Savin juniper
Juniperus sabina
Savin juniper (Juniperus sabina) is a shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 1–3 ft tall and 6–10 ft wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Workhorse spreading juniper of Front Range commercial landscapes and road medians. 'Broadmoor' is the classic tough bank cover; most cultivars resist tip blight. Resinous foliage: not for beds against the house.
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Juniperus sabina
- Variety / cultivar
- 'Broadmoor', 'Buffalo', 'Calgary Carpet'
- Type
- Shrub
- Mature size
- 1–3 ft tall and 6–10 ft wide
- Planting spacing
- ~10 ft apart (7 ft for a hedge/screen)
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–7
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- sandy, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.5
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- high
- Pollinator value
- low
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control, Hot south- or west-facing walls
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
Common problems on the Front Range
- Spider mites in heat
- Phomopsis and Kabatina tip blight
- Cedar-apple rust alternate host
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Planting & establishment
Deep-water weekly the first two summers. Established plants need little to no supplemental water; soggy clay invites root rot.
- Pruning: light.
- Fruit: wildlife (birds/wildlife).
Frequently asked questions
- Is Savin juniper good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Savin juniper is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Savin juniper get?
- It matures to about 1–3 ft tall and 6–10 ft wide.
- How far apart do I plant Savin juniper?
- Space Savin juniper about 10 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 7 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
- Is Savin juniper hardy on the Front Range?
- Savin juniper is hardy in USDA 3–7. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Savin juniper need?
- It needs low water once established.
- How fast does Savin juniper grow?
- Savin juniper is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- Is Savin juniper native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Savin juniper deer-resistant?
- Savin juniper is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Savin juniper prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Savin juniper can be affected by spider mites in heat and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
