To ensure Juniperus horizontalis thrives, place it in an area where it can bask in full sun for at least 6 hours a day. This promotes healthy growth and vibrant foliage.

Creeping juniper (Juniperus horizontalis)

Also known as: Waukegan juniper, American savin

Creeping juniper, scientifically known as Juniperus horizontalis, is a shrub native to North America, especially prevalent in Canada. It is widely used in gardens as an ornamental ground cover. There are more than 100 different cultivars of this plant.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Creeping juniper

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

10 cm to 30 cm

Spread

90 cm to 2.5 m

Leaf Color

Green Blue Yellow

Flower Size

2 mm to 4 mm

Flower Color

Yellow Green

Images of Creeping juniper

Quickly Identify Creeping juniper

Low-lying, ground-covering shrub with horizontal growth, 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) tall.

Foliage transitions from green to blue-green, creating a carpet-like appearance.

Scale-like, closely packed leaves in a four-ranked pattern, small (1/16 - 1/8 inches or 2-3 mm).

Smooth brown branchlets on slender stems, trailing growth pattern, 0.1-0.2 inches (2-5 mm) in diameter.

Reddish-brown bark that peels to reveal fibrous, scaly surface, low-lying trunk with moderate thickness.

Scientific Classification of Creeping juniper

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Conifers

Order

Pinales

Family

Cypress

Genus

Junipers

Species

Creeping juniper

Planting and Growing of Creeping juniper

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Terracotta

How to Water Creeping juniper?

When watering Juniperus horizontalis, aim to thoroughly soak the area around the root zone without allowing the soil to become waterlogged. This typically requires about 500 milliliters of water per session, ensuring the top 5 centimeters of soil are moist but not overly saturated.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Creeping juniper? ›

What should I do if my Creeping juniper is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Creeping juniper? ›

How to save an overwatered Creeping juniper? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Creeping juniper?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Juniperus horizontalis thrives best in full to partial sun, benefiting from 6 to 8 hours of daily sunshine. Adequate light promotes lush, sprawling growth and maintains the plant's vibrant coloration.

Optimal Sun Exposure ›

Adjusting for Partial Sun ›

Seasonal Sun Management ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Creeping juniper?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

For Juniperus horizontalis, the ideal temperature range is between 60°F and 75°F. This range supports optimal photosynthesis and growth processes, ensuring the plant maintains its vibrant foliage and overall health. Temperatures within this range facilitate the plant's natural cycle, reducing stress and promoting robust growth.

What Soil is Best for Creeping juniper?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Loam, Calcareous soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Juniperus horizontalis thrives best in well-draining soil that prevents water logging, which can lead to root rot. This type of soil mimics its natural habitat and supports healthy root development. This plant requires soil with moderate nutrient content. Excessive nutrients can lead to overly lush growth that is not characteristic of the juniper's low-maintenance nature. A pH range of 6.5 to 7.5 is ideal for Juniperus horizontalis. This pH supports optimal nutrient uptake, which in turn promotes vibrant foliage and overall plant vigor.

How to Fertilize Creeping juniper?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Juniperus horizontalis, it's important to apply just enough fertilizer to maintain healthy growth without overstimulating it. This generally means using a balanced 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer, diluted half to the recommended strength, around every two weeks during the growing season. Solid, slow-release fertilizers should be used more sparingly, at a rate of 2-3 times per year, following the package instructions for outdoor shrubs.

How to Prune Creeping juniper?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Begin by inspecting your Juniperus horizontalis for any dead or diseased branches. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to cut these branches back to a healthy node or the base. This will prevent the spread of disease and stimulate new growth in healthier parts. Trim overgrown branches to maintain the desired shape of the plant, but avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant at one time to minimize stress. Start by choosing the natural shape you desire for your Juniperus horizontalis. Carefully trim around the outer edges to follow this shape. For a more formal look, you may want to create a dome or a flat top. Take small steps, trimming gradually to avoid taking too much off at once. Remember, the goal is to keep the shape balanced and natural-looking as you prune.

How to Propagate Creeping juniper plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer

Choose a healthy, mature parent plant of Juniperus horizontalis during its active growth period. Water the plant a day prior to cutting to ensure it is well-hydrated, which aids in the vitality of the cuttings.

Select 4 to 6-inch long, semi-hardwood cuttings with several nodes from the parent plant. Use sterilized shears to make a clean cut just below a node, which is where roots are most likely to form.

Dip the cut end into rooting hormone and plant it in a potting mix that is well-drained. The mix can include sand, perlite, or vermiculite to improve drainage. Cover with a plastic bag to retain humidity and place in indirect sunlight.

How to Repot Creeping juniper plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Juniperus horizontalis signals the need for repotting when roots start poking through the drainage holes or the plant becomes visibly root-bound. Ideally, repotting should take place during the growing seasons of spring or autumn, allowing it to establish itself before extreme weather conditions.

Select a pot that is slightly larger than the current one, with ample drainage holes. This ensures space for root growth and prevents water-logging, which could lead to root rot. A terracotta pot is excellent, as it allows breathability and mimics natural earthen conditions.

Opt for a well-draining, sandy soil mix, perhaps with added perlite or pebble aggregates. This composition provides the right balance of moisture and aeration, preventing water from pooling around the roots and mimicking the plant's native rocky habitats.

Toxicity of Creeping juniper

Is Creeping juniper toxic to humans?

The creeping juniper produces berries that could be mildly toxic to humans if consumed. While it is not as harmful as various other juniper species, significant consumption of the 'berries' (which are technically female seed cones) may lead to gastrointestinal distress, including upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe instances, kidney complications. This plant is a well-liked evergreen groundcover found in cold-temperate regions, characterized by a distinctive appearance that makes it difficult to confuse with edible species. Consequently, instances of poisoning from consuming creeping juniper are extremely uncommon.

Is Creeping juniper toxic to cat?

Creeping juniper is categorized as having a mild level of toxicity for cats. Cats face a risk of poisoning mainly when they consume significant quantities of the plant, especially the seeds. Following the ingestion of the toxic elements of creeping juniper, felines may show signs of physical distress or sickness. Given that the intensity of symptoms can differ, it is essential for cat owners to keep a close eye on their pets for any behavioral changes and to swiftly consult a veterinarian if any symptoms occur.

Is Creeping juniper toxic to dog?

Creeping juniper presents a slight toxicity threat to dogs. If ingested in significant quantities, particularly its seeds—which are the most toxic parts—canines could suffer from poisoning. Symptoms may manifest as gastrointestinal distress, including vomiting and diarrhea. Should you suspect that your dog has consumed creeping juniper, it is essential to promptly seek veterinary care to safeguard their health.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.