Plumosa Compact Creeping Juniper

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

Plumosa Compact Creeping Juniper, Juniperus horizontalis 'Plumosa Compacta', is a low, spreading evergreen groundcover prized for its soft, feathery texture and rich blue green foliage that often takes on plum and purple tones in colder weather. Dense, overlapping sprays of foliage trail along the ground and gently cascade over edges, creating a thick, carpet like mat that ties plantings together in sunny, well drained sites. With its modest height, broad spread, and four season color, Plumosa Compact is an easy way to add structure, coverage, and a subtle focal point at ground level.

Distinctive Features

Plumosa Compact Creeping Juniper typically grows 6 to 12 inches tall and 4 to 6 feet wide, forming a low, wide mound that conforms to the contours of slopes, rocks, and bed edges. The fine, scale like foliage is carried on short, branching stems that fan out into a soft, fern like surface, which reads as a smooth blue green carpet from a distance. In cool weather, foliage often develops plum, bronze, or purple highlights, adding seasonal depth without sacrificing coverage. Its combination of very low profile, wide spread, and distinctive texture makes it ideal wherever you want a groundcover that also serves as a quiet focal point in the landscape.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Prefers full sun for best color and dense growth; light shade is tolerated but can lead to looser plants and less intense foliage tones.
• Soil: Thrives in well drained soils, including sandy or rocky ground; avoid heavy, waterlogged sites that can cause root problems.
• Water: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots, then only during extended dry spells; naturally drought tolerant once established in suitable soil.
• Hardiness: Well suited to typical juniper growing regions when sited in full sun and good drainage.
• Size: Very low, spreading habit generally 6 to 12 inches tall with a spread of 4 to 6 feet or more over time.
• Growth Rate: Moderate spreader that steadily knits together into a dense, weed suppressing mat over several seasons.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point Groundcover: Plant around boulders, at the front of beds, or near patios where its feathery foliage and seasonal plum tones create a low, eye catching focal point that anchors the planting.
• Slopes and Banks: Excellent for stabilizing sunny slopes, berms, and embankments where turf is difficult to maintain and erosion control is needed.
• Rock and Gravel Gardens: Natural fit for rock gardens, dry riverbeds, and gravel plantings where it weaves between stones and softens hard edges.
• Path and Wall Edging: Use along walks, driveways, and retaining walls to create a neat evergreen edge that spills gently over edges and never needs mowing.
• Mass Plantings: Ideal for large scale groundcover plantings in sunny residential or commercial landscapes where a durable, colorful living mulch is desired.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: After establishment, water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings to encourage deep, drought tolerant roots.
• Pruning: Requires minimal pruning; lightly trim stray or overhanging stems in late winter or early spring to keep edges crisp and off paths, steps, or hardscape.
• Fertilizing: In average garden soils, a light application of a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring is usually enough to support healthy growth.
• Mulching: Mulch newly planted areas to suppress weeds and conserve moisture until plants spread; mature carpets often act as their own living mulch and need little additional material.
• Protection: Choose a sunny site with good air circulation and drainage; avoid spots where water collects or where snow and ice slide off roofs directly onto plants.

Why Choose Plumosa Compact Creeping Juniper?

• Soft, Feathery Texture: Fine, plumose foliage creates a refined, carpet like surface that adds depth and interest at ground level.
• Seasonal Plum Tones: Blue green foliage develops attractive plum and bronze highlights in cool weather for added four season appeal.
• Extremely Low Profile: Very low, spreading habit offers coverage without blocking views, windows, or low architectural features.
• Rugged and Adaptable: Handles full sun, lean soils, and periods of drought once established, making it useful in challenging, exposed sites.
• Reduced Maintenance: Dense foliage suppresses weeds, reduces the need for mulch, and never requires mowing, making it a practical long term groundcover choice.

With its ultra low, spreading habit, feathery foliage, and tough, easy care nature, Plumosa Compact Creeping Juniper is an excellent choice for turning sunny, well drained problem spots into cohesive, textured planting areas that stay attractive through every season.