Groundcover Evergreens
Groundcover, creeping, spreading, or prostrate evergreens are about 18-24 inches high
NOTE: Retailers often list size of a ten year old plant. Since many evergreens live 35-50 years plants will usually exceed their listed size
Granular fertilizer is recommended for evergreens since it releases slowly into the soil, benefiting your plant for 1 to 3 months. Care must be taken not to sprinkle the fertilizer on the foliage. Sprinkle directly onto the soil around and under the plant. If it is not possible to avoid the foliage, a liquid fertilizer may be a better choice. Liquid fertilizer is faster acting and available to your plant for 2 - 4 weeks.
Juniperus conferta ‘Blue Pacific’ (Pacific Shore Juniper)
Conifer Family: Cupressaceae
Mature Height: 10-12”
Mature Width: 6 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate 6-10” per year
Light Requirements: Full sun to light shade, somewhat adaptable. Shade will slow growth rate.
Water Requirements: Once established should only require watering in dry periods, is drought tolerant.
Soil Preference: Prefers moist, well drained, enriched soil Very adaptable in well drained soil but will not tolerate wet soil. Alkaline or acid soils and sandy soils are acceptable to this plant. Salt tolerant.
Foliage: Blue green needle like foliage, needles are soft but with sharp tips. About an inch long, the needles are borne in groups of three. Color stays consistent and resists winter discoloration. Aromatic.
Cone or Berry: 1/2”, silvery or blue-black berry.
Disease and Insects: Disease and insect resistant in well drained soil.
Pest Resistance: Deer resistant
Fertilize: Use a 6-12-12 or 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring.
Spacing: Plant 6 feet or more apart. To form a dense mat, plant at least 2 1/2 to 3 feet apart.
Hardiness: Zones 5-9
‘Blue Pacific’ juniper holds a consistent blue green color in all seasons, with a soft feathery appearance. . One of the fastest growing groundcover junipers, it is also the most dense, ‘Blue Pacific’ is one of the most popular. It is very easy to care for once established and is heat tolerant. Exceptional heat tolerance and salt tolerance also makes it a good choice for seaside plantings. Blue Pacific’ displays it’s best form when not sheared. Prune only to remove broken or dead branches. The plant has a trailing habit that sprawls beautifully over walls or on a hill for erosion control. Also excellent as a single specimen or in groups in rock gardens or beds. The plant forms a dense mat when planted close together. 4 to 5 feet apart will in time create a carpet like mass, but for faster results plant closer together. Similar to ‘Blue Rug’ Juniper.
Juniperus x pfitzeriana ‘Gold Coast’ Juniperus chinensis ‘Gold Coast’ Gold Coast Juniper
Conifer Family: Cupressaceae
Mature Height: 3 feet
Mature Width: 4 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Water Requirements: Once established needs only occasional watering, prefers dry conditions. Drought tolerant once established.
Soil Preference: Average, well drained soil
Foliage: Lacy gold tipped foliage, prickly needles.
Cone or Berry: Tiny blue green berries on female plants, pollin producing catkin like cones on male plants.
Disease and Insects: No significant problems. Bagworm could be a problem in warmer regions.
Pest Resistance: Deer resistant
Fertilize: Use a 5-10-10 fertilizer or compost in early spring.
Spacing: Plant 6 or more feet apart, 3 feet apart for groundcover.
Hardiness: Zones 4-8
‘Gold Coast’ is actually a hybrid that crosses Juniper chinensis and Juniper sabina, and it is often labeled Juniperus chinensis ‘Gold Coast’. You may also find it called ‘Aurea’. Either way, it is the same plant. Gold Coast Juniper is compact with a spreading habit and has a superb golden color. Branches are arching with slightly drooping tips. The bright golden foliage color holds well through summer and deepens in winter. In part shade ‘Gold Coast’ will not grow as dense or as large. Tolerant of urban pollution, heat and humidity and wind, but may suffer some winter burn from winter winds. Pruning is generally not necessary. To control size, prune branches at an interior joint rather than shear to maintain the natural form of the plant. Excellent choice for a colorful accent or featured in a winter garden. Massed on a slope ‘Gold Coast’ is perfect bright groundcover.
Juniperus chinensis / Juniperus x media / Juniperus x pfitzeriana ‘Old Gold’
Conifer Family: Cupressaceae
Mature Height: 3-4 feet
Mature Width: 4-5 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate, 4-8” per year
Light Requirements: Full sun, will tolerate part shade but color will be more greet and less dense.
