Plant Type

Conifer, Shrub, Ground cover

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

n/a

 

Flower Season

n/a

 

Leaf Color

Blue Green

 

Bark Color

Grey

 

Fruit Color

Black, Blue

 

Fruit Season

Fall

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Allergenic

Design Styles

Formal, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

n/a

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter

 

Location Uses

Background, Shrub Border, Foundation

 

Special Uses

Erosion Control, Mass Planting

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Wildlife

It's not its fault, but this juniper may be why the whole collection of plants are so disliked and misunderstood in the landscape. Despite its diminutive appearance in the nursery, this evergreen grows to about 2 to 3 feet tall, but will spread 10 to 15 feet across, so it is forever being hacked back to fit in spaces much too small. All that hacking doesn't help its looks, as it gets woody and dense, losing its lovely layered, symmetrical appearance. Use it as a large-scale groundcover, where it has plenty of room, and you will rethink junipers.

Grow in any soil that is well draining, including sandy, gravelly, or clay soils, but they must be well draining. Best growth in full sun. Once established, it tolerates dry soils and heat. Avoid shearing, as that will made the juniper woody and stiff; instead, prune selectively if necessary (see Guides).