shrub

Mcfetters Alligator Juniper

Juniperus deppeana 'Mcfetters'

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

36 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Decades

Native To

Southwestern U.S. and Mexico

Toxicity

Parts can be toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Juniperus deppeana, commonly known as alligator juniper, is an evergreen conifer with distinctive, peeling, scaly bark and slender, bluish-green foliage that forms dense, upright or spreading shrubs or small trees. The cultivar McFetters is distinguished by its unique, tightly scaled foliage and compact growth habit, making it particularly suitable for ornamental use and drought-tolerant landscapes.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round greenery and texture, enhancing landscape depth.

Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, suitable for xeriscaping.

Supports local bird populations with shelter.

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds or cuttings into well-drained soil in early spring.
Water thoroughly after planting to establish roots.
Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity for 6 weeks.
Place in full sun for optimal growth.
Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Prune lightly in late winter to shape and remove dead branches.

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water sparingly once established 💧
Prune lightly in late winter ✂️
Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature 🌱

Don't

Overwater to avoid root rot ❌
Avoid heavy fertilization which can promote weak growth ❌
Don’t prune in midsummer ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Silvery evergreen hedgeTextural accent in rock gardensDrought-tolerant border

Companion Plants

Sedum Lavender Yarrow Agave Russian sage

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Mcfetters Alligator Juniper questions

What zones can Mcfetters Alligator Juniper grow in?

Mcfetters Alligator Juniper is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Mcfetters Alligator Juniper deer resistant?

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

When does Mcfetters Alligator Juniper bloom?

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

Does Mcfetters Alligator Juniper need full sun?

Mcfetters Alligator Juniper does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Mcfetters Alligator Juniper drought tolerant?

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