Juniperus plant named ‘SMNJCHM’

Abstract

A new and distinct Juniperus cultivar named SMNJCHM is disclosed, characterized by a compact, low growing mounding plant form and dense foliage. Plants are deer resistant and tolerate drought. The new cultivar is a Juniperus chinensis, suitable for ornamental garden purposes.

Claims

1. A new and distinct cultivar of Juniperus plant named SMNJCHM as herein illustrated and described.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

(1) The accompanying photograph in FIG. 1 illustrates in full color a typical plant of SMNJCHM grown outdoors in Grand Haven, Mich. The plant is approximately 2-3 years old, and is shown in a #3 size container.

(2) FIG. 2 illustrates a mature plant planted outdoors in a trial garden at approximately 8 years old.

(3) The photographs were taken using conventional techniques and although colors may appear different from actual colors due to light reflectance it is as accurate as possible by conventional photographic techniques.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

(4) In the following description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart 2015 except where general terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. The following observations and measurements describe SMNJCHM plants grown outdoors in Grand Haven, Mich. Plants are approximately 1-3 years old, in a 3 size container. Measurements and numerical values represent averages of typical plant types. Botanical classification: Juniperus chinensis SMNJCHM.

PROPAGATION

(5) Time to rooting: 90 days at approximately 24 F. Time to produce a rooted cutting: Approximately 200 days. Root description: Thick to thin, moderately dense, fibrous, moderately branched. Colored brown and white, not accurately measured by R.H.S. chart.

PLANT

(6) Growth habit: Moderately vigorous to freely branching. Height: 54 cm. Plant spread: 82 cm. Typical growth rate: Moderate. Branching characteristics: Approximately 15 lateral branches. Lateral stems are held at an angle of 45 to 80 degrees from the main stem. Stems: Color.New growth: RHS Greyed-Green 190A. Mature growth: RHS Greyed-Orange 177C. Appearance.Round with thorns. Strength.Strong and flexible. Texture.Scaly, with thorns. Thorns: Length.5 mm. Color.New growth: RHS Greyed-Green 190A. Mature growth: RHS Greyed-Orange 177C. Lateral branches: Length.Average 43 cm. Diameter.4 mm. Strength.Strong. Internode length: Average 2.75 cm.

FOLIAGE

(7) General description: Needle-like, imbricate, slightly appressed. Leaf: Arrangement.Alternate and whorled. Type.Single. Shape of blade.Linear, needle-like. Average length.5 mm. Average width.1 mm. Apex.Acute. Base.Fused. Margin.Entire. Texture of top surface.Smooth. Texture of bottom surface.Smooth. Color.Young foliage upper side: RHS Green 143A. Newest, uppermost foliage on spray color near RHS Yellow-Green 151D. Young foliage under side: RHS Green 143C. Newest, uppermost foliage on spray color near RHS Yellow-Green 151D. Mature foliage upper side: RHS Green 143A, tinted Green 136C. Mature foliage under side: RHS Green 143C, tinted Green 136C. Venation.Linear, indistinguishable from leaf blade. Fragrance.Light evergreen. Petiole: Length.2 mm. Diameter.1 mm. Texture, upper side.Smooth. Texture, under side.Smooth. Color, upper side.RHS Green 138B. Color, under side.RHS Green 138B.

FLOWER

(8) Flowering not observed.

FRUIT

(9) Not observed to date.

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

(10) Disease and pest resistance: Neither resistance nor susceptibility observed. Drought tolerance: Good tolerance for drought. Temperature tolerance: USDA Zones 4-8.