Plant 8 Juniperus horizontalis

Discover the Creeping Juniper, a hardy, salt-tolerant groundcover with striking blue-gray foliage native to northern North America.

Last updated 23 June 2026

Creeping Juniper

Juniper horizontalis

Plant Growth Form	Shrub
Native Habitat	Northern North America
Natural Habitat	Gravely slopes and rocky seaside

Description:

Low-spreading blue-green juniper shrub growing flat over a gravel mulch bed beside green grass.

Growth Form: dense, evergreen shrub

Foliage: glaucous needles, two kinds of needles: awl-shaped and scale-like

Flowers: dioecious, no ornamental value

Fruits: 2-3 seeded berry-like cone, found on recurved stalks, blue in colour

Cultivation: A good groundcover, this plant has blue-gray foliage in summer that shades blue-purple in the winter. It grows about 1m tall and spreads to 1.5m wide. It is a male clone, but several clones may be in the trade under the name “Bar Harbour”. This cultivar originated from Mt. Desert Island, Maine. It is a proven groundcover that is tolerant of salt spray and fast growing.

Ethnobotanical Uses: None