What is creeping juniper like?

Detail of the leaves of Juniperus horizontalis

The creeping juniper it is a wonderful groundcover plant: its branches, growing horizontally and at ground level, form a wonderful, beautiful green carpet. In addition, it must be said that it is very rustic, withstanding very strong frosts of several degrees below zero.

So that you know well what it is, we tell you what are their characteristics. Thus, it will surely be much easier for you to identify it when you go to a nursery or visit a garden .

Juniperus horizontalis 'Mother Lode' specimen

Juniperus horizontalis ‘Mother Lode’

Our protagonist, whose scientific name is Juniper horizontal, it is an evergreen shrub originally from North America, where it can be found growing for example near the highway. It is known as creeping juniper, horizontal juniper, horizontal juniper, creeping juniper, carpet cedar. Its bearing is creepingas their common names indicate, and it can occupy an area of ​​up to 6 square metersalthough you must bear in mind that its growth rate is quite slow.

Needles (coniferous leaves) they are very short, less than 1cm, green or yellowish-green depending on the variety. Although the plant is always kept with the leaves, from time to time throughout its life we ​​will see that some of them fall off, which is normal and should not worry us. And the fact is that the leaves also have a limited life expectancy; therefore, as their end nears, they wither and fall as new ones sprout.

Juniper horizontal sample

Creeping juniper can be used for several things: as an isolated specimen or in groups, to cover floors, or even as a bonsai. And if that was not enough, tolerates both direct sun and semi-shadeand it withstands frosts down to -15ºC very well, which is why it is a very popular plant to decorate any type of garden.

What did you think of this plant? Pretty, right?

What is creeping juniper like?

Leave a Reply

Scroll to top

Discover more from DIY Gardens

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading