Creeping Juniper

Scientific name

Juniperus horizontalis

Description

The Creeping Juniper is short, evergreen shrub species that rarely exceeds 0.5 m in height. It produces slender branches, which extend horizontally along the ground and sometimes reach several meters in diameter. The leaves are small, oppositely arranged, scale-like needles with a pointed tip, and are often found in whorls of 3. Throughout the spring and summer, berry-like cones develop along the branches, which turn dark blue by the fall and produce a pale blue-white waxy coating. Creeping Juniper's roots are shallow, with a large main root extending from the center of the plant and smaller roots growing horizontally from the main root. As branches grow along the ground, anchoring roots develop to help hold the juniper to the soil. Due to its extensive root system, the Creeping Juniper is ideal for erosion control, bank stabilization, and soil conservation. This is a popular shrub used for landscaping as a ground cover.

Planting conditions

Creeping Juniper grows best in dry to normal conditions with full or partial sun exposure. It prefers well-drained sandy or rocky soils. Tolerates a wide range of alkalinity and acidity. It is tolerant of drought but young plants should be watered occasionally until established.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Max 1.5m
  • Max 2m
  • Max 3m
  • Any
• Moisture level:
  • Dry
  • Normal
  • Drought Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
  • Rocky
• pH:
  • Acidic
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
  • Bareroot
• Eco Zone:
  • 1a
  • 1b
  • 2a
  • 2b
  • 3a
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
• Plant type:
  • Shrub
• Height:
  • 0.5 m
• Spread:
  • 1 m