Juniperus chinensis 'Trautman' / Trautman Chinese juniper
Juniperus chinensis 'Trautman' is a narrowly upright, pyramidal selection of Chinese juniper with coarse, fastigiate branching; dark, blue-green foliage that holds color well in winter in colder climates; and a yearly bounty of silvery-blue berries, providing winter interest and forage fir bird life. After 10 years, a mature specimen will measure 6 feet (2 m) tall and 2 feet (60 wide), an annual growth rate of 6 to 8 inches (15 - 20 cm).
This cultivar originated as a seedling selected by highly respected Wisconsin nurseryman, Herbert Trautman, from a crop of open-pollinated Chinese juniper seedlings at Johnson's Nursery, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Johnson's Nursery is credited with introducing this conifer to the nursery trade.
[ Iseli Nursery website ] a hardy alternative to the temperate Italian Cypress. This narrow, coarse textured, bluish gray-green spire has incredible potential throughout the gardening world. As a single specimen it will make a majestic statement as it towers above other garden plants while maintaining a small footprint. Planted in a row, ‘Trautman’ will serve as a screen of unusual beauty because of its unique color and texture. Will thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.
[ Johnson's Nursery website ] It is one of the few upright junipers that can be rooted from cuttings, so grafting is not absolutely necessary. I have never seen deer browse damage on this plant. It is resistant to phomopsis blight which commonly makes Juniperus scopulorum cultivars brown out and become ugly.
Juniperus chinensis 'Trautman' seen growing the Dawes Arboretum, Newark, Ohio.
Photo by Dawes Arboretum Explorer
Juniperus chinensis 'Trautman' field-grown plants in a nursery production lot.
Photo by E.C. Brown Nursert, inc.
Juniperus chinensis 'Trautman' — a closeup of foliage detail.
Photo by Johnson's Nursery, inc.
Comments
Jana McIntosh
Hello,
I live in Paris, Illinois (zone 6). Can you tell me if this conifer will do well on the north side of my house where there is only partial sun during the day? I know your comments state it does well in full sun. What can I expect if I plant in partial sun or shade? Thank you in advance.
Jana McIntosh
Suzanne Marinan
I have a 7 ft. Trautman and wondering if I should tie it to be vertical. Also any info on pruning would be helpful. Should I snip the tips of branches to keep it going up?
Maxwell Cohn
This plant should go vertical without any help whatsoever. If your plant isn't behaving, it could possible have been mislabeled. Beyond occasional light shearing no pruning should be necessary.
Gary Sarner
Just had a Trautman planted last week. What are the watering instructions this time of year and during the growing season? Thanks.
Maxwell Cohn
hi Gary, it's going to be really hard to answer your question without knowing where in the world you planted your plant.
Susie Taylor
I live in MD, just over the DC border. We're in zone 7a. I am seriously considering planting a Trautman. It will get a good 6 hours of sun and get planted in well drained soil. What do you think? Is this enough sun? Thanks in advance for your advice.
Maxwell Cohn
it'll work just fine. Go for it.
Susie Taylor
Thank you!
Karen Mayercsik
I have a Trautman, how do I prune? Will trimming the top make it thicker?
Comments
Hello,
I live in Paris, Illinois (zone 6). Can you tell me if this conifer will do well on the north side of my house where there is only partial sun during the day? I know your comments state it does well in full sun. What can I expect if I plant in partial sun or shade? Thank you in advance.
Jana McIntosh
I have a 7 ft. Trautman and wondering if I should tie it to be vertical. Also any info on pruning would be helpful. Should I snip the tips of branches to keep it going up?
This plant should go vertical without any help whatsoever. If your plant isn't behaving, it could possible have been mislabeled. Beyond occasional light shearing no pruning should be necessary.
Just had a Trautman planted last week. What are the watering instructions this time of year and during the growing season? Thanks.
hi Gary, it's going to be really hard to answer your question without knowing where in the world you planted your plant.
I live in MD, just over the DC border. We're in zone 7a. I am seriously considering planting a Trautman. It will get a good 6 hours of sun and get planted in well drained soil. What do you think? Is this enough sun? Thanks in advance for your advice.
it'll work just fine. Go for it.
Thank you!
I have a Trautman, how do I prune? Will trimming the top make it thicker?