Juniperus squamata 'Dream Joy' / Dream Joy scaly juniper

Juniperus squamata 'Dream Joy' is a dwarf, spreading selection of scaly juniper with layered branching and gray-green base foliage that flushes creamy yellow is spring. The color generally persists well until fall. After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 2 feet (60 cm) tall and 4.5 feet (150 cm) wide, an annual growth rate 4 to 6 inches (10 - 15 cm), more outwardly than up.

This cultivar originated as a mutation found in the mid-1980s on a specimen of J. squamata 'Holger' by Wiel Linssen of Baexem, The Netherlands. Wiel named the plant for his white-haired dog. Even though 'Dream Joy' is universally listed as a pure J. squamata cultivar, it should be noted that since 'Holger' is thought to be a hybrid of J. squamata and J. × pfitzeriana ‘Pfitzeriana Aurea,’ the same would hold true for 'Dream Joy.'

Juniperus squamata 'Dream Joy' in a private garden in Czech Republic.
Photo by Ovocná školka s.r.o.
Juniperus squamata 'Dream Joy' in a private garden in Petaluma California.
Photo by Sara Malone

Comments

Sara Malone

For what it's worth, my own experience would suggest that it is a hybrid, as J. squamata performs poorly for me, whereas 'Dream Joy' is healthy and gorgeous after eight years in the ground.

Sara Malone

They do fine. Another standout here is J. x 'Daub's Frosted', which people grow either in its own shape or staked. Gorgeous new growth, like 'Dream Joy'. Junipers never get enough respect.

Dan Spear

The range of 'Daub's Frosted' is amazing! I grew it in warm, dry Southern California. I also saw it thriving in the Scottish Highlands, where it is almost always wet and cold. Like Sara, I am not ashamed of my love for junipers.