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How to Grow Prostratus Juniper

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Prostratus Juniper

Juniperus horizontalis 'Prostratus'

shrub

Prostratus juniper is a low-growing, creeping evergreen shrub that hugs the ground, typically reaching only 4-6 inches in height with a spread of 6-8 feet. It features soft, feathery blue-green foliage that develops purple or bronze tones in winter. This tough, drought-tolerant plant is excellent for ground cover, rock gardens, and erosion control.

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Example Prostratus Juniper timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Prostratus Juniper

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Prostratus Juniper

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Prostratus Juniper dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade but develops best color in full sun
💧
Water: Very drought tolerant once established; water moderately during first growing season to establish deep root system, then minimal supplemental water needed except during extreme drought
📏
Spacing: 24-36 inches
📅
Days to maturity: Typically 2-3 years to establish full coverage; mature spread achieved in 4-5 years
🌱
Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; do not bury crown

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or gravelly soil
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Gravel mulch to improve drainage

Growing Zones

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Thrives in USDA zones 3-9; extremely cold and heat hardy

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

First 12 months

Young transplants are compact and slow-growing, with initial upright tendency that gradually becomes more prostrate

Water regularly during first season to establish deep roots; mulch lightly around base but keep away from crown; do not fertilize

2

Early Spreading

Year 2-3

Plant begins to spread horizontally and fill out; new growth extends along ground with 4-6 inch height maintained

Continue moderate watering if rainfall is sparse; minimal pruning needed; remove any dead or diseased branches

3

Mature Growth

Year 4 onward

Plant reaches full mature spread of 6-8 feet with dense, even coverage; foliage fully develops characteristic feathery appearance and color variations

Reduce watering to only during drought; no fertilizer needed; minimal maintenance; light pruning only if necessary for shape

4

Winter Dormancy

3-4 months

Foliage develops purple, bronze, or plum tones as temperatures drop; growth essentially stops

No supplemental watering needed; winter color is normal and desirable; do not prune during dormancy

5

Spring Renewal

4-8 weeks

Plant resumes growth as temperatures warm; new soft foliage emerges, gradually returning to blue-green coloring

Resume light watering if spring is dry; this is optimal time for any necessary pruning or shaping

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Creeping thyme Sedum Creeping phlox Russian sage Ornamental grasses Blanket flower Catmint Rock cress

Avoid planting near:

Moisture-loving plants like hostas Plants requiring frequent watering Tender perennials requiring afternoon shade

Common Pests

  • Spray with water to dislodge; apply miticide if severe; ensure good air circulation

  • Apply horticultural oil in early spring or late fall; prune out heavily infested branches

  • Hand-pick and destroy bags in fall/winter; apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) in spring when caterpillars are young

Uses

🏠

Ground Cover and Erosion Control

Household

Prostratus juniper's dense, spreading habit and shallow root system make it ideal for covering large areas on slopes and difficult terrain, preventing soil erosion while requiring minimal maintenance. [source]

🏠

Xeriscape and Low-Water Landscaping

Household

Its exceptional drought tolerance makes it perfect for water-wise gardens, rock gardens, and Mediterranean-style landscapes once established, reducing irrigation needs and water bills. [source]

🦋

Wildlife Habitat and Food

Wildlife

Dense foliage provides shelter for small birds and wildlife; female plants produce attractive fleshy cones (juniper berries) that birds feed on throughout winter. [source]

🎨

Ornamental Landscaping and Design

Craft

The striking blue-green summer foliage and purple-bronze winter color, combined with soft feathery texture, makes it valuable for adding visual interest and seasonal color to rock gardens, borders, and decorative landscape designs. [source]

Harvest Tips

Not applicable; ornamental shrub. Pruning and maintenance: Remove dead or diseased wood anytime; light shaping can be done in spring; avoid heavy pruning as recovery is slow. Thin dense growth to improve air circulation and prevent disease.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Prostratus juniper can live 50+ years with minimal care, making it one of the most durable and long-lived ground covers available for landscapes.
  • 🌱 The foliage changes from soft blue-green in summer to rich purple, bronze, or plum tones in winter due to anthocyanin production as a cold-hardiness response—this color change is completely normal and indicates a healthy plant.
  • 🌱 The 'Prostratus' cultivar was developed in the early 20th century and remains one of the most reliable creeping junipers for northern climates; it is more cold-hardy than its parent species and can survive temperatures well below -30°F.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Crown Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade Transplant
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