Creeping Juniper as a Ground Cover

Types

• There are more than 60 creeping juniper cultivars, including the popular Wiltonii and Plumosa. Wiltonii grows up to 6 inches high and 5 feet wide and forms a dense, bluish-silver mat. Blue-green Plumosa grows up to 2 feet tall and spreads up to 10 feet. Prince of Wales forms a bright green, cold hardy ground cover. Other common cultivars include Blue Prince, which produces bluish foliage, and Glauca, which hugs the ground at less than 3 inches tall.

Location

• Creeping juniper forms a dense ground cover in many soil types, including sandy, rocky and well-drained clay soils. It provides erosion control on hot, dry slopes. This highly adaptable plant thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 4 through 9. It prefers acidic to slightly alkaline soil in full sun. In a shady, poorly drained area, it produces less foliage and is more susceptible to disease. Mature creeping juniper is highly drought-tolerant, but does not tolerate heavy traffic.

Propagation

• Cuttings and layering are the quickest methods for propagating creeping juniper and adding new ground cover, according to Floridata. Summer cuttings with mature leaves develop roots within four to six weeks. To propagate by layering, girdle a vigorously growing stem, bend it at the girdled area, and then plant the girdled section in soil. Three or four months later, after roots develop, prune back the tips to stimulate more root growth. Transplant to a sunny area, away from heavy traffic.

Problems

• Low-growing creeping junipers, such as Glauca, are susceptible to weed infestation. During establishment, add a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth. Pests include bagworms, which eat the needles, and juniper scale, which causes stunted growth and yellow needles. Although junipers are susceptible to fungal diseases, Wiltonii and Plumosa cultivars are resistant to phomopsis twig blight and to cedar rust. Obtain a list of approved pesticides and fungicides for your area from your county extension office.