The plant requires a sunny position and good drainage. Trees can be propagated quite easily from cuttings. Ripe juniper berries are an interesting ingredient in a variety of foods. The aromatic berries are used in meat and in vegetable dishes such as sauerkraut and are particularly popular added to sauces as a complement to game. They are often used in pates and stuffings as well.
Juniper berries are probably best known for their worldwide use as the flavouring for gin.
A deciduous shrub or small tree to around 2.5m with pale green pointed leaves which have a delightful lemon fragrance. The small pale lilac flowers appear in summer. A native of South America, it was introduced to Europe in the 18th century. Needs a sunny position, protected from strong winds. Soil should be friable and well-drained.