Water Requirements: Average water requirements, drought resistant.
Soil Preference: Average well drained soil. Prefers slightly acidic and sandy.
Foliage: Prickly, lacey looking foliage of golden yellow. Aromatic when cut or crushed.
Cone or Berry: Old plants will occasionally produce cones.
Disease and Insects: No notable problems, but could develop blights if conditions are too wet for extended periods or in poorly drained soils.
Pest Resistance: Deer resistant
Fertilize: Use a 5-10-10 fertilizer or compost in early spring.
Spacing: Plant 6 or more feet apart, 2 or 3 feet apart to form a hedge or groundcover.
Hardiness: Zones 4-9
‘Old Gold’ has a persistent golden yellow color on new growth through the summer and deepens to a bronze yellow in winter. Color is held year round better than many of the junipers. Pruning is not suggested to maintain its’ graceful arching branches, but will take to trimming well to maintain a smaller size or shape. ‘Old Gold’ is one of the more compact junipers and does not get out of control, but will still serve very nicely as a groundcover. Excellent compact choice for front of a shrub border or with ornamental trees, planted in masses or for a foundation plant, or colorful accent evergreen. Will hold up fairly well for streetside plantings as it is somewhat salt tolerant and holds up to wind. In about ten years ‘Old Gold’ will be about 3 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide, but will ultimately reach 4 feet high and 6 feet wide.
Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’
Conifer Family: Cupressaceae
Mature Height: 1 1/2-3 feet
Mature Width: 3-5 feet
Growth Rate: Slow, 2-4” per year reaching 3 feet wide in 10 years
Light Requirements: Full Sun, may tolerate part shade, growth will be slower.
Water Requirements: Once established should only require watering in dry periods
Soil Preference: Well drained, average soil, but will tolerate poor soil if not wet. Not fussy about alkaline or acid soil.
Foliage: Silvery blue, prickly needles. Needle clusters resemble a star at the branch tip, very densely needled..
Cone or Berry: Small bluish berry
Disease and Insects: Very resistant, trouble free for the most part. In hot or wet conditions may be susceptible to mites, aphids and twig borers.
Pest Resistance: Deer and rabbit resistant.
Fertilize: Use a 6-12-12 or 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring.
Spacing: Plant 5 feet apart, 2 1/2 feet apart for groundcover.
Hardiness: Zones 4-8, will not tolerate the heat and humidity of the deep south.
‘Blue Star’ grows in graceful wide mounds. The mounds are compact and sometimes loosely formed, sometimes very uniformly domed. The form is stunning when used as a specimen or in groups, equally as eye catching when spreading around boulders in a rock garden. It prefers an open sunny space without interference from larger shrubs. Although it grows a little higher and is not ground hugging, ‘Blue Star’ can certainly do a beautiful job as a groundcover if massed closely together. Also an excellent choice for foundation plants, specimen plants for small spaces, and as an edging plant mixed borders. Quite tolerant of urban conditions and windy sites. ‘Blue Star’ grows a bit slower than many junipers. Requires no pruning, remove only broken or dead branches. Under ideal conditions you can expect this plant to live for 30 years.
Picea abies ‘Tabuliformis’ Dwarf Norway Spruce
Conifer Family: Pinaceae
Mature Height: 12-15”
Mature Width: 2-5 feet
Growth Rate: Slow
Light Requirements: Full Sun
Water Requirements: Prefers moist conditions
Soil Preference: Prefers average to fertile well drained soil. Not fussy about pH.
Foliage: Dark green short needles
Cone or Berry:
Disease and Insects:
Pest Resistance:
Fertilize:
Spacing:
Hardiness: Zones 3-7a
This trailing dwarf Norway Spruce spreads across the ground with thin flexible branches that are slightly upturned. The growth forms a flat topped mound but the distinctive layers are still evident. In 35 years the plant may grow to 3-4 feet tall and 5 feet wide. May be difficult to find, look for the terms dwarf, prostrate, spreading or horizontal if you find one. They are often grown in botanical gardens, but not widely available in retail. Although there is not a great deal of verifiable data available, the genus is generally easy to grow, adaptable and pest resistant. The Picea abies ‘Tabuliformis’ Chinese Pine is NOT the same plant.
