Juniper Ground Covers: Versatile, Drought-Tolerant Evergreens for Every Climate

With countless species and cultivars, junipers offer ground cover solutions for nearly any climate. Heights range from inches to 2–3 ft.; foliage spans silvery blue through greens to near-yellow, plus variegated forms. They tolerate most soils (acid to alkaline, light to heavy) but require good drainage—waterlogging causes root rot.

Space 5–6 ft. apart to avoid future crowding. Mulch to suppress weeds while filling in. Most grow slow to moderate.

Popular Varieties

• Japanese garden juniper (J. chinensis procumbens) – Zones 1–24, 28–43. Blue-green feathery foliage. 3 ft. high, spreads 12–20 ft.
• Shore juniper (J. conferta) – Zones 3–9, 14–24, 26–28, 31–34, 39. Trailing to 8 ft. wide, 1½ ft. high. Soft bright green. 'Blue Pacific' has blue-green leaves.
• J. horizontalis 'Bar Harbor' – Zones 1–24, 28, 31–45. Fast spread to 10 ft., ≤1 ft. high. Blue-gray foliage turns plum purple in winter. 'Wiltonii' (blue carpet) is striking silver-blue, just 4 in. tall, creeps 8–10 ft.
• J. sabina 'Calgary Carpet' – Zones 1–24, 31–45. Extremely cold-hardy, soft green. 6–9 in. high, 10 ft. wide.