Species

Juniperus horizontalisCreeping Juniper

11 other cultivars

groundcoverN. America Native

Bar Harbor Juniper

Juniperus horizontalis 'Bar Harbor'

The Story

Plant Bio

Juniperus horizontalis, or creeping juniper, is a prostrate, mat-forming evergreen shrub native to North America. It is highly valued for its tolerance of harsh conditions, including drought, poor soil, and salt spray.

'Bar Harbor' is a classic, vigorous cultivar known for its feathery, blue-green foliage that lies flat against the ground. In winter, the foliage takes on a distinctive purplish-plum hue, adding seasonal interest. It is particularly salt tolerant, making it ideal for coastal landscapes.

Uses & Benefits:

'Bar Harbor' provides a tough, attractive, blue-green carpet of foliage that is effective year-round. Its transformation to a purplish color in winter adds a layer of seasonal interest to the landscape, especially when contrasted with snow.

Its dense, spreading habit makes it an exceptional groundcover for suppressing weeds on sunny, hard-to-mow slopes and banks. It is a go-to plant for erosion control due to its soil-holding root system and drought tolerance.

The dense foliage provides cover for ground-dwelling birds and other small wildlife. The small, berry-like cones are a food source for some birds, such as cedar waxwings, though they are not as prolifically produced as on upright junipers.

SpeciesJuniperus horizontalisCreeping Juniper

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

12 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to average

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Early spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
Ensure the soil is very well-drained; amend with sand or gravel if needed.
Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
Space plants 4-6 feet apart to allow for their mature spread.
Set the plant in the hole and backfill with soil.
Water well after planting, but allow soil to dry between future waterings.

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage and full sun. Poor drainage and shade will lead to root rot and sparse growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun all day long.
Plant in sandy, rocky, or other sharply drained soils.
Water occasionally during prolonged drought once established.
Allow plenty of space for it to spread.
Use it on hot, dry banks where other plants struggle.

Don't

Do not plant in shade or partial shade.
Avoid planting in heavy clay or poorly drained soils.
Do not overwater; junipers are susceptible to root rot.
Avoid pruning into old wood that has no foliage.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Durable groundcover for sunny slopesEffective erosion control on banksLow-maintenance filler for rock gardens and coastal sites

Companion Plants

Sedum 'Autumn Joy'Echinacea purpurea Yucca filamentosa Perovskia atriplicifolia Pennisetum alopecuroides

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bar Harbor Juniper questions

What zones can Bar Harbor Juniper grow in?

Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor Juniper deer resistant?

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

When does Bar Harbor Juniper bloom?

Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor Juniper need full sun?

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

Is Bar Harbor Juniper drought tolerant?

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