Juniper horizontalis ‘Bar Harbor’
Conifer Family: Cupressaceae
Mature Height: 6-10”
Mature Width: 6-8 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast, 6-8” per year
Light Requirements: Full sun to light shade, slower growth rate and less density in shade.
Water Requirements: Once established should only require watering in dry periods, very drought tolerant.
Soil Preference: Very adaptable with good drainage, does not like wet soil. Salt tolerant.
Foliage: Blue green flat branches with soft texture, turns a distinct purplish in winter, especially in windy sites. Aromatic.
Cone or Berry: Tiny bluish or green-black berries.
Disease and Insects: Very resistant. Susceptible to spider mites in wet conditions.
Pest Resistance: Deer resistant
Fertilize: Use a 6-12-12 or 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring.
Spacing: Plant 3-4 feet apart for groundcover, 8 feet apart in groupings.
Hardiness: Zones 4b-9, rumored to be hardy to zone 3.
Bar Harbor Winter Color
‘Bar Harbor’s’ natural habitat is dry and windy in full sun, so if you have one of these problem sites for planting, ‘Bar Harbor’ is perfect. It insists on well drained soil but is very adaptable to other conditions. It is also salt tolerant, making it a good hellstrip choice in the snowy regions. No pruning is required unless it grows out of bounds, and it will take to severe pruning well if necessary. The stems are thin and flexible. ‘Bar Harbor’ is the lowest growing conifer groundcover and is also an excellent choice for erosion control on a slope. Will even hold up to light foot traffic. Beautiful cascading over walls or underplanting ornamental trees. Under ideal conditions you can expect this plant to live for 30 years.
Juniperus horizontalis ‘Compacta’ ‘Plumosa Compacta’ Andorra Compact Juniper
Conifer Family: Cupressaceae
Mature Height: 18”
Mature Width: 3-5 feet or more
Growth Rate: Moderate 4-5” per year
Light Requirements: Full Sun
Water Requirements: Once established should only require watering in dry periods, very drought tolerant.
Soil Preference: Well drained average soil, will not tolerate wet soil. Salt tolerant.
Foliage: Bright green in spring, maturing to gray green prickly foliage Turns plum in fall and winter.
Cone or Berry: Males produce pollen producing inconspicuous catkin like cones. Females produce bluish berries.
Disease and Insects: Resists cedar rust. Susceptible to juniper twig blight that causes branch die back.
Pest Resistance: Deer resistant
Fertilize: Use a 6-12-12 or 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring.
Spacing: Plant 5 or more feet apart, 3-4 feet apart for groundcover.
Hardiness: Zones 3-9.
A compact form of the Andorra Juniper, ‘Compacta’ grows low and flat topped. Performs best in dry well drained soil in full sun, and is very tolerant of drought, wind, urban conditions and salt. Branching is dense and center is full, creating a lovely circular form. Excellent foundation plant, mass planting, rock garden specimen, ground cover or to stabilize slopes. Prune edges to keep the middle full and to shape in early summer as needed. Transplants easily. ‘Plumosa Compacta Youngstown’ appears to be identical in every way, but somehow they are different cultivars. You can expect this plant to live for 30 years.
Juniper sabina ‘Broadmoor’ (Broadmoor savin juniper)
Conifer Family: Cupressaceae
Mature Height: 2-3 feet
Mature Width: 6-8 feet or more
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Light Requirements: Full Sun
Water Requirements: Once established should only require watering in dry periods, tolerant of short drought periods.
Soil Preference: Prefers average, moist, well drained soil, tolerates a range of soils and adapts to pH. Will not tolerate wet soil.
Foliage: Gray/bluish-green needles are blunt, older branches may have sharp pointed needles.
Cone or Berry: Blue-black berries are produced from late spring into winter.
Disease and Insects: Resists juniper blight
Pest Resistance: Deer resistant
Fertilize: Use a 6-12-12 or 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring.
Spacing: Plant 10 feet apart, closer for ground cover.
Hardiness: Zones 3-8
‘Broadmoor’ is a dwarf of the Savin Juniper with a spreading habit, maintaining good blue green color year round. When foliage is crushed a rank odor is emitted. The plant is dense with somewhat mounded center. ‘Broadmoor is easily transplanted, requires very little maintenance and is urban tolerant. It is very tolerant of persistent winds. Pruning is not generally necessary other than to control size, prune in very early spring. Use for foundation plantings if you have a large enough space, mass plantings, filler in beds or groundcover for large areas. You can expect this plant to live for 30 years.
