groundcoverN. America Native

Hughes Creeping Juniper

Name: Hughes Creeping Juniper
Brand: Juniperus
Availability: InStock

Juniperus horizontalis 'Hughes'

$31.00

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

18 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived evergreen groundcover

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Juniperus horizontalis, or Creeping Juniper, is a prostrate, spreading evergreen native to North America, known for its extreme hardiness and utility as a groundcover. 'Hughes' is a vigorous cultivar with a uniform, wide-spreading habit and attractive silvery-blue foliage. In winter, the foliage takes on a distinct purplish tinge, adding seasonal interest.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The beautiful silvery-blue foliage provides cool-toned color throughout the growing season, transitioning to an attractive purple in winter. Its low, spreading form adds texture to the landscape.

As a tough, drought-tolerant North American native, it is an excellent choice for low-input groundcover, mass plantings, and erosion control on sunny slopes and banks.

Being a native plant, it supports local ecosystems. Its dense mat provides habitat for beneficial insects and cover for small wildlife.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Nature Hills

In Stock$31.00

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site in full sun. It tolerates a wide range of soils.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the container.
Place the plant so its root crown is level with the soil.
Backfill with soil and water thoroughly.
Space plants 5-7 feet apart for mass plantings.
Water regularly for the first year to establish a strong root system.

Pro Tip

Its North American nativity makes it an excellent, eco-friendly choice for low-maintenance, sustainable landscapes.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for the best color and dense habit.
Plant in well-drained soil.
Allow it to spread naturally to form a dense mat.
Water during extended droughts once established.

Don't

Do not plant in wet, boggy conditions.
Avoid planting in shade, where it will become thin and leggy.
Don't bury the crown of the plant when planting or mulching.
Avoid heavy foot traffic.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Durable groundcover for large, sunny areasSilver-blue carpet for erosion controlCascading plant for retaining walls and slopes

Companion Plants

Echinacea purpurea Rudbeckia hirta Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) Gaillardia grandiflora Coreopsis lanceolata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hughes Creeping Juniper questions

What zones can Hughes Creeping Juniper grow in?

Hughes Creeping 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 Hughes Creeping Juniper deer resistant?

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

When does Hughes Creeping Juniper bloom?

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

Does Hughes Creeping Juniper need full sun?

Hughes Creeping Juniper does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Hughes Creeping Juniper drought tolerant?

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