Landscape Uses
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South Florida Growing Guide
Light Requirements
Water Requirements
Once established (12–18 months), Parson's Juniper is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
Low water once established. 2x per week during first 6-month establishment period only. After establishment: 1x per week dry season only. ZERO supplemental irrigation during rainy season June-October. Standing water or overwatering causes fatal root rot.
Soil and Fertilization
Fertilizer: Light balanced slow-release granular 8-2-12 or similar. Do not over-fertilize.
Schedule: February and September with light balanced slow-release granular fertilizer. Low nutrient requirements — avoid excess nitrogen which promotes disease-susceptible succulent growth.
Salt Tolerance
Suitable for coastal planting across all 5 South Florida counties.
- Mature Height
- 1–2 ft
- Mature Width
- 6–8 ft
- Growth Rate
- slow
- Water Demand
- 2/10
- Florida Grade
- Florida #1
- Installed Cost
- $
- USDA Zones
- 7, 8, 9, 10a, 10b
- FLEPPC Status
- None
- Iguana Rating
- 7/10
Where to Buy in South Florida
Find Parson's Juniper at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does Parson's Juniper grow in South Florida?
Parson's Juniper has a slow growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.
Is Parson's Juniper safe for pets?
Parson's Juniper is not safe for pets. TOXIC to dogs and cats — Juniperus species contain compounds including volatile oils and resin acids that cause GI distress including vomiting, diarrhea, and potential kidney irritation if plant material is ingested. Mandatory written client disclosure at installation.
How much water does Parson's Juniper need in South Florida?
Low water needs (2/10). Once established (12–18 months), Parson's Juniper is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
Can Parson's Juniper tolerate salt air in South Florida?
Parson's Juniper has high salt tolerance (8/10) and is well-suited for coastal South Florida, including areas with salt air in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Collier, and Monroe counties.
Is Parson's Juniper available in Miami-Dade County?
In Miami-Dade County, Parson's Juniper is classified as: allowed. Allowed.
County Availability in South Florida
Miami-Dade County
Allowed. Non-restricted.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.
View County Guide →Broward County
Allowed. One of the most popular low-maintenance coastal ground covers in Broward County HOA landscapes.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.
View County Guide →Palm Beach County
Allowed. Excellent choice for Palm Beach County coastal properties.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.
View County Guide →Collier County
Allowed. Moderate performance in coastal Collier County sites.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.
View County Guide →Monroe County
Allowed. Limited performance in Monroe County — extreme Keys heat and humidity reduce vigor and increase Phomopsis disease susceptibility.
USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.
View County Guide →Full ordinance references and permit requirements available to Professional subscribers. Always verify current county requirements before installation.
Need a Spec Sheet?
Export a client-ready PDF with Florida Grade specs, county legal status, maintenance schedule, and failure risks. Available to Professional subscribers.
Ask about Parson's Juniper
Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.