Juniperus communis Pyramidalis

Juniperus communis 'Pyramidalis' is a variety of common juniper that is very decorative. This beautiful conifer naturally adopts a pyramidal habit that is quite tapered and has a very graphic appearance. Its evergreen foliage has a beautiful silver-grey colour all year round. It is very adaptable to different types of soil, enjoys full sun and tolerates partial shade well, and is hardy, making it an easy plant to grow in the garden. Its architectural habit can be highlighted when planted alone, in groups, or in rows, but it can also be integrated as a background plant in a flowerbed. Its striking geometric architecture makes it a great choice for contemporary gardens.

Juniperus communis is an evergreen and spiny conifer belonging to the Cupressaceae family, which also includes well-known species such as cypresses, Thuja, and Chamaecyparis. It is native to northern Europe, North America, and Asia Minor. In its natural environment, it has a fairly variable habit, either conical or spreading, reaching a height of 6m (19ft 8in) and a spread of 3 to 4.50m (9ft 10in to 14ft 10in). This species prefers poor, sandy, and/or limestone soils and is not afraid of dry conditions.
The 'Pyramidalis' juniper, derived from this species, is, as its name suggests, a pyramidal form. This conifer takes on a tapered shape, wider at the base and pointed at the top, with a very regular appearance that can be further enhanced by light annual pruning with shears. It reaches about 4m (13ft 1in) in height and 1m (3ft 4in) in width, forming a very dense and aesthetically pleasing mass of vegetation. Its evergreen foliage has a beautiful grey, silvery colour that remains decorative throughout the year.
The foliage consists of small, pointed, rigid, and prickly leaves that are densely arranged on the branches. The inconspicuous flowering is followed by green fruits that turn blue-black in autumn.
This juniper's great adaptability allows it to thrive in most soils. It is hardy (down to -20°C (-4 °F)) and is an easy plant to grow, finding its place in most gardens. 

The 'Pyramidalis' juniper is an elegant conifer that is highly recommended for its architectural habit and density. Due to its very graphic shape, it works wonders when planted alone, on a slope, in a large rock garden, or even in a group of odd numbers in a flowerbed, alongside shorter or taller conifers with rounded or bushy habits, creating attractive plays of volumes and colours throughout the year.
It will be in perfect harmony with a contemporary-style garden, where its aesthetic habit will be well showcased. It can be happily associated with other conifers to create contrasts in shapes and colours, such as with the Taxus 'Summergold' with its spreading habit and golden young shoots.
With its naturally almost perfect shape, which can be further enhanced with slight pruning with shears, it is an ideal candidate for a topiary scene, alongside a 'Golden Gem' crenate holly with fine and evergreen foliage similar to that of a boxwood, and whose yellow colour will contrast with the foliage of this juniper. Purple foliage will also harmonize well with the silver-grey of this conifer, such as that of the 'Rode Zellernoot' hazel or the 'Black Lace' elderberry.