Juniperus sabina aka Savin
Taxonomy
Juniperus sabina, also known as savin juniper or savin, is an evergreen coniferous shrub native to the mountains of central and southern Europe, as well as western and central Asia. It typically grows at altitudes ranging from 1,000 to 3,300 metres. This dioecious plant can reach a height of 1-1.5 meters, although some trees can grow up to 4 meters tall with curved trunks. The bark is reddish brown and flakes off. Its prickly dark green foliage is arranged on wide-spreading, overlapping branches. The plant emits a pungent odor when the needles and shoots are rubbed. The needles are of two types, needle-shaped and scaly, and are stored for three years. The small, drooping cones are brown-black with a bluish bloom and contain mostly two seeds. Juniperus sabina is drought-resistant, photophilous, undemanding to soil, and has soil-protective properties. However, it is important to note that the shoots of this plant are poisonous.
Common names
Savin, Savin Juniper, SabinaHow to care for Savin
Difficulty
Savin is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Water
Savin should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Savin loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
Savin requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Savin will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.
Toxicity
Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
Humidity
The Savin is not in need of supplementary humidity. Most water is taken in by plants through their roots, thus soil watering is the most efficient way to provide humidity to your plants.
Fertilizer
The growth of Savin is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.
Region of origin
Savin’s native range is the Northern Hemisphere.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Juniperus Genus
Juniperus virginiana Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus horizontalis Creeping Juniper
Juniperus scopulorum Rocky Mountain Juniper
Juniperus procumbens Creeping Juniper
Juniperus foetidissima Stinking Juniper
Juniperus phoenicea Phoenician Juniper
Juniperus chinensis Chinese Juniper
Juniperus excelsa Crimean Juniper
Juniperus ashei Mexican Juniper
