Creeping Juniper

(Juniperus procumbens)

Creeping Juniper (Juniperus procumbens)

Photo by David J. Stang

CC BY-SA 4.0

Image By: Photo by David J. Stang

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Photo by David J. Stang | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: David Stang | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Juniperus_chinensis_procumbens_4zz.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description ={{en|1=Location taken: Merrifield Garden Center, Fairfax VA USA. Names: Quercus shumardii Buckley, chêne de Shumard, Shumard Oak, Shumard Red Oak, Shumard's Oak, Shumards Oak, Southern Red Oak, Spotted Oak, Swam

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Juniperus procumbens, commonly known as Creeping Juniper, is an evergreen shrub native to the rocky outcrops and coastal and mountainous regions of Japan and Korea. Adapted to harsh conditions, it is a ground-hugging plant that typically grows 20–30 centimeters (8–12 inches) tall and can spread widely, 2–4 meters (6+1⁄2–13 feet) across. Its long, prostrate branches intertwine to form a dense mat, which is effective in preventing soil erosion. The foliage is a soft green with a bluish tinge and may turn purplish in winter. Creeping Juniper is often confused with Juniperus chinensis, the Chinese juniper, but it is a distinct species.

Creeping Juniper is valued for its low maintenance, drought tolerance, and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, ground cover, and erosion control. It is also popular in bonsai cultivation for its interesting form and texture. In the landscape, it requires full sun to maintain its dense growth habit and prefers well-drained soils. While it tolerates medium moisture, it is highly adaptable to dry conditions once established.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Shrubs, Trees
Height: 0.7-1.5 feet
Width: 10-15 feet
Growth Rate: Slow
Flower Color: N/A
Flowering Season:
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Medium
Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Rocky outcrops and coastal regions of Japan

Other Names

Common Names: Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper , Japanischer Kriechwacholder , Genévrier Prostré , Можжевельник Лежачий (Mozhzhevel’Nik Lezhachij) , Japansk Krypen , 铺地柏 (Pu Di Bai) , ソナレ (Sonare) , ハイビャクシン (Hai-Byakushin) , 磯馴 (Sonare) , 這柏槇 (Hai-Byakushin) , Pu Di Bai

Scientific Names: Juniperus procumbens , Juniperus chinensis var. procumbens , Sabina procumbens , Juniperus chinensis f. japonica , Juniperus japonica , Juniperus chinensis f. alba , Sabina chinensis var. procumbens , Juniperus japonica var. alba , Juniperus japonica var. aurea-variegata

GBIF Accepted Name: Juniperus procumbens (Siebold ex Endl.) Miq.