Botanical Name: Juniperus procumbens
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Common Name: Japanese Juniper  
Plant photo of: Juniperus procumbens
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Water Saving Tip:

Even though it's hot, your lawn only needs to be watered twice a week to stay healthy.

And don't water the whole lawn for a brown spot—drag out a hose.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Conifer, Shrub, Ground cover

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

n/a

 

Flower Season

n/a

 

Leaf Color

Blue Green

 

Bark Color

Brown, Grey

 

Fruit Color

Purple

 

Fruit Season

Fall

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Very Low, Low

 

Growth Rate

Moderate, Slow

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Formal, Japanese, Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

n/a

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Entry, Shrub Border, Foundation, Parking Strip, Patio, Park, Parking Lot, Walls / Fences, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Cascade, Erosion Control, Topiary, Mass Planting, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer: Gordon Courtright
  • Description

  • Notes

Another low-growing juniper species, these tend to form ground-hugging mats, which makes them nice to use with walls or around large rocks. Typically a little more stiff than J. horizontalis. Generally less than 2 feet high, though sometimes up to 3 feet; spread ranges from 8 to 15 feet, though they are slow growing. It has small, evergreen, blue-green to gray green scales, depending on the cultivar.
It prefers full sun with occasional watering once it's established. Though it seems indifferent to soil type, good drainage is a must. Its foliage and form are best when left un-sheared. Though junipers do well in low water conditions, they need regular and adequate water to become established. Avoid shearing or shaping, as it makes the shrub woody.