Juniperus horizontalis 'Plumosa Compacta Youngstown'

Species

Juniperus horizontalisCreeping Juniper

11 other cultivars

groundcoverN. America Native

Youngstown Andorra Juniper

Juniperus horizontalis 'Plumosa Compacta Youngstown'

The Story

Plant Bio

Juniperus horizontalis, or creeping juniper, is a prostrate, evergreen shrub native to North America. It is highly valued as a tough, durable groundcover for sunny, dry locations.

'Plumosa Compacta Youngstown' is a dense, spreading cultivar with feathery, gray-green foliage. A key feature is its excellent winter color, when the foliage takes on a distinct purplish-bronze hue.

Uses & Benefits:

This juniper provides year-round texture and color. Its feathery, gray-green summer foliage transitions to a beautiful plum-purple in winter, offering multi-season interest. The low, spreading habit creates a soft, carpet-like effect.

It is an exceptionally tough and low-maintenance groundcover, ideal for difficult sites like hot, dry slopes for erosion control. It's also salt tolerant, making it suitable for roadside or coastal plantings.

The dense branches provide cover for ground-dwelling birds and small animals. The berry-like cones are a food source for birds such as the Cedar Waxwing.

SpeciesJuniperus horizontalisCreeping Juniper

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

15 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Berries are mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities

Bloom period

Late spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location in full sun with well-drained soil.
Space plants 4-5 feet apart to allow for spread.
Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
Plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
Water well after planting and during the first year.
Mulch to conserve moisture and prevent weeds while it fills in.

Pro Tip

Ensure good air circulation by spacing plants properly to help prevent juniper blight, especially in humid climates.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
Plant in well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
Water deeply but infrequently once established.

Don't

Don't plant in shade or poorly drained soil.
Avoid overhead watering, which can encourage fungal diseases.
Don't prune heavily; only trim back errant branches as needed.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Durable groundcover for sunny banksFoundation planting for low-maintenance textureErosion control on dry slopes

Companion Plants

Sedum 'Autumn Joy'Echinacea purpurea Yucca filamentosa Perovskia atriplicifolia Coreopsis verticillata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Youngstown Andorra Juniper questions

What zones can Youngstown Andorra Juniper grow in?

Youngstown Andorra Juniper is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Youngstown Andorra Juniper deer resistant?

Yes — Youngstown Andorra Juniper is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Youngstown Andorra Juniper bloom?

Youngstown Andorra Juniper typically blooms in late spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Youngstown Andorra Juniper need full sun?

Youngstown Andorra Juniper does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Youngstown Andorra Juniper drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Youngstown Andorra Juniper handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.