Juniper Plants & Shrubs

Prostrate Junipers

• Prostrate Junipers grow in a low, sprawling formation along the ground, often used by landscapers as ground cover plants. Though they generally grow less than 18 inches tall, prostrate junipers are capable of spreading 6 to 8 feet. Bar Harbor, Blue Rug, San Jose and Procumbens are a few common varieties.

Spreading Junipers

• Spreading junipers are more shrublike, typically growing to a height of 3 to 8 feet and a similar spread. Some grow horizontally, giving them a flat-topped appearance, while others have arching branches and a vaselike shape. Varieties of spreading juniper include Blue Vase, Armstrong, Pfitzeriana and Mint Julep.

Upright Junipers

• Upright junipers are large, tree-type shrubs that, in many cases, are capable of reaching up to 30 feet in height. They can often be kept smaller by pruning, but it would be wise to plant these junipers in areas where they have enough room to grow. Burki, Iowa, Blue Heaven and Pathfinder are a few examples of upright juniper varieties.

Characteristics

• Though junipers vary in shape and color -- foliage shades range from yellow-green to blue-grey -- all junipers share certain characteristics. Most display sharp, prickly foliage when young, and become softer and more scale-like with maturity. Junipers thrive in dry and poor-quality soils and need ample sunlight, but they do not fare well in overly wet locations with shade. Varieties are available for every part of the country, and University Extensions offer specific information on variety selections in most states.