Juniperus horizontalis 'Plumosa Compacta'

Species

Juniperus horizontalisCreeping Juniper

11 other cultivars

groundcoverN. America Native

Compact Andorra Juniper

Juniperus horizontalis 'Plumosa Compacta'

The Story

Plant Bio

Juniperus horizontalis, or creeping juniper, is a prostrate, evergreen conifer native to North America, valued for its low-growing, spreading habit and extreme tolerance of difficult growing conditions.

'Plumosa Compacta' is a dense, spreading cultivar with feathery, gray-green foliage that radiates from the center. It is particularly noted for its excellent winter color, when the foliage takes on a distinct purplish-plum hue.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides excellent year-round texture and color. The gray-green summer foliage transforms into a beautiful plum-purple in winter, adding interest to the dormant landscape.

An extremely tough and durable groundcover for hot, dry sites, slopes, and banks where it helps with erosion control. It is also highly salt tolerant, making it suitable for coastal areas.

The dense branches provide important cover for ground-nesting birds and other small wildlife, protecting them from predators and harsh weather.

SpeciesJuniperus horizontalisCreeping Juniper

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

18 inches

Width

72 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived groundcover

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site that receives full sun all day.
Ensure the soil is well-drained; junipers hate 'wet feet'.
Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
Place the plant in the hole and backfill with native soil.
Water well after planting to establish.
Mulch lightly to suppress weeds, but keep it away from the crown.

Pro Tip

Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent juniper tip blight, a common fungal issue in humid climates.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for the densest growth and best color.
Plant in well-drained soil; it tolerates poor, rocky soils.
Allow soil to dry out between waterings once established.

Don't

Do not plant in shade, which causes sparse, weak growth.
Do not overwater or plant in boggy locations.
Do not allow sprinklers to hit the foliage repeatedly.

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

Tough, spreading groundcoverErosion control for slopesYear-round foundation planting

Companion Plants

Yucca filamentosa Sedum 'Autumn Joy'Schizachyrium scoparium Berberis thunbergii Spiraea japonica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Compact Andorra Juniper questions

What zones can Compact Andorra Juniper grow in?

Compact 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 Compact Andorra Juniper deer resistant?

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

Does Compact Andorra Juniper need full sun?

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

Is Compact Andorra Juniper drought tolerant?

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