Groundcover Junipers: Top Varieties & Pruning Guide

Top Varieties & Pruning For Best Growth!

If you're looking for a low-maintenance plant that adds year-round color, suppresses weeds, and thrives in almost any sunny spot, Groundcover Junipers are the answer. These tough evergreens spread wide, stay low, and provide incredible texture, whether you're softening a retaining wall, covering a slope, or filling in open garden space.

best edging and groundcover juniper shrubs

At Nature Hills Nursery, you'll find a wide variety of groundcover Junipers in shades of blue, green, and silvery-gray, with some even shifting to a purplish hue in winter.

Top Low-Growing Groundcover Junipers
Landscaping Uses
Care & Maintenance
How to Prune Groundcover Junipers
A Low-Maintenance Groundcover with High Impact

Perfect for mass plantings, erosion control, or wildlife-friendly landscapes, these adaptable Junipers grow where other plants struggle. Once established, they're drought-tolerant, resilient, and stunning when used in modern or traditional designs. Some even produce ornamental blue berries that birds love.

Top Low-Growing Groundcover Junipers

great groundcover junipers at nature hills

Not all Junipers are tall and shrubby - some hug the ground and spread wide, making them perfect as living carpets. Here are some of the best low-growing options you'll find at Nature Hills:

Blue Rug Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii'): One of the lowest-growing Junipers, forming a dense mat of silvery-blue foliage. Ideal for slopes, rock gardens, and cascading over walls. Growing just 6 - 8 inches and spreading to a sizeable 6 - 8 feet.
Blue Chip Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Chip'): Compact and flat-growing with steel-blue foliage that resists fading. Excellent choice for erosion control on banks. Blue Chip grows just 12 inches in height, but can spread to a great 6-8 feet wide.
Blueberry Delight Juniper Bush (Juniperus comminis 'AmiDak'): Low, spreading evergreen with bright green foliage that turns purple in winter, highlighted by heavy clusters of ornamental blue berries that birds adore - great accent plant, groundcover, or edging plant.
Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper (Juniperus procumbens 'Nana'): A classic bonsai favorite, forming a low mat of emerald-green foliage that hugs the ground. This darling grows 8-12 inches tall and spreads into a 4-5 foot wide carpet.
Green Mound Japanese Garden Juniper (Juniperus procumbens 'Green Mound'): Dense, uniform, and spreading, perfect for Asian-inspired gardens, rock gardens, or borders. Ornamental 8-12 inches tall and spreading a modest 3-4 feet wide.
Buffalo Juniper (Juniperus sabina 'Buffalo'): Rugged and wide-spreading with green foliage that thrives in tough, dry conditions. A beefier shrub, Buffalo grows 12-15 inches tall and spreads 3-5 feet wide.
Calgary Carpet® Juniper (Juniperus sabina 'Monna'): Dense, medium-green needles form a thick carpet ideal for slopes and large-scale groundcover. Calgary grows 6-9 inches tall and can spread to an astounding 8-10 feet wide!
Blue Pacific Juniper (Juniperus conferta ‘Blue Pacific’): A hardy, salt-tolerant groundcover with soft-textured, blue-green needles that spread in a graceful, trailing habit. Excellent for coastal gardens, with a lush look that stands out from typical Junipers. At 12 inches tall, Blue Pacific spreads 5-7 feet wide!
Grey Owl Juniper (Juniperus virginiana 'Grey Owl'): Low, wide-spreading form with silvery-gray foliage, outstanding as a wildlife-friendly groundcover. Cold-hardy Grey Owl grows 2-3 feet tall and spreads 5-6 feet wide.
Arcadia Juniper (Juniperus sabina 'Arcadia'): Extremely hardy, spreading variety with rich green foliage that handles poor soils and urban sites with ease. Growing 12-18 inches tall, this lovely specimen spreads 3-5 feet wide.

These low-growing Junipers spread beautifully without getting tall, making them unbeatable for covering ground, suppressing weeds, and adding evergreen texture to tough, sunny spots.

Landscaping Uses

best juniper shrubs for year round greenery!

Groundcover Junipers are more than just tough plants - they're also incredibly versatile:

Sunny slopes: Great for hard-to-mow hillsides. Hold soil in place and prevent erosion.
Retaining walls: Plant along the top and let them spill gracefully over the edges
Mass plantings: Create a colorful, textured, low-maintenance carpet of foliage!
Rock gardens: Perfect companions for boulders and gravel beds. Junipers are wonderfully xeric once established.
Wildlife-friendly gardens: Some varieties produce berries beloved by birds, but deer tend to leave these spikier plants alone unless desperate.

Care & Maintenance

Groundcover Junipers are famously easy to grow, making them a top pick for busy or beginner gardeners:

Sun Needs: Full sun is a must for healthy, dense growth
Soil Conditions: Plant in well-drained soil to prevent root rot
Correct Watering: Water regularly in the first season to establish roots, then they become very drought-tolerant (watering tips)
Mulching: A light mulch layer helps retain moisture while young plants are establishing

How To Prune Groundcover Junipers

great juniper bushes and how to prune them

Pruning Groundcover Junipers requires a slightly different approach than shearing shrubs or clipping hedges. These evergreens grow by extending new shoots from their tips, while the older interior wood does not produce new growth once shaded out.

This means that if you cut too far back into bare, woody stems, those areas will not regenerate.

Instead, the key is to keep your trimming light, targeted, and focused on the green tips:

Time It Right: Light pruning can be done year-round, but the best time for shaping is late spring through mid-summer, after new growth hardens off. Avoid heavy trimming in late fall to prevent winter damage.
Trim Only the Green Tips: Snip back the soft green ends to keep plants tidy and encourage branching. Always leave some green foliage on every branch you cut.
Guide Their Spread: If plants spill too far over paths, walls, or edging, use hand pruners to lightly redirect their natural flow without forcing a harsh outline.
Avoid Shearing: Unlike Boxwoods or Yews, Junipers don't bounce back from tight, formal shearing. A looser, layered shape is healthier and more attractive.
Remove Dead or Damaged Branches: Cut out broken, brown, or diseased growth cleanly to improve air circulation and vigor.
Never Cut Into Old Wood: Once branches turn woody and bare, they will not sprout again. Always work on the living green growth.

With this approach, pruning is minimal and mainly cosmetic. Groundcover Junipers look their best when you respect their natural growth habit, giving them just enough guidance to stay neat and contained.

A Low-Maintenance Groundcover With High Impact

From sunny slopes to modern landscapes, Groundcover Junipers deliver evergreen beauty, low-maintenance perks, and year-round appeal. Whether you need erosion control, weed suppression, or just want a living carpet of color, these tough evergreens have you covered.

Happy Planting!

Frequently Asked Questions

How to trim juniper bushes?

Trim juniper bushes in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, using clean, sharp pruning shears to make precise cuts just above a lateral branch or bud. For groundcover junipers, focus on removing dead, damaged, or wayward branches rather than heavy pruning, as these plants naturally maintain their low, spreading shape. Never cut back into old wood without foliage, as junipers won't regenerate from bare stems. Lightly shape the edges if needed and remove any vertical shoots to maintain the desired groundcover form.

When to prune juniper bushes?

The best time to prune juniper bushes is during late winter to early spring (February through April), before new growth begins. Avoid pruning during hot summer months or late fall, as this can stress the plant and make it vulnerable to winter damage. For groundcover junipers, focus on light pruning to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. Prune selectively by cutting back to a lateral branch or main stem rather than shearing, which can create bare spots that won't fill in.

How to prune juniper shrubs?

Prune groundcover junipers in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, using clean, sharp pruning shears to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Focus on selective pruning rather than shearing, cutting back to a healthy lateral branch or bud to maintain the plant's natural spreading form. Never remove more than one-third of the plant in a single season, as junipers are slow to recover from heavy pruning. For best results, lightly shape young plants annually while allowing mature specimens to grow naturally with minimal intervention.

How to trim juniper ground cover?

Trim groundcover junipers in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, using clean pruning shears to selectively remove dead, damaged, or overgrown branches. Cut back to a healthy side branch or junction rather than shearing across the top, as junipers don't regenerate well from bare wood. Focus on maintaining the plant's natural spreading form by removing any upright shoots that disrupt the low profile. Avoid heavy pruning and instead trim lightly each year to keep your juniper groundcover dense and healthy.

Can you prune junipers in the fall?

Yes, you can prune junipers in fall, but late spring to early summer is the optimal timing for most varieties. Fall pruning removes the protective foliage that helps junipers survive winter stress, and cuts won't heal as quickly in cooler weather. If you must prune in fall, limit it to light shaping and removal of dead or damaged branches only. For best results, plan your major pruning for late May through July when junipers are actively growing.

What USDA hardiness zones are best for groundcover junipers?

Most groundcover junipers thrive in USDA hardiness zones 3-9, with some varieties tolerating zone 2 or extending into zone 10. The majority of popular cultivars like Blue Rug, Bar Harbor, and Wilton Carpet perform best in zones 4-8 where they experience reliable winter chill without extreme cold damage. Different species offer varying cold tolerance, with creeping juniper (Juniperus horizontalis) being among the hardiest at zones 2-9. Check the specific zone rating for your chosen variety and select one rated at least one zone colder than your area for best long-term success.

What are the best varieties of groundcover junipers for full sun and slopes?

For full sun slopes, Blue Rug Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii') is exceptional, staying just 6-8 inches tall while spreading 6-8 feet wide with dense silvery-blue foliage. Blue Chip Juniper offers similar spread but reaches 12 inches in height, featuring steel-blue color that won't fade in intense sun. Both varieties excel at erosion control and thrive in poor soils where other plants struggle. Plant them 4-6 feet apart for quick coverage, or closer for faster establishment on steep grades.

How do I plant creeping junipers properly, including hole size and soil preparation?

Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but only as deep, ensuring the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil. Creeping junipers thrive in well-draining soil and full sun, so amend heavy clay with coarse sand or gravel if needed. Space plants 4-6 feet apart to allow for their mature spread of 6-8 feet. Water thoroughly after planting and mulch around the base to retain moisture during the first growing season.

What spacing should I use between groundcover juniper plants for optimal air circulation?

For optimal air circulation, space groundcover junipers 4-6 feet apart when planting, allowing room for their mature spread of 6-8 feet wide. This spacing prevents overcrowding while still achieving full coverage within 2-3 growing seasons. Closer spacing of 3-4 feet works for faster coverage but may require selective pruning later to maintain airflow and prevent fungal issues. Plant in spring or early fall for best establishment before winter.

How often should I water newly planted groundcover junipers until they are established?

Water newly planted groundcover junipers deeply 2-3 times per week for the first 6-8 weeks, providing about 1 inch of water each time. During establishment (typically the first full growing season), reduce frequency to once weekly while increasing water depth to encourage deep root development. Once established, these drought-tolerant evergreens require minimal supplemental watering except during extended dry periods. Check soil moisture 2-3 inches deep and water only when dry to avoid overwatering, which can damage these hardy plants.

Groundcover Junipers: Best Varieties & Pruning Tips