Species

Juniperus horizontalisCreeping Juniper

11 other cultivars

groundcoverN. America Native

Andorra Juniper

Juniperus horizontalis 'Plumosa'

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', the Andorra Juniper, is noted for its feathery, soft-textured foliage and a slightly mounding, spreading form. Its gray-green summer foliage transforms to a distinctive purplish-bronze color in winter.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides excellent year-round texture and color, with gray-green summer foliage and an attractive plum-purple winter hue. Its low, spreading form is perfect for softening hardscapes and covering large areas.

It is an extremely tough and durable groundcover, ideal for erosion control on sunny banks and slopes. Its drought and salt tolerance make it suitable for difficult sites like roadsides and coastal areas.

The dense branches offer shelter and cover for ground-dwelling birds and other small wildlife. The small, berry-like cones may be eaten by birds like cedar waxwings.

SpeciesJuniperus horizontalisCreeping Juniper

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

18 inches

Width

120 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to high

Lifespan

Very 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

Select a site that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
Ensure the soil is well-drained; amend if necessary.
Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
Gently tease apart the roots before placing in the hole.
Position the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill, water thoroughly, and mulch to prevent weeds.

Pro Tip

Ensure perfect drainage; junipers abhor wet feet and will quickly succumb to root rot in soggy soil.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for the densest growth and best color.
Water regularly during the first year, then only during extended drought.
Allow good air circulation between plants to prevent fungal diseases.
Use as a groundcover on slopes to help control soil erosion.

Don't

Do not plant in shade or poorly drained locations.
Avoid overhead watering, which can encourage fungal blights.
Don't bury the crown of the plant when planting or mulching.
Avoid heavy fertilization; junipers thrive in lean soils.

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

Durable groundcover for sunny slopesTough erosion control on banksMass planting for low-maintenance areas

Companion Plants

Yucca filamentosa Sedum 'Autumn Joy'Echinacea purpurea Pennisetum alopecuroides Spiraea japonica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Andorra Juniper questions

What zones can Andorra Juniper grow in?

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 Andorra Juniper deer resistant?

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

When does Andorra Juniper bloom?

Andorra 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 Andorra Juniper need full sun?

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

Is Andorra Juniper drought tolerant?

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