Juniper is one of those incredibly versatile plants that can do just about anything in your garden. While many of us picture them as tall, upright shrubs, there are also fantastic low-growing varieties that make perfect groundcovers. However, not every juniper is built for life on the ground—choosing the right species is key to getting that lush, carpeted look.
Upright vs. Groundcover Junipers
The beauty of juniper lies in its variety. Depending on your landscaping goals, you can go for a towering focal point or a sprawling green rug. If you’re looking to fill space and suppress weeds, you’ll want to stick with the prostrate (low-growing) types. Just keep in mind that while they all share that classic evergreen charm, their growth habits vary wildly.
The Best Groundcover Varieties
If you want a true groundcover, look for species that send out flat, horizontal branches and stay under 20 inches tall. Here are a few of my personal favorites that are absolute rockstars at covering ground:
- Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis)
- Juniperus communis ‘Repanda’
- Juniperus communis ‘Hornibrookii’
- Juniperus communis ‘Green Carpet’
Finding the Perfect Spot
When it comes to picking the right location, groundcover junipers have pretty much the same needs as their taller cousins. They crave sunlight, so aim for a spot that’s full sun or at least partial shade. They aren’t too picky about soil, but they do love a well-draining spot and don’t mind a bit of lime. One thing to remember: give them room to breathe! Unlike upright junipers that reach for the sky, these guys focus all their energy on spreading outward, so they need a wider “footprint” to thrive.
Spacing Your Plants
Getting the planting distance right is the secret to a beautiful, gap-free evergreen carpet. You want them close enough to knit together, but not so close that their roots are fighting for survival. A good rule of thumb is to space them about 20 to 30 inches apart. Generally, you’re looking at planting about two to four shrubs per square yard to get full coverage.
How to Use Groundcover Junipers
Low-growing junipers are absolute lifesavers for tricky spots like steep embankments or large, bare patches in your yard. They also look stunning cascading over stone walls or brightening up sunny slopes. If you’re thinking about planting them under trees, just make sure the canopy isn’t so thick that it blocks out their sunlight. And here’s a pro tip: creeping junipers actually look amazing in containers or balcony boxes where they can spill over the edges!