shrub

Prostrate Common Juniper

Juniperus communis 'Prostrata'

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Prostrate Common Juniper (Juniperus communis 'Prostrata') at Millcreek Gardens

Prostrate Common Juniper

Prostrate Common Juniper

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  24 inches

Spread:  5 feet

Sunlight:  full sun 

Hardiness Zone:  3b

Description:

A broadly arching attractive evergreen groundcover shrub with sharp green needles all season long, good winter color; extremely adaptable to poor soils and dry locations, very hardy; makes an excellent massed groundcover

Ornamental Features

Prostrate Common Juniper is a dwarf conifer which is primarily valued in the garden for its broadly spreading habit of growth. It has attractive green foliage with silver stripes. The needles are highly ornamental and remain green throughout the winter. It produces blue berries from late spring to late winter.

Landscape Attributes

Prostrate Common Juniper is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a ground-hugging habit of growth. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which should be used to full effect.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Prostrate Common Juniper is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • General Garden Use
  • Groundcover

Planting & Growing

Prostrate Common Juniper will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 5 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.

This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selection of a native North American species.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Garden  Groundcover 
Applications
Fruit  Foliage Color  Texture  Plant Form  Winter Value 
Ornamental Features