Creeping Juniper
Juniperus horizontalis
Also listed as Juniperus hudsonica, Juniperus prostrata
Also known as Horizontal Juniper, Prostrate Juniper, Creeping Savin
Climate Match for your location
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A low-growing, mat-forming evergreen groundcover with fine blue-green or gray-green foliage that turns purple-tinged in winter. Extremely drought-tolerant and excellent for erosion control, slopes, and xeriscape gardens.
Why grow it
Creeping juniper offers superior cold hardiness and drought tolerance compared to many ornamental groundcovers, making it suitable for regions where other mat-forming evergreens struggle. It establishes relatively quickly on slopes and poor soils where erosion control is needed, and requires minimal fertilizer or supplemental water once established. Where winter color interest is desired, its seasonal foliage shift provides visual variety without additional plantings.
Watch out for
In areas with high humidity or poor drainage, creeping juniper is prone to fungal issues like tip blight, particularly if plants are crowded or receive overhead irrigation. The plant spreads readily and can take several years to fully fill a space, so spacing recommendations should be followed to avoid overcrowding and ensure adequate air circulation.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Cupressaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Northwestern North America
Native to: Alaska, Iowa, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, New York, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
Blue Rug and Wiltonii are the most popular cultivars, both forming tight, low mats (4–6 inches tall) with blue-gray foliage; Blue Rug tends to be slightly more vigorous and is widely used for erosion control.
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A low-growing, mat-forming evergreen groundcover with fine blue-green or gray-green foliage that turns purple-tinged in winter. Extremely drought-tolerant and excellent for erosion control, slopes, and xeriscape gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Creeping Juniper grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Creeping juniper offers superior cold hardiness and drought tolerance compared to many ornamental groundcovers, making it suitable for regions where other mat-forming evergreens struggle. It establishes relatively quickly on slopes and poor soils where erosion control is needed, and requires minimal fertilizer or supplemental water once established. Where winter color interest is desired, its seasonal foliage shift provides visual variety without additional plantings.
Watch out for
In areas with high humidity or poor drainage, creeping juniper is prone to fungal issues like tip blight, particularly if plants are crowded or receive overhead irrigation. The plant spreads readily and can take several years to fully fill a space, so spacing recommendations should be followed to avoid overcrowding and ensure adequate air circulation.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Cupressaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Northwestern North America
Native to: Alaska, Iowa, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, New York, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
Blue Rug and Wiltonii are the most popular cultivars, both forming tight, low mats (4–6 inches tall) with blue-gray foliage; Blue Rug tends to be slightly more vigorous and is widely used for erosion control.