Juniperus chinensis 'Kaizuka', Hollywood Juniper
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Coniferous Trees

Juniperus chinensis 'Kaizuka'

Hollywood Juniper

Cupressaceae
China, Japan, Mongolia, and the Russian Far East; rocky slopes, hillsides, and open woodland margins; Kaizuka selected in Japan

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At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height15–20 feet (4.5–6 m)
Width5–10 feet (1.5–3 m)
Maturity25 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

6 - 9
Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer ResistantDrought Tolerant
Maintenancevery low

Overview

A large, irregularly upright evergreen conifer reaching 15–20 feet (4.5–6 m) tall and 5–10 feet (1.5–3 m) wide over many decades, grown for its distinctively sculptural form — branches twist and ascend in an irregular, windswept pattern unlike any other common landscape conifer. Foliage mixed juvenile (needle-like, sharp-pointed) and adult (scale-like), dark green, year-round with occasional bronze tinting in winter. Small round glaucous blue-purple berries (modified cones) appear on female plants. Drought-tolerant and adaptable to a wide range of soils. The irregular sculptural form is inherent to the cultivar and does not require pruning to achieve. Also sold as J. chinensis Torulosa in North America. Hardy in USDA zones 6–9.

Native Range

Juniperus chinensis is native to China, Japan, Mongolia, and the Russian Far East, growing on rocky slopes, hillsides, and open woodland margins. Kaizuka originated in Japan; the Japanese name references the irregular flame-like silhouette. Also sold as Torulosa in North America.

Suggested Uses

Used as a bold sculptural specimen, focal point, or screening plant at 8–12 foot (2.4–3.6 m) spacing in large gardens, Asian-inspired designs, and contemporary landscapes. No other commonly available conifer matches the architectural distinctiveness of the Kaizuka juniper as a living sculptural element. Particularly effective against open sky or architectural backgrounds where the irregular silhouette is visible. Tolerates coastal exposure and salt spray.

How to Identify

Identified by the large, irregularly upright form with visibly twisting, ascending branches creating a distinctive windswept or flame-like silhouette — unlike the regular symmetrical form of most landscape conifers. Mixed needle-like and scale-like dark green foliage. No other commonly cultivated juniper has the same degree of branch contortion at this scale. Distinguished from J. chinensis Spartan and Blue Point by the dramatically irregular rather than regular pyramidal form.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height15' - 20'
Width/Spread5' - 10'

Reaches mature size in approximately 25 years

Colors

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Spring
Dioecious. Male plants produce inconspicuous yellow pollen structures in early spring. Female plants bear small round glaucous blue-purple berries (modified cones) 0.25 inch (6 mm) diameter ripening in the second year. Not grown for flowering. Berries mildly toxic to pets if consumed in quantity.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

Dark green; mixed juvenile needle-like foliage (sharp-pointed, 0.25 inch/6 mm long) and adult scale-like foliage (overlapping, 0.06 inch/1.5 mm long); occasional bronze tinting in winter

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsandclayrocky
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

20–30 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun in well-drained to dry soil. Adaptable to a wide range of soils including sandy, loam, clay, and rocky. Tolerates drought, air pollution, and salt spray once established. Space 8–12 feet (2.4–3.6 m) apart. Water regularly during establishment; drought tolerant once established. The irregular sculptural form develops naturally — no pruning is needed to achieve the characteristic silhouette. Spider mites can be a problem in hot dry conditions.

Pruning

Requires no regular pruning — the irregular sculptural habit is inherent and self-developing. Remove dead or crossing branches as needed. Selective removal of individual branches can emphasize or adjust the sculptural silhouette. Avoid shearing, which destroys the characteristic form.

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets