Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper

Juniperus procumbens 'Nana'

Nature Hills Nursery

Ultra-Compact Dwarf Juniper Spreads 10+ Feet Wide While Staying Just 8-18 Inches Tall
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-9
Grows 1 ft Tall, 4-5 ft Wide
Evergreen Year-Round Color and Privacy
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant

$42⁰⁰

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Plant Size

#1 Container #3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This juniper thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily to maintain its tight, dense growth habit. While it can handle a bit of afternoon shade in scorching climates, too much shade results in a "leggy" appearance and loss of its signature silvery-blue color.
Soil: These plants demand sharp drainage and prefer gritty or sandy soils over heavy, wet earth. If you have heavy clay, plant your juniper in a raised mound or add several handfuls of coarse grit to the planting hole to prevent the roots from sitting in stagnant water.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water your juniper twice a week to help the roots knit into the surrounding soil. Once established, this evergreen is exceptionally drought tolerant and usually survives on natural rainfall alone. Inconsistent moisture during the first year often leads to browning needles, so check the soil moisture with your finger to ensure it is dry an inch down before adding more water.

Pruning Tips

Since these junipers grow slowly and naturally maintain a low, spreading carpet shape, they rarely require heavy pruning. If you need to control the spread, prune in early spring before new growth begins by "tipping" the ends of the branches. Think of this like a light trim rather than a haircut; cutting back into old, bare wood where there are no green needles will result in a permanent bald spot that will not regrow.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release evergreen fertilizer once a year in early spring as the ground thaws to support new foliage. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall. This prevents the plant from producing tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost, which can lead to significant winter burn or dieback.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Compact/Dwarf, Evergreen, Groundcover, Slopes/Erosion Control, Deer-resistant, Salt Tolerant, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant, Container Friendly
Hardiness Zone	4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	1 ft
Width	4-5 ft
Watering Needs	Low
Preferred Soil	Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Slow
Growth Habit	Bushy, Compact, Spreading
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	White
Foliage Color	Green
Suitable Space	Indoors, Outdoors
Plant Name	Juniper
Botanical Name	Juniperus procumbens 'Nana'
Species	procumbens
Cultivar	Nana
Class	Pinopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, CA, HI, ID, MT, PR

If you're looking for a stylish, carefree polishing plant to use at ground level in your garden designs, this is it. Soften the edges of your garden beds with the charming Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper (Juniperus procumbens 'Nana')!

Short needles grow on ground-hugging prostrate spreading branches. The steely blue-green hue delivers a sophisticated look to these spreading groundcover shrubs. Over time, it develops into that perfectly classic evergreen groundcover. Achieve a high-end look with this soft evergreen that gently drapes over the ground like a year-round mantle of blue-green!

Resilient Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper is well-known for its durable performance. This highly adaptable evergreen will win your heart and bring a refined, easy-care elegance to your plantings. It tolerates drought, heat and humidity, pollution in urban settings, salty seashores, and wind, and withstands even in the harshest winters throughout USDA planting zones 4 to 9. Even deer and rabbits tend to leave Juniper bushes alone!

Landscape Application:

Museums, libraries, and parks across the country have relied on this hard-working creeper to create a cushiony transition from hardscape to mulched planting bed. Their horticulture teams count on the high performance of this time-tested, low-slung carpet of color! Enjoy the fun of planning your own private retreat. Don't forget to weave in this worldly choice at the ground level for a well-appointed visual effect.

Follow their lead for a poised presentation throughout the sunny parts of your landscape. Even beginning gardeners can successfully grow this engaging evergreen groundcover. In the landscape, plant these low-maintenance spreaders along the edge of slopes and retaining walls. Garden Junipers soften the look and keep your visitor's eyes moving through your space.

Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper makes a marvelous edger along the length of the driveway. They'll take about twenty minutes of your time each year, once established. Grow several of them in a cool-toned ribbon along your pool deck. Add a tall row of skinny Taylor Junipers on their north side to block out the rest of the world.

With a trailing nature, Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper looks exceptional as a single specimen in a potted container. Collect a series of them and keep them in a tight trio on your balcony, deck, or patio. Use huge modern outdoor planters throughout your plantings to add a welcome splash of color with columnar Purple Pillar Rose of Sharon as a long-lived "Thriller". Fill the edges with your favorite Potentilla from our extensive collection.

Decorate a collector's Rock garden with several, and you'll generate a relaxing Zen style. Leverage their lush look to turn a dry open area into a showy garden feature. Gorgeous Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper is native to southern Japan. This choice is best known as the basis for Bonsai plants and small topiary sculptures, creating an outstanding specimen for a life-long passion project.

Soft Blue-Green Foliage Stays Evergreen
Natural Dwarf Stays Very Low & Spreads Very Wide
Slow-Growing = Very Low-Maintenance!
Topiary & Bonsai Candidate!
Fantastic Groundcover, Container Spiller & Landscape Filler

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Provide Juniper bushes a planting site in full sun, but in hotter climates, they can handle some afternoon shade. They need at least six hours of sunlight a day, but will happily take more. Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper needs sharp drainage and prefers dry, sandy soil. Root rot may occur in wet, poorly drained soils, elevate your planting to improve your drainage, if needed.

Use Nature Hills Root Booster during planting to give your investment life-long support. Our growers swear by this time-tested formula. Provide consistent moisture for the first season. Once the root system is established in your soil, this becomes a xeriscape plant.

Prune in early spring to contain the edges, if needed. Clip a few of the longest branches all the way back to the main stem. Our expert growers take great pride in getting these lovely evergreens off to a wonderful start.

Resilient & Highly Adaptable
Full Sun & Some Afternoon Shade
Must Have Very Well-Drained Soil
Low Maintenance - Prune Early Spring
Deer & Rabbit Resistant

Order enough Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper to complete your project today and enjoy having your future landscaping delivered to your doorstep. Don't wait to install these showy plants to boost the look of your space. Order your Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper today! Designers love incorporating these outstanding groundcovers, and our limited inventory sells out quickly!

Easy How-To's For Creating Cascading Bonsai Using Groundcover Juniper

For the adventurous plant lover, try your hand at creating Cascading bonsai using Blue Rug Juniper. Remove the plant from its pot and study it. Use a small garden rake to remove dirt as needed. Prepare to pull the roots apart, as you need to.

You'll first find the trunkline - or thickest stem - which will form the basis of your design. Remember to follow the plant and let it dictate the design.

Decide which branches you'll keep in the design. You'll need a head branch and 1 or 2 cascading branches that have plenty of twists and turns for interest. Once you've decided, remove the other branches.

Wire the head branch into an upright shape. The cascading branches will flow downward from that head branch. Wire the twists and bends into the cascading branches for a long, beautiful downward flow. Use a taller bonsai pot and a rich, fast-draining soil mix for acid-loving plants.

Send us pictures! We'd love to see them!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is the Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper suitable for?

Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9. This resilient evergreen withstands harsh winters and adapts well to diverse climates. Plant it confidently in most temperate regions across the continental United States.

How big does Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper get at maturity?

Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper reaches 8-24 inches tall and spreads 4-8 feet wide at maturity. This slow-growing groundcover takes several years to reach full size but creates a dense, carpet-like coverage. Plan for adequate spacing when planting multiple specimens available at naturehills.com.

What are the planting zones or climate regions where Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper thrives best?

Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper thrives in USDA zones 4 through 9, handling everything from harsh northern winters to hot, humid southern summers. This tough evergreen also tolerates drought, urban pollution, salt spray, and strong winds. Plant it in full sun for best performance and densest growth.

How much sun does Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper need daily?

Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper thrives in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. This hardy evergreen performs best in sunny locations across zones 4-9. Plant it in the sunniest spots of your landscape for optimal growth and that signature blue-green color.

What type of soil is best for Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper, and does it need good drainage?

Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper thrives in well-draining soil and tolerates poor, sandy, or rocky conditions. This adaptable groundcover actually prefers lean soil over rich, fertile ground. Avoid wet or waterlogged areas, as good drainage is essential for healthy growth.

Is Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper drought-tolerant once established?

Yes, Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper is highly drought-tolerant once established. This resilient evergreen thrives in USDA zones 4-9 and tolerates heat, humidity, and harsh conditions with minimal care. Once settled in, it requires only about twenty minutes of maintenance per year.

Does Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper require much pruning or maintenance?

Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper requires minimal maintenance once established, needing only about 20 minutes of care annually. This hardy evergreen groundcover thrives in zones 4-9 with excellent drought and heat tolerance. Simply plant and let it naturally spread into its low, carpet-like form with little intervention needed.

Is Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper deer-resistant and good for slopes or rock gardens?

Yes, Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper is deer-resistant and excels on slopes and in rock gardens. This hardy groundcover tolerates zones 4-9 and spreads low to create a cushiony transition over challenging terrain. Plant along slope edges and retaining walls where its prostrate growth softens hardscapes.

Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper

Juniperus procumbens 'Nana'