Juniper Herb

Juniper is widely distributed throughout the world and grows either as a shrub or a small tree. It is a native of the Mediterranean region, but also grows in the Arctic, from Norway to the Soviet Union, in the North and West Himalayas and in North America. It is found on heaths, moorlands, open coniferous forests and mountain slopes.

This widely distributed plant was first used by the ancient Greek physicians and its use has continued right up to modern days. It was believed to cure snake bites and protect against infectious diseases like the plague.

The English word 'gin' is derived from an abbreviation of Holland's 'geneva' as the spirit was first called.-This in turn stems from the Dutch 'jenever' meaning juniper.

Species

Juniper is a conifer, a group of trees and shrubs distinguished botanically from others by its production of seeds exposed or uncovered on the scales of the fruit. True to form, it is evergreen and has needle-like leaves.

 There are many species and varieties available, Juniperus communis, being the main herbal variety. On the varieties detailed below,the (lowers are all very similar: male flowers are very small catkins; female flowers are small, globose and berrylike, with usually 3-8 fleshy scales. Over a period of 3 years, these turn blue and then finally black as they ripen.

Juniperus communis

Juniper

Hardy evergreen perennial. Ht30cm-8m (1-25 ft), spread l-4m (3-12ft) - size of  the plant very dependent on where it is growing. Leaves small and bright green, sharply pointed and aromatic.

Juniperus communis 'Compressa'

Jumper Compressa

Hardy evergreen perennial tree. Ht 75cm (30in), spread 15cm (6in). The leaves are small and bluish  green, sharply pointed and aromatic. Very slow growing with an erect habit, ideal for rock gardens or containers.

Juniperus communis 'Hibernica'

Irish Juniper

Hardv evergreen perennial tree. Ht 3-5m (10-15ft), spread 30cm (12in). Leaves small and bluish/silvery green, sharply pointed and aromatic. Columnar in shape and with a hint of silver in certain lights. Very  slow growing.

Juniperus communis 'Hornibrookii'

Juniper Hornibrookii

Hardy evergreen perennial tree. Ht 50cm (20in), spread 2m (6ft). Leaves small and darkish green, sharply pointed and aromatic. A big carpeting plant.

Juniperus communis 'Rependa'

Prostrate Juniper

Hardy evergreen perennial tree. Ht 20-30cm (8-12in), spread l-2m (3-6ft). Leaves small and bluish green, sharply pointed and aromatic. A smaller carpeting plant.

Cultivation

Propagation

Seed

All the species can be propagated by seed. Sow seeds taken from ripe berries in a cold greenhouse, cold frame or cold conservatory in early autumn. As junipers on the whole are extremely slow growing, it is best to grow the seedlings in a controlled environment for 1 or 2 years, before planting out in a permanent position in the garden. Start in seed or plug trays; then, when the seedlings are large enough, pot up into small pots using a soil based compost. This method is the easiest but to be sure of the plant's gender and leaf color, taking cuttings is more reliable.

Cuttings

It is quite easy to raise juniper from semi-hardwood cuttings taken from fresh current growth in spring or autumn

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Pests and Diseases

Various rusts attack juniper. I   If you see small rusty spores on the underside of the ;   leaves, cut the branches out and burn them.

Honey fungus attacks many conifers, especially young ,  plants. If this occurs, dig up J   the plant, making sure you have all the roots, burn it, and plant no further trees in that space.

Maintenance

Spring: Plant out 2-year-old plants. Remove any leaders growing incorrectly in late spring/early summer.

Summer: lake semi-hardwood cuttings.

Autumn: Sow seeds.

Winter: Winter young plants in cold frames, or provide added protection.

Garden Cultivation

Juniper likes an exposed sunny site. It will tolerate an alkaline or neutral soil. Both male and female plants are necessary for berry production. The berries, which only grow on the female bush, can be found in various stages of ripeness on the same plant. Their flavor is stronger when grown in warm climates.

To maintain the shape of the juniper, trim with secateurs to ensure that there is no more than one leader, the strongest and straightest. Remember, when trimming, that most conifers will not make new growth when cut back into old wood, or into branches that have turned brown.

Harvest

Harvest the berries when ripe in late summer. Dry them spread out on a tray, as you would leaves.

CULINARY

Crushed berries are an excellent addition to marinades, sauerkraut and stuffing for guinea fowl and other game birds. Although no longer generally considered as a spice, it is still an important flavouring for certain meats, liqueurs, and especially gin.

Pork Chops Marinated with Juniper

(serves 4)

Marinade

2 tablespoons olive oil

6 juniper berries, crushed

2 doves of garlic, crushed Salt and pepper

Mix the oil, juniper berries, garlic and seasoning together in a bowl.

4 pork chops

25g (1oz) plain flour

275ml (1/2 pint) dry cider.

Lay the pork chops in the base of a shallow dish and cover them with the marinade, turning the chops over once to make sure they are covered. Leave for a minimum of 3 hours, if possible overnight. Remove the chops from the marinade, and reserve it. Heat a large frying pan and add the reserved marinade. When hot, add the pork chops and cook over a moderate heat for about 20 minutes turning the chops regularly. When all traces of pink have gone from the meat, remove from heat, and put the chops on a plate. Return the pan to the heat and stir the flour into the remaining juices. Add the cider and bring to the boil. Return the chops to the sauce in the pan. Heat through slowly, and serve with mashed potato and broccoli.

MEDICINAL

Juniper is used in the treatment of cystitis, rheumatism and gout. Steamed inhalations of the berries are an excellent treatment for coughs, colds and catarrh.

CONTAINER GROWING

Juniper is slow growing and can look most attractive in pots. Use a soil based compost, starting off with a suitable-sized pot, only potting up once a year if necessary. If the root ball looks happy, do not disturb it. Do not over-water. As the plant is hardy and evergreen, the container will need more protection than the plant during the winter months. Feed during the summer months only with a liquid fertilizer as per manufacturer's guidelines.