Creeping Juniper
Juniperus horizontalis
A hardy, low-maintenance evergreen ground cover that forms dense, spreading mats perfect for slopes and difficult areas. This native North American plant offers year-round color with needle-like foliage that ranges from blue-green to purplish in winter. Extremely drought tolerant once established, making it ideal for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
3–9
USDA hardiness
Height
6-18 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Creeping Juniper in USDA Zone 7
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Creeping Juniper · Zones 3–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Sand, Shallow Rocky. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Occasionally Dry. Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.. Spread: 4 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 6-feet-12 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Low. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
No fruits, cones are blue 2 to 3-seeded and berry-like on recurved stalks appear the second year after pollination. They are less than 1/2 inch wide. May or may not be present on cultivars.
Color: Blue. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Bloom time: Spring, Summer
History & Origin
Origin: Northern North America into Canada
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Deer, Drought, Erosion, Heat, Pollution, Salt, Urban Conditions
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Lavender
Shares similar drought tolerance and well-draining soil requirements, creates attractive color contrast
Ornamental Grasses
Complement the texture and provide vertical interest while sharing similar low-maintenance requirements
Sedum
Both are drought-tolerant succulents that thrive in poor, well-draining soils
Russian Sage
Similar drought tolerance and creates beautiful textural contrast with aromatic foliage
Yucca
Shares preference for dry, sandy soils and adds architectural interest
Pine Trees
Natural companions in native habitats, both tolerate acidic soil and similar growing conditions
Cotoneaster
Similar growth habits and soil preferences, both are low-maintenance groundcovers
Wild Bergamot
Attracts beneficial insects and pollinators while tolerating similar growing conditions
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone, a chemical compound toxic to many conifers including junipers
Apple Trees
Junipers can host cedar-apple rust fungus which severely damages apple trees
Hawthorn
Susceptible to cedar-hawthorn rust, with junipers serving as alternate host for this fungal disease
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally disease resistant, good pest tolerance
Common Pests
Scale insects, spider mites, bagworms
Diseases
Root rot in poorly drained soils, juniper blight