Juniperus horizontalis Prostrata

Juniperus horizontalis 'Prostrata' is not the most common creeping juniper, but this variety is undoubtedly the most ground-covering of all. Over time, it forms a superb, very low, very wide, densely evergreen ground cover. Its foliage is green-grey with a slight bluish tint and is adorned with young purple-green shoots in spring. Vigorous and extremely hardy, this conifer is perfect for covering a large slope, a rock garden, or even in containers. It is also appreciated by bonsai enthusiasts. Give it full sun and well-drained soil, even poor, occasionally dry and calcareous.

Juniperus horizontalis is an evergreen and prostrate conifer belonging to the cypress family, which includes similar species such as cypresses and Chamaecyparis. It is native to the northern regions of North America, which explains its excellent hardiness. In its natural environment, it has a prostrate and spreading habit, reaching a thickness of 45cm (17.7in) and a spread of 2 to 4m (6ft 7in to 13ft 1in). This species prefers cool climates, poor, sandy and/or calcareous soils, and is not afraid of arid conditions.

The 'Prostrata' juniper, derived from this species, forms a prostrate bush after 10 years, with a very spreading habit, measuring 15 to 25cm (5.9 to 9.8in) in height and 1.20m (3ft 1in) in spread. It grows quite slowly when young, then its growth accelerates with age. An adult specimen will measure approximately 25cm (9.8in) in height and 3 to 4m in diameter, or even more. The spreading branches can root, so a single plant can eventually cover a large area. Its foliage consists of two types of leaves, with juvenile leaves having a scale-like appearance while adult leaves are needle-like. The tightly packed juvenile leaves release a resinous and aromatic scent when rubbed. Throughout the year, the foliage has a soft grey-green colour with slight bluish reflections. Junipers have a shallow root system that makes them fragile when it comes to transplantation, strong winds, and difficult to associate with perennials.

The 'Prostrata' creeping juniper is an extraordinary conifer, very undemanding, that conquers difficult areas of the garden as long as they are sunny. It can be easily adopted in a dry garden, on a large slope, among rocks, above a wall or a low wall, or near a pool, as it goes well with geometric lines and masonry works. It can also be planted near a water feature, cascading down a rocky slope. It also adapts well to container cultivation. The true graphical qualities of conifers naturally impose themselves in the design of a contemporary garden, which prefers the aesthetics of forms, silhouettes, and textures to the dance of blooms. These plants, with their reassuring permanence, provide lasting structure to a flower bed, mark pathways, border terraces, easily replacing the strong presence of trimmed boxwood. They also pair well with tousled grasses such as beach grass, with their very complementary temperament. The key is to play with volumes and colours.