Bar Harbor Creeping Juniper

Bar Harbor Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis 'Bar Harbor')

Bar Harbor Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis 'Bar Harbor') is a rugged, low-growing evergreen groundcover valued for its soft texture, reliable coverage, and seasonal color change. Native to coastal Maine, this cold-hardy cultivar thrives in tough conditions and transitions beautifully from cool blue-green in summer to rich purple tones in winter.

Distinctive Features

'Bar Harbor' spreads 6 to 8 feet wide while staying just 6 to 12 inches tall, forming a dense mat of finely textured, scale-like foliage. Its compact, horizontal habit hugs the ground closely, creating an even, weed-suppressing layer. The foliage color shifts dramatically in colder months, bringing added winter interest to landscape designs.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained soil; performs well in sandy, rocky, and poor soils
• Water: Low; very drought tolerant once established
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3�9

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Seasonal color changes and fine texture offer visual interest in mass plantings
• Groundcover: Spreads evenly to fill space and prevent weed growth
• Slopes and Banks: Excellent for erosion control in dry, sunny areas
• Rock Gardens: Natural spreading form softens hardscape edges and stonework
• Coastal Landscapes: Originates from coastal climates and tolerates salt exposure well

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water during establishment; highly drought tolerant afterward
• Pruning: Not required; may be trimmed to shape or limit spread as needed
• Fertilizing: Apply a light dose of balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring
• Mulching: Helps suppress weeds and retain soil moisture
• Pest Resistance: Deer resistant and rarely troubled by pests or disease

Why Choose Bar Harbor Creeping Juniper?

• Seasonal Color: Shifts from cool blue-green to purple in winter
• Durable Groundcover: Covers large areas with little maintenance
• Cold Hardy: Withstands harsh winters and exposed sites
• Low Maintenance: Drought tolerant, pest resistant, and adaptable
• Focal Point: Subtle color changes and fine texture create quiet impact in expansive plantings

Juniperus horizontalis 'Bar Harbor' is a dependable, adaptable groundcover offering year-round beauty and practicality, especially in cold climates, poor soils, and erosion-prone landscapes.