Abies koreana ‘Green Carpet’ Green Carpet Korean fir
Conifer Family: Pinaceae
Mature Height: 20-24”
Mature Width: 3-5 feet
Growth Rate: Slow 3-6” per year
Light Requirements: Sun to part shade, 4-6 hours is best
Water Requirements: Requires evenly moist soil.
Soil Preference: Average well drained soil, prefers sandy. Not fussy about pH.
Foliage: Bright green spring needles, dark green in summer.
Cone or Berry: Blue purple upright cones on female plants, 2-3”. Cones mature to tan, but are quite show and interesting when blue.
Disease and Insects: Resistant to insect and disease
Pest Resistance: No known pest problems if the plant is in good health. A stressed plant can be damaged by balsam twig aphids or bagworms.
Fertilize: Use a 6-12-12 or 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring. If using a granular fertilizer, water immediately afterward.
Spacing: Plant 5 to 6 feet apart. For groundcover, plant closer together, 2 1/2 - 4 feet apart.
Hardiness: Zones 5-8
‘Green Carpet’ is a flat, round spreading conifer that requires no pruning to maintain a neat and compact shape. The plant should be protected from hot afternoon sun in warmer regions, where morning sun is best. The afternoon sun should not be so much of a problem in northern and midwest zone 5 or even 6. It reaches a size of about 20” high and 5 feet wide within 10 years, and can be expected to live 60 years or more in ideal conditions. It is not very tolerant of urban conditions or salt. Excellent for foundation plantings, large rock gardens or specimen plant. ‘Green Carpet’ is not widely available, and may need to be ordered.
Juniperus chinensis ‘Daub’s Frosted’ Juniperus x media (pfitzer)
Conifer Family: Cupressaceae
Mature Height: 15-24” Upward arching branches may reach up to 3 feet.
Mature Width: 5-6 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Light Requirements: Full sun
Water Requirements: Average, once established should only require occasional watering in dry periods.
Soil Preference: Average well drained soil. Will not tolerate very wet soil.
Foliage: Golden yellow young tips contrast with blue green matured needles.
Cone or Berry: Insignificant
Disease and Insects: Resistant
Pest Resistance: Deer are generally not attracted.
Fertilize: Use a 6-12-12 or 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring.
Spacing: Plant 6-7 feet apart. For dense groundcover, may be planted up to 3 or 4 feet apart.
Hardiness: Zones 4-9, may suffer tip die back and winter burn in zone 4.
‘Daub’s Frosted’ is a striking evergreen with its’ contrast of bright “frosted” tips and feathery blue green mature foliage. A colorful alternative to the standard Pfitzer juniper. Recently ‘Daub’s Frosted’ has become available grafted on a standard for a unique patio tree or accent. Drapes elegantly around boulders or over block walls. Creates a good groundcover for hot dry slopes. Will tolerate coastal exposure and wind. Also very tolerant of urban conditions. Pruning should not be necessary other than to remove damaged branches. Pruning to control size or shape will alter the natural form of the plant. Under ideal conditions, ‘Daub’s Frosted’ can be expected to live 30 years.
Juniperus procumbens ‘Nana’ Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper Juniperus chinensis var. procumbens
Conifer Family: Cupressaceae
Mature Height: 12”
Mature Width: 3-6 feet
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Light Requirements: Part to full sun
Water Requirements: Prefers dry soil, drought resistant once established.
Soil Preference: Average well drained soil, adaptable. Salt tolerant.
Foliage: Prickly blue green foliage turns purplish in fall, needles only about 1/4” long.
Cone or Berry: Seldom produced, but blue berries may be produced from spring into winter.
Disease and Insects: Improved pest and disease resistance, somewhat susceptible to twig blight disease and cedar rust. If galls develop, prune out and dispose.
Pest Resistance: Deer Resistant
Fertilize: Use a 6-12-12 or 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring.
Spacing: Plant 6 to 7 feet apart. For groundcover may be planted 3 to 5 feet apart.
Hardiness: Zones 4-9
‘Nana’ has a very dense, neatly mounded, creeping form. Will often grow to the space allowed, spreading lavishly if it can, bunching if space is limited. The plant becomes more mounded as it matures, overlapping layers of branches. ‘Nana’ is a very sturdy juniper that will thrive in adverse conditions, tolerating urban conditions and inner city environments. Excellent groundcover, foundation plant, in shrub borders, rock gardens or on slopes. Requires no pruning, and is best left unpruned. Can be expected to live 30 years. To prevent cedar rust, do not plant near apple trees, ornamental crabs, hawthorn or serviceberry. ‘Nana’ is sometimes call ‘Bonin Island’ juniper,incorrectly. ‘Bonin Island’ is Juniperus taxifolia, a similar species.
Microbiota decussata ‘Siberian Cypress’ ‘Russian Cypress’ ‘Russian Arborvitae’
Conifer Family: Cupressaceae
Mature Height: 12-24”
Mature Width: 6 feet or more
Growth Rate: Slow
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Water Requirements: Prefers dry soil, drought resistant once established.
Soil Preference: Average well drained soil
Foliage: Bright green new foliage matures dark green, turning dark bronzed brown by fall. Needles are soft.
Cone or Berry: Tiny berries
Disease and Insects: Few disease or pest problems.
Pest Resistance: Deer resistant
Fertilize: Use a 6-12-12 or 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring.
Spacing: Plant 6 to 12 feet apart depending on use and willingness to prune. For groundcover, plant 5 or more feet apart.
Hardiness: Zones 3-7, may survive in zone 2 if heavily mulched for winter, mulching recommended in zone 3 for added protection.
‘Siberian Cypress’ performs best in part sun with moist well drained soils, but is very adaptable and wind tolerant. The foliage sprays are similar to arborvitae. The primary branch stems spread across the ground, while secondary stems develop from the center growing in upward arches. The spread will continue nearly indefinitely, 12 feet across is not uncommon. Prune to control size in very early spring . Excellent ground cover for slopes or rock gardens. A nice shade tolerant and fine textured alternative to ground cover junipers. Under ideal conditions, ‘Siberian Cypress’ can be expected to live 30 years. Performs best where summers are cool, prefers afternoon shade in hot humid regions. Does not tolerate urban conditions, salt or wind.
Juniperus chinensis ‘Sargentii’ / Sargent’s Juniper / Green Sargent Juniper / ‘Henry’
Conifer Family: Cupressaceae
Mature Height: 18-24”
Mature Width: 7-9 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast 4-8” per year
Light Requirements: Full sun
Water Requirements: Once established, only needs watering in dry periods.
Soil Preference: Average well drained soil.
Foliage: Needles hold a rich green color all year.
Cone or Berry: Blue berries from late spring into winter
Disease and Insects: Exceptional resistance to juniper blights
Pest Resistance: Deer resistant
Fertilize: Use a 6-12-12 or 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring.
Spacing: Plant 9-10 feet apart. For groundcover, plant 5 feet apart or closer for very fast coverage.
Hardiness: Zones 4-8
‘Sargentii’ is an excellent spreading juniper for erosion control on slopes and in difficult areas. It is very easy to care for and heat, drought, urban, and salt tolerant. A very reliable groundcover juniper. Branches are thick and heavy. Prune a few branches half back when young to increase branching habit for denser coverage. (‘Glauca Sargentii’ is a blue variation, ‘Sargentii Viridis’ is a green variation.)
Juniperus horizontalis ‘Blue Prince’
Conifer Family:
Mature Height: 6-8”
Mature Width: 3-5 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Light Requirements: Full Sun
Water Requirements: Average water requirements
Soil Preference: Average, moist but well drained soil. Very adaptable and will tolerate dry soil.
Foliage: Powdery blue green foliage, strong blue color.
Cone or Berry:
Disease and Insects: No notable problems.
Pest Resistance: Deer resistant
Fertilize: Use a 6-12-12 or 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring.
Spacing: Plant 6 or more feet apart. 4-5 feet apart for massing. 2-3 feet apart for quick groundcover.
Hardiness: Zones 3-7
The powdery blue foliage color of ‘Blue Prince’ creates a nice accent plant or contrast to greens in the landscape. The blue coloring holds well through winter, but may turn slightly purplish. This is a tough and low maintenance creeping evergreen that is perfect for trailing over walls with it’s long flexible branches. The foliage forms a dense mat serving as an excellent groundcover. Pruning is generally not required other than to control size or shape, and should be done in very early spring. Remove branches to a joint to retain the natural form of ‘Blue Prince’. Under ideal conditions ‘Blue Prince’ can be expected to live 30 years.