Parson's Juniper

Parson's Juniper (Juniperus squamata 'Expansa Parsonii')

Parson's Juniper, Juniperus squamata 'Expansa Parsonii', is a low, spreading evergreen groundcover prized for its dense, carpet like habit and soft blue green foliage. Trailing branches hug the ground and overlap to form a thick mat that flows over slopes, rocks, and bed edges, giving plantings a finished look in every season. With its modest height, wide spread, and calm color, Parson's Juniper is an easy way to add structure, coverage, and a subtle focal point in sunny, well drained landscapes.

Distinctive Features

Parson's Juniper typically grows about 1 to 2 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide, forming a broad, low mound that conforms to the contours of the site. Short, awl shaped needles cover the stems densely, creating a fine, textural surface that reads as a smooth blue green carpet from a distance. Branches radiate outward and drape gently over edges, softening hard lines along walks, walls, and boulders. Its combination of low height, wide spread, and cool toned foliage makes it a dependable evergreen layer wherever you want neat, ground hugging coverage.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Prefers full sun for best color and dense growth; light shade is tolerated but can lead to looser, more open plants.
• Soil: Thrives in well drained soils, including sandy or rocky ground; avoid heavy, waterlogged sites to prevent 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 regions when planted in full sun and good drainage.
• Size: Low, spreading habit usually 1 to 2 feet tall with a spread of about 4 to 6 feet over time.
• Growth Rate: Moderate grower that steadily knits together into a dense, evergreen mat over several seasons.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point Groundcover: Use near patios, paths, or around boulders where its low, flowing habit and blue green foliage create a subtle focal point at ground level.
• 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.
• Front of Border: Plant at the front of mixed borders and foundation beds to form a neat evergreen edge that frames perennials and flowering shrubs.
• Along Walks and Drives: Effective as a low edging along paths and driveways, providing year round color without blocking views or requiring mowing.

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 very little pruning; lightly trim stray or overhanging shoots in late winter or early spring to keep edges clean and off walks or rocks.
• Fertilizing: In average garden soils, a light application of a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring is usually sufficient if growth appears thin.
• Mulching: Apply a thin layer of mulch around new plantings to suppress weeds and conserve moisture, keeping mulch off the stems; mature mats often act as their own living mulch.
• Protection: Choose a sunny, well drained site and avoid locations where water collects or where snow and ice slide off roofs directly onto plants.

Why Choose Parson's Juniper?

• Low, Ground Hugging Habit: Forms a dense, carpet like mat that covers bare soil and ties plantings together without adding height.
• Attractive Blue Green Foliage: Cool toned needles provide a calm backdrop and color contrast in sunny beds and rock gardens.
• Year Round Coverage: Evergreen foliage keeps borders, slopes, and edges looking finished in every season.
• Tough and Adaptable: Handles sun, lean soils, and periods of drought once established, with modest water needs.
• Design Versatility: Works in Japanese inspired gardens, rockeries, slopes, and front of border plantings wherever you need a durable, low evergreen that also serves as a quiet focal point.

With its low, spreading form, blue green foliage, and rugged, easy care nature, Parson's Juniper is a dependable choice for adding structure, coverage, and a refined ground level focal point to sunny, well drained landscapes.