Plumosa Compact Creeping Juniper

Plumosa Compact Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis 'Plumosa Compacta')

Plumosa Compact Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis 'Plumosa Compacta') is a low-growing, spreading evergreen shrub known for its soft, feathery foliage and dense, mounded habit. This compact cultivar offers fine texture, year-round interest, and reliable ground coverage, making it a versatile option for borders, rock gardens, and slope stabilization.

Distinctive Features

'Plumosa Compacta' grows 12 to 18 inches tall and spreads 4 to 6 feet wide, forming a graceful, layered mat of delicate, plume-like foliage. The bluish-green needles provide soft color in spring and summer, transitioning to purple-bronze tones in winter. Its compact branching habit keeps it neat and controlled, ideal for smaller spaces or defined garden areas.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained soil; adapts to poor, rocky, or sandy conditions
• Water: Low; drought tolerant once established
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3�9

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Textured foliage and color shifts create subtle visual impact in low plantings
• Groundcover: Dense, spreading habit fills in spaces and prevents weed growth
• Rock Gardens: Feathery foliage softens stones and hardscape elements
• Slopes and Banks: Provides erosion control with year-round coverage
• Foundation Planting: Neatly fills low borders without overcrowding other elements

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water consistently during establishment; becomes drought tolerant with age
• Pruning: Rarely needed; trim lightly to shape or restrict spread if necessary
• Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring
• Mulching: Helps conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds
• Pest Resistance: Deer resistant and typically free from serious pests

Why Choose Plumosa Compact Creeping Juniper?

• Fine, Soft Texture: Unique plume-like foliage adds delicate structure to plantings
• Compact Growth: Controlled spread is ideal for smaller or formal landscapes
• Cold Hardy: Thrives in northern climates with seasonal color interest
• Low Maintenance: Easy-care groundcover for tough landscape conditions
• Focal Point: Adds quiet elegance and texture to foundation plantings and open beds

Juniperus horizontalis 'Plumosa Compacta' offers graceful foliage, seasonal color, and practical groundcover benefits in a compact form, making it a dependable choice for landscapes that demand subtle structure and low input.