works well on juniper trees is called Alaska Morbloom Fertilizer Concentrate. It has a high content of phosphorus, which is necessary for bloom development and good root growth. In addition to calcium and magnesium, it also includes potassium, nitrogen, and other minerals. This fertilizer is simple to use and yields results quickly.
Vigoro Tree and Shrub Fertilizer
A slow-release fertilizer that may be used on juniper trees is Vigoro Tree and Shrub Fertilizer. In addition to iron and manganese, it also includes a combination of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This fertilizer gradually releases nutrients, giving the plant ongoing sustenance for up to three months. Additionally, it is simple to use and secure around both animals and people.
Bayer Advanced
A granular fertilizer called Bayer Advanced 701700 12 Month Tree and Shrub Protect and Feed is designed particularly to guard trees and shrubs against common pests and diseases while supplying vital nutrients. In addition to slow-release nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium, this fertilizer also includes imidacloprid, a pesticide that aids in defending the plant against aphids, leafminers, and scale. It is simple to use and offers continuous feeding and pest control for up to 12 months.
JR Peters Jacks Classic Evergreen Fertilizer
A water-soluble fertilizer created especially for evergreen plants like junipers is JR Peters Jacks Classic Evergreen Fertilizer. It has a well-balanced composition of micronutrients like iron and manganese as well as macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This fertilizer works quickly and may be used with a watering can or hose-end sprayer to apply. Pets and wildlife may both live there safely.
Jobe’s Organics Blood Meal Organic Fertilizer
Another fantastic alternative for juniper trees is Jobe’s Organics Blood Meal Organic Fertilizer. Blood meal, a rich source of nitrogen, which is dried and processed into fertilizer, is used to make it. Additionally, it is a good source of iron, which is necessary for vibrant foliage. This fertilizer may either be sprayed straight into the soil or combined with water for foliar applications. It is simple to use and secure around both animals and people.
Garden-Tone Organic Fertilizer
A granular fertilizer called Garden-Tone Organic Fertilizer is designed primarily for vegetable gardens and fruit trees, however it may also be used to juniper trees. It includes a combination of organic and natural substances including sulfate of potash, bone meal, and feather meal. This fertilizer aids in enhancing soil structure and microbial activity while giving the plant long-lasting nutrients. It is also simple to use and secure for both animals and pets.
Juniper fertilizer spikes
Juniper fertilizer spikes are one of the easiest methods to provide adequate nutrients to the shrubs and trees. They are directly pushed into the ground and after regular watering, fertilizer spikes keep distributing nutrients to the soil, mainly the root of your juniper. This helps them over the year to get nourished without much work. It is a simple way which avoids the extra work done when applying liquid fertilizer. Slow release fertilizer generally takes time to make it to the ground, also they don’t have sufficient nutrients for a juniper otherwise you keep on pouring fertilizer to make them happy. These fertilizer spikes are applied and forgotten methods where spikes are dug into the ground using a hammer or drill then wait for the magic in the coming year. Do not forget to always pour water in hot summers.
How to Fertilize Juniper?
Generally a juniper requires light feeding and this will benefit it for the whole year. Fertilizing the juniper with slow release fertilizer in early spring or after 60 days of frost with a solution of N-P-K as 16-4-8 or 14-4-8. You can also fertilize it with iron based plant food which encourages greening in junipers.
Newer leaves may not last in winters and die back. So better if you care for the plant after the first frost. Some people also use balanced fertilizer of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 by taking 2 tablespoons per gallon of water. You need to spread the fertilizer around the plant. I advise not to put any fertilizer directly on the main trunk or stem.
If you live in an area with a lot of rainfall then you should make sure the rain does not wash away the slow-release fertilizer. Apply that on sunny days and not on rainy days. There will be one or two days you get when there is very less rainfall so that day you can easily feed your tree.
Also one of the benefits of juniper is that it will adjust to overwatering which is the main issue in every plant nowadays. so other than that keep them healthy on sunny days and give them proper water. Do not let the foliage turn to any color to indicate about its watering issue, timely give water to your juniper.
