Species

Juniperus chinensisChinese Juniper

25 other cultivars

shrub

Nick's Compact Pfitzer Juniper

Juniperus chinensis 'Pfitzeriana Nick'

The Story

Plant Bio

Pfitzer junipers are a classic group of tough, spreading evergreen shrubs known for their arching branches, adaptability to a wide range of landscape conditions, and year-round foliage.

'Nick's Compact' is a smaller, more refined version of the traditional Pfitzer juniper. It maintains a dense, low-spreading habit with attractive gray-green foliage, making it an excellent groundcover or foundation plant.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round texture and color with its dense, gray-green foliage. Its low, spreading form is highly effective for covering ground and adding structure to landscape beds without overwhelming other plants.

This is an extremely tough and adaptable shrub, tolerant of drought, heat, cold, poor soils, and urban pollution. Its deer and rabbit resistance makes it a reliable choice for many challenging sites. It is also excellent for erosion control on slopes.

The dense branches provide excellent cover for ground-nesting birds and other small wildlife. Female plants produce berry-like cones that are a winter food source for birds such as cedar waxwings.

SpeciesJuniperus chinensisChinese Juniper

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

30 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

50+ years

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location in full sun with well-drained soil.
Junipers tolerate poor soil, so amendments are often unnecessary.
Dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball but no deeper.
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill the hole and water thoroughly to settle the soil.
Water regularly during the first year; it is very drought-tolerant once established.

Pro Tip

Plant in full sun. While tolerant of some shade, junipers will become thin, leggy, and more prone to disease without at least 6 hours of direct sun.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for best performance and density.
Plant in well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
Allow the soil to dry out between waterings once established.
Provide good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.

Don't

Do not plant in shade or consistently wet soil.
Avoid heavy pruning into old wood that has no needles, as it will not regrow.
Don't allow sprinklers to hit the foliage repeatedly, as this can encourage blight.
Avoid planting too close together; allow for mature spread.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Durable low-maintenance groundcoverReliable foundation plantingTough shrub for slopes and rock gardens

Companion Plants

Sedum 'Autumn Joy'Spiraea japonica 'Goldmound'Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'Echinacea purpurea Berberis thunbergii 'Crimson Pygmy'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Nick's Compact Pfitzer Juniper questions

What zones can Nick's Compact Pfitzer Juniper grow in?

Nick's Compact Pfitzer 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 Nick's Compact Pfitzer Juniper deer resistant?

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

When does Nick's Compact Pfitzer Juniper bloom?

Nick's Compact Pfitzer 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 Nick's Compact Pfitzer Juniper need full sun?

Nick's Compact Pfitzer Juniper does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Nick's Compact Pfitzer Juniper drought tolerant?

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