JUNIPERUS recurva var. coxii

Description

The Plant

The JUNIPERUS recurva var. coxii , also called Cox juniper or JUNIPERUS coxii, is a rare graceful Juniperus that comes to us from the Himalayas.

Its pendulous branches give it an absolutely harmonious and supple appearance. It is a far more elegant form than the usual Juniperus. Then, the foliage is soft to touch and slightly bluish.

As you can see in our photos, the bark of this conifer shows very interesting features. Indeed, it peels and then reveals a smooth appearance along with a coppery color.

Finally, it is a relatively slow‑growing plant. As a result, it can be classified among medium‑sized, or even small, trees.

History and Origin

The JUNIPERUS recurva var. coxii , finds its natural habitat in the eastern Himalayas and in southeastern Tibet, extending to the:

• Bhutan
• North of Myanmar
• Yunnan
• Xizang
• Sikkim

It grows there at high altitudes on rocky, steep slopes, often mixed with other conifers.

Nevertheless, given overexploitation through the felling of large and old specimens, it is now considered near threatened.

It is named coxii in honor of H. F. Cox, an active collector in the Himalayas during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Moreover, over time, several dendrologists and conifer specialists have noticed that coxii differs from JUNIPERUS recurva particularly in the following points:

• Finer, more weeping foliage
• Slightly different cone morphology

For this reason, it is increasingly referenced as a distinct species under the name JUNIPERUS coxii.

In the regions where it is endemic, its wood is used for making coffins, ritual objects, and scented wooden items.

Planting and Care

The Planting

For optimal development of JUNIPERUS recurva var. coxii consider the following points:

1. Place it in full sun to encourage a more bluish foliage.
2. You can plant it in a container, pot, bed, or as a solitary specimen. When it is grown in a container or pot in full sun, make sure to provide regular watering during dry periods.
3. It will prefer a location that is moderately moist to dry.
4. The soil should be light, with an acidic, neutral, or calcareous pH.
5. For proper preparation of the planting hole, we have designed specific instructions available here.

The Caring

This wonderful conifer requires very little maintenance. However, make sure to water it regularly during dry periods in the first two years after planting to ensure good establishment. You can also read our tips on how to water effectively and save water here.

As it matures, it can be useful to clean it from the inside by removing the dried branches. This will highlight its decorative bark and reveal its uniquely shaped structure.