Should I fertilize juniper with already nutrient-rich Soil?
It depends on whether your juniper needs fertilizer or not. If you have added fresh nutrient rich soil then it isn’t required until the next spring. If you notice less green foliage then it can be added in early spring or late winters.
Nutrient rich soil has High N-P-K value which is proper for any tree. If you still give it more fertilizer than due to over-fertilizing your juniper may die or show signs like leaf browning or black. Some of the leaves may droopy or die back after few weeks. So do not give it if it already has the fertilizer.
Juniper Fertilizer Bonsai
A juniper bonsai is smaller in size but requires a good amount of fertilizer that can be given using a slow release fertilizer that slowly reaches to the soil and rooting system so your juniper bonsai can be healthy in the growing season. I already advised everyone that using a low nitrogen & high potassium, phosphorus fertilizer will enhance the branching and size of the plant. To make your bonsai juniper more healthy and green you need a high nitrogen fertilizer. There are also iron based plant foods used in shrubs that makes the foliage green and healthy.
Juniper fertilizer ratio
Juniper fertilizer ratio is either 15-15-15 or 20-20-20 for large size shrubs. You can also use high nitrogen ratio fertilizer in juniper such as 16-4-8 and 12-4-8. For overall growth balanced N-P-K ratio is best and for fruiting and foliage growth you can always select the nitrogen based fertilizers. They enjoys fertilizing in in early spring or at the end of winters. This is because it’s the growing season for juniper after spring. It’s as per instruction you can apply the fertilizer but do not over-fertilize your shrubs.
How do you increase juniper growth?
It is possible to promote juniper growth in a number of methods, including as by fertilisation, pruning, and appropriate watering. Making ensuring the plant gets adequate sunshine is one key aspect of juniper growth. Junipers should not be overwatered and should be planted in soil that drains properly. Regular pruning of junipers, which removes dead or damaged branches and improves air circulation, may also aid in promoting growth. A balanced fertilizer applied to junipers in the spring may also provide the nutrients required for strong growth.
Should you fertilize junipers in the fall?
In general, fertilizing junipers in the fall is not advised. By stimulating new growth in the fall, fertilizing increases the likelihood that it won’t have time to harden off before the winter, leaving the plant vulnerable to harm from freezing temperatures. As new growth starts in the spring, this is the best time to fertilize junipers because this is when the plant needs nutrients to support strong growth.
Is Miracle Grow good for junipers?
Popular fertilizer Miracle-Gro may be applied to a variety of plants, including junipers. However, it’s crucial to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations and use the right quantity of fertilizer for the plant’s size. The effects of overfertilization include root burn and other issues. Additionally, a balanced fertilizer made especially for evergreen plants should be used rather than one made for flowers or vegetables.
How do you keep junipers healthy?
The right growth conditions must be provided for junipers to remain healthy. Junipers need full sun to some shade and appreciate well-draining soil. They should get regular, thorough irrigation, with brief periods of soil drying in between. Regular pruning of junipers, which removes dead or diseased branches and improves air circulation, may also help maintain them healthy. Keeping the plant healthy and stress-free will help to avoid pests and illnesses. It is crucial to deal with issues as soon as they appear to stop them from spreading to other plants.
Rejuvenating junipers
Junipers may be revived by shearing or pruning back the plant to encourage new growth and removing any dead or damaged branches. When new growth is starting in the spring or early summer, this process works best. It’s crucial to avoid damaging the plant by taking out an excessive amount of it all at once. Instead, only take out a maximum of one-third of the plant at a time, and then wait for new growth to start before pruning once more. Rejuvenation pruning may encourage healthy growth while restoring the plant’s structure and vitality.
Blue Point juniper fertilizer
A well-liked juniper type known for its rich, blue-green leaves and upright growth habit is called Blue Point juniper. It is advised to fertilize Blue Point juniper in the spring when new growth is starting using a balanced fertilizer made for evergreen plants. Avoid overfertilizing as this might result in root burn and other issues. For optimum growth, Blue Point juniper should also be planted in well-draining soil and given full sun to moderate shade.
