Woody > Juniperus > Juniperus X media > Juniperus x media 'Milky Way'
Juniperus X media
'Milky Way'
Milky Way Juniper
Origin: This cultivar was first discovered by Heemstede nursery. It was first introduced in 1968 in Konijin, Belgium.
Mike's
Opinion
"
A juniper cultivar known for its eye catching white highlights throughout its light green foliage. The branches that create an arching effect make this shrub perfect for ground cover. This juniper is fairly low maintenance. When fully matured this is juniper makes a great accent plant. The Main branches are very thin and have a small amount of shredding on them. After a few years of growing this plant will produce bluish-white glossy berries.
Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)
"
| Family |
| Cupressaceae |
| Genus |
| Juniperus |
| Species |
| X media |
| Cultivar |
| 'Milky Way' |
| Category |
| Woody |
| Type |
| Shrub (evergreen) |
| USDA Hardiness Zone |
| 3 - 9 |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone |
| 5 - 8 |
| RHS Hardiness Zone |
| H6 |
| Temperature (°C) |
| -6 |
| Temperature (°F) |
| 20 |
| Height |
| 1 m - 2.5 m |
| Spread |
| 1 m - 3.5 m |
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
| General Description |
| Growing much lower than most Junipers. Its light green foliage has white highlights creating a milky splash effect. |
| Landscape |
| The Milky Way juniper can often be used as ground cover, hedge cover, screening, around residential areas and in mass plantings around parks. |
| Cultivation |
| This juniper thrives in full sun but will tolerate partial shade. It has an adaptable PH level and Performs best in highly acidic or neutral soils. This juniper is very tolerant to drought, wind and salt. |
| Shape |
| A circular ground cover shrub with semi wide spreading branches. These branches will arch more as the shrub matures. |
| Growth |
| Slow |
| ID Characteristic |
| A low growing shrub. With branches emerging at a 30 degree angle, creating an arch. The deep green foliage has white highlights threw out the leaves. The highlights become more noticeable on new growth and tips. |
| Pests |
| The two most common diseases found on this shrub are twig blight and eastern red cedar. Aphids are the most common insect that effect this shrub. |
| Habitat |
| Horticultural Orgin. |
| Bark/Stem Description |
| A reddish-dark brown mixture. With little sharp ridges 0.5 cm apart. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description |
| A very small 1cm circular cone. These cones contain 2-6 seedlings that come in bundles of two. |
| Leaf Description |
| Leaves are opposite and come in threes. They can start at 5cm and reach up to 30cm long. A medium green color that has white highlights throughout the leaves. The white highlights become more noticeable on the newer growth. |
| Fruit Description |
| This berry can come in pairs and many shapes. It starts out brown and turns into a dark blue or darkish blue. On the second or third year this berry will start to ripen. This berries usually do not reach over a diameter of 1cm. |
| Colour Description |
| The white highlights throughout the foliage contrast with the rich green. This creates a splashing effect that can really catch your eye. This contrast is how this plant got its name "Milky Way Juniper". The brown bark brings out the white highlights. |
| Texture Description |
| Maintaining a coarse texture all year around on the leaves and bark. In early year the buds can sometimes be sharp at the tips. |
| Notable Specimens |
| Conifer Gardens Nursery in Ferny Creek, Victoria Australia. |
| Propagation |
| The most efficient and commonly used propagation methods are semi hardwood cuttings or small branches from the current season. When using the cutting method, make sure to pick a healthy branch. It should have at least a 10 cm stem. Clear all the needles 2 cm from the bottom of the stem, as this will be the area you put in the soil. Finally, add rooting hormone, water and let the branch absorb for root growth. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses (Disclaimer) |
| Leaves and berries can be boiled in water to produce a liquid medicine. This would help with cholesterol and diabetes. The stems can also be put in hot water and used to clean infections. |
References
Bryant, K., Bryant, K., & Rodd, A. N. (2005). The ultimate plant book. Collingwood, Vic.: CSIRO Publishing.
A handbook: 1200 trees & shrubs, shade, flowering & evergreen trees, flowering & low-growing shrubs, retail & wholesale nursery sources. Brooklyn: The Garden.
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