Juniperus chinensis 'Spartan' is a handsome, fast growing, columnar selection of Chinese juniper that forms a stately, densely branched bushy conifer with dark green foliage. It is well-suited for use as a formal accent, screen or windbreak. In its natural form, the symmetrical, pyramidal shape rarely needs pruning. An excellent specimen for formal topiary. It is very tolerant of heat, cold and drought.
After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 15 feet (5 m) tall and 3 to 5 feet (1 to 1.6 m) wide, an annual growth rate of 12 to 15 inches (30 - 35 cm).
This cultivar originated as a seedling selected in the 1950s by Monrovia Nursery, inc., California, USA. Inexplicably, Monrovia sent unnamed propagation material to Thomsen's Nursery, Skalborg, Denmark, who in turn, named the plant, 'Helle.' Monrovia finally named it, 'Spartan' in 1961.
