Species creeping juniper
dense, low, spreading, and ground-hugging shape green foliage

creeping juniper

Juniperus horizontalis 'Plumosa'

Creeping juniper (Juniperus horizontalis 'Plumosa') is a popular ground cover that grows low and spreads out on flat or gently sloping areas. It is a low-maintenance evergreen shrub that produces feathery silver-green foliage. The 'Plumosa' variety has airy foliage composed of delicate fronds of branchlets. Its growth rate is moderate and it can reach up to 3 feet high and 6 feet wide. Pruning can be used to maintain its size and shape. It is drought tolerant and is an excellent choice for sunny locations. It is deer and disease resistant and its many colors and textures make it an attractive addition to any garden.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Layering Propagation,Cutting,Division,Grafting Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

2

Flowers:

Non-flowering Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Soil:

Sandy Loamy Clay Rocky

Fruits:

blue,purple Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Creeping Juniper should be watered deeply but infrequently. On average, it requires 1 thorough watering every 10-14 days. During dry weather, you can lengthen the time between waterings, but during the heat of summer be sure to water before the soil dries out completely. Avoid overhead watering, as it may lead to disease. Water in the mornings or early afternoons when temperatures are cooler and direct sunlight is limited. Do not water late in the day, as it may cause fungal growth on the leaves. When watering, make sure the plant is receiving ample amount of water (at least 1-2 in.), as it will penetrate the soil better than several light waterings, ensuring that all of the root system is receiving hydration.

sunlight

Creeping juniper (Juniperus horizontalis 'Plumosa') prefers to be grown in an area that gets at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Creeping junipers grow best in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9, depending on the species. They also like to be planted in areas that have well-drained soil. In the summer months, it is beneficial to provide your creeping juniper with some afternoon shade to avoid scorching of the leaves. An ideal location for a creeping juniper would be a sunny spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade.

pruning

Creeping juniper (Juniperus horizontalis 'Plumosa') should be pruned in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. In the first year, lightly prune to keep it in bounds and to encourage a bushy habit. Yearly pruning should consist of removing dead wood and straggly growth and lightly shaping. It is important not to prune too much at once, as it can cause damage to the plant. It is best to take off no more than 1-third of the foliage.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Juniperus horizontalis 'Plumosa' is in late summer or early fall, typically between August and October.

Starts Flowering

Creeping juniper typically begins flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Creeping juniper typically begins flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Juniperus horizontalis 'Plumosa' is in late summer or early fall, typically between August and October.

Hardiness Map