Digging deeperPlant Library

Other Names:  Japanese Garden Juniper

Description:

A spectacular and dependable groundcover for sunny locations, extremely low growing and mat-forming, spreads almost indefinitely, very adaptable; superb choice for a low groundcover when used in mass, considered one of the best by designers

Ornamental Features

Dwarf Japgarden Juniper is a dwarf conifer which is primarily valued in the garden for its broadly spreading habit of growth. It has attractive bluish-green evergreen foliage. The scale-like sprays of foliage are highly ornamental and turn plum purple in the fall, which persists throughout the winter. It produces blue berries from late spring to late winter.

Landscape Attributes

Dwarf Japgarden Juniper is a dense 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. When pruning is necessary, it is recommended to only trim back the new growth of the current season, other than to remove any dieback. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Dwarf Japgarden Juniper is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Rock/Alpine Gardens
• Border Edging
• General Garden Use
• Groundcover

Planting & Growing

Dwarf Japgarden Juniper will grow to be about 12 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 6 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 prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. 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 selected variety of a species not originally from North America.