Species

Juniperus horizontalisCreeping Juniper

11 other cultivars

groundcoverN. America Native

Creeping Juniper

Juniperus horizontalis 'pancake'

$64.99

The Story

Plant Bio

Juniperus horizontalis, commonly known as creeping juniper, is a cold-hardy, prostrate evergreen conifer native to northern North America. It thrives in exposed, rocky, or sandy sites, spreading horizontally to form a dense ground cover that stabilizes soil and tolerates wind, salt, and drought.

'Pancake' is an ultra-low-growing selection that reaches a height of only two inches while spreading up to four feet wide. Its fine-textured, blue-green foliage forms an exceptionally flat, tight mat that takes on soft purple tones during the winter months.

Uses & Benefits:

Forms an exceptionally flat, dense, blue-green carpet that transitions to soft plum-purple tones in winter.

Excellent for stabilizing soil on steep slopes, preventing erosion, and suppressing weeds once established.

Provides protective ground cover and nesting sites for small birds and beneficial insects.

SpeciesJuniperus horizontalisCreeping Juniper

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

Width

48"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Toxic to pets and humans if ingested

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Nature Hills

In Stock$64.99

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with sharply draining, sandy or rocky soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth.
Gently loosen the outer roots of the container-grown plant before placing it in the hole.
Backfill with soil, press firmly to eliminate air pockets, and water lightly without saturating the ground.

Pro Tip

Plant in full sun and sharply drained soil; waterlogging or planting in heavy clay rapidly triggers fatal root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in a location that receives full sun all day.
Ensure the soil has excellent, sharp drainage.
Prune only the dead or damaged tips in late winter.
Clear fallen autumn leaves from the dense foliage mat to prevent rot.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay or low-lying areas where water pools.
Do not prune back into old, bare, brown wood.
Do not overwater or use heavy overhead irrigation.
Do not apply heavy applications of high-nitrogen fertilizers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Ground cover for slopes and banksRock gardensErosion control on sunny hillsidesRetaining wall cascades

Companion Plants

Sedum Lavandula Festuca glauca Pinus mugo

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Creeping Juniper questions

What zones can Creeping Juniper grow in?

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 Creeping Juniper deer resistant?

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

When does Creeping Juniper bloom?

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

Does Creeping Juniper need full sun?

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

Is Creeping Juniper drought tolerant?

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