About

A creeping, evergreen conifer to 40cm high, forming a mat up to a metre across. Young foliage is greenish-yellow, and turns orange in autumn and bronze in winter.

About the genus

Juniperus can be prostrate or erect, evergreen shrubs or trees with aromatic, scale-like or sharply pointed awl-shaped leaves, and small globose fruits

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeConifers, Shrubs
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden
ToxicityHarmful if eaten/skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Care notes

CultivationGrow in any well-drained soil, in full sun or light, dappled shade
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, scale insects and webber moth caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to pestalotiopsis on conifers, phytophthora and honey fungus