Juniperus horizontalis Prince Of Wales

Juniperus horizontalis 'Prince Of Wales' is one of the most compact horizontal junipers available. Slow-growing, this ground cover variety does not exceed 20 cm (7.9 in) in height and spreads very little. Its foliage is soft, fine and dense. It is dark green, turning purple in winter. Resistant to cold and drought, it is a very good ground cover plant that can be used in rockeries or on slopes. It is very adaptable to different soil conditions, as long as it is well-drained, and can grow in full sun or partial shade, making it an easy plant for beginners in the garden. 

Juniperus horizontalis is an evergreen conifer that is prostrate in habit, belonging to the Cupressaceae family. This family includes other common species such as cypresses, arborvitaes, and false cypresses, as well as lesser-known species such as the majestic Fitzroya from South America or the Callitris from Australia. This horizontal juniper is native to the northern regions of North America, which explains its excellent hardiness (-25° C to -30° C (-13° F to -22° F). In its natural environment, it has a prostrate and wide-spreading habit, reaching a thickness of 45 cm (17.7 in) and a spread of 2 m to 4 m (6.6 ft to 13.1 ft). This species prefers cool climates, poor, sandy and/or limestone soils, and is not afraid of arid conditions.

'Prince Of Wales', derived from this species, is an almost century-old variety (selected in 1931 in California) that has proven itself extensively. Particularly compact, this bush has slow growth, reaching 1 m (3.3 ft) in width in 10 years, and approximately 1.5 m (4.9 ft) at maturity. Its dark green foliage is fine and flexible, with particularly dense and tight branches. When used as ground cover, it is advisable to mulch the soil to give it time to cover it, due to its slow growth, but afterwards it will leave no room for unwanted weeds. In the low temperatures of winter, it takes on purple hues. Very hardy (beyond -25° C (13° F)), it tolerates poor and limestone soils, as well as dry conditions. It is therefore a valuable bush for difficult conditions and will be easy to establish in the garden, as long as a well-drained soil is chosen.  

'Prince Of Wales' is a highly rated, undemanding, small conifer, that will be perfect for covering a slope, running along the edge of a dry-stone wall, or spreading among rocks in a sunny rockery. Its limited development and relatively slow growth also make it suitable for cultivation in containers. It can thus enhance a terrace or a large balcony with its evergreen foliage. Being a structural plant, it will suit a contemporary garden with geometric lines.

It can be grow alongside columnar growing plants, such as the 'Skyrocket' juniper with its grey-blue foliage, or for a more pronounced colour contrast, the small 'David' variegated yew. The vegetative carpet formed by 'Prince Of Wales' will also provide a good visual backdrop for globular or pyramidal plants, whether in free form or shaped into topiaries. 'Rheingold' thuja, with its conical habit and golden foliage, will be a good companion whose habit and colour will contrast with this juniper. In the same vein, strong colour contrasts can be created by planting trees with purple foliage ('Royal Purple' smoke bush) or golden foliage ('Golden Spirit' smoke bush).