Is Holly-tone good for junipers?
Holly-tone is a kind of organic fertilizer made for plants that like acid, such azaleas, rhododendrons, and holly. Juniper plants can grow in somewhat acidic soil, but they don’t need as much acidity as these other plants need. Holly-tone may not be the ideal fertilizer for junipers as a result. Instead, it is advised to apply a balanced fertilizer made especially for evergreen plants. Additionally, it’s critical to take the soil pH and nutrient requirements of the plant into account when selecting a fertilizer for junipers.
Liquid fertilizer for juniper
For junipers, liquid fertilizers may be a practical and efficient source of nutrients. When using liquid fertilizers, the soil around the plant is usually treated by mixing the fertilizer with water. It’s crucial to use a balanced fertilizer made especially for evergreen plants when picking a liquid fertilizer for junipers. Additionally, it’s critical to adhere to the application rates and schedule recommended by the manufacturer because excessive fertilization can result in root burn and other issues. Additionally, liquid fertilizers may be a wise choice for junipers grown in containers as they can give the plant an immediate supply of nutrients.
Creeping Juniper fertilizer
Creeping juniper fertilizer wants slow release fertilizer for their growth. Use a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 ratio fertilizer for creeping juniper ground cover. It will surely boost the overall growth including foliage, stem, and branches of juniper. Instructions are you need to dilute the solution for example two tablespoons of 20-20-20 fertilizer per gallon water can work for its growth and you can directly pour it in the shrub.
Spartan Juniper fertilizer
Spartan Juniper fertilizers are not fond of soil nutrition but yes they require balanced fertilizer such as 15-15-15 or 20-20-20 to keep its foliage healthy and shiny. They also work very well for most fertilizer specially designed for shrubs. For better growth and enhanced branching you should be using that fertilizer every year. Slow-release plant food can also do wonders for spartan juniper as for people who want to feed the shrub once per month and forget it and the fertilizer gets absorbed into the soil making it more nutrient rich.
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Not only this, but you can try organic fertilizer using the kitchen waste which also makes one of the safest and pure kinds of fertilizer. I use this kitchen waste to include vegetables and fruit peels that are dropped in water for many days and poured into the soil. Or this waste can be dug and dropped under the soil for a month or two and the soil made out of it is full of nutrients.
Moonglow Juniper fertilizer
Moonglow juniper fertilizer is 10-10-10 or 15-15-15 N-P-K ratio. Moonglow are bigger pyramidal junipers so they require good feeding in early spring or in late winters. The foliage is silver blue in color and are most attractives juniper trees that have compact branching. They are perfect for any landscapes with its conical pyramid shape.
Juniper nana fertilizer
Juniper nana fertilizer requires 10-10-10 balanced fertilizer. Although Nana Juniper are not into heavy feeding but for their foliage health and branching they want to get nutrition from the plant food. You can also use high nitrogen based fertilizer if you feel your plant is not growing up to the mark with less foliage. Always fertilize them in spring or in late winters. This is the best time for them to get plant food so they are prepared to grow more in their growing season.
About Juniper
Junipers is an evergreen shrub or a tree that comes in different shapes and sizes. Junipers are popular conifers native to African Region and Northern Hemisphere & they belong to Cupressaceae Family. These trees can be as big as 130 feet or as small as 5 inches shrubs. It has 60-67 species of coniferous tree and shrubs. They are hardy to USDA zone 7 to 10 and can tolerate drought conditions.
Final Thoughts
Our junipers are light feeders but still they want fertilizer for their new season growth. I have listed all the fertilizer and you can use it as per your need. If you want to use it for the next spring then slow release or balanced fertilizer will work best. And for those who only want the color to get more green in those juniper leaves then use iron fertilizer given in the article. It will help you juniper to fulfill its deficiency of iron and make the leaf more greener.
I hope you get every information about juniper fertilizer. Happy gardening.
Also Read :
Wichita Blue Juniper – Care Guide, Propagation, Benefits
Gold Mop Cypress Companion Plants – Top Plants and Shrubs
