Junipers are one of the easiest shrubs to care for and are overlooked far too often. We use junipers on a hillside or slope because they help hold the soil in place and prevent erosion.  If you have a hill in your yard where you just can't seem to keep the mulch on it, then give junipers a try. They are great for erosion control but look nice, too. The most popular junipers for hills or slopes are Blue Rug and Blue Pacific. Both of these junipers remain very low to the ground and are essentially a ground cover. These junipers spread quickly!  We recommend spacing your junipers approximately 3-5 feet apart.  After 2 years these plants will be touching concealing any soil or mulch making the area much more secure.

If you are looking for a taller juniper that gets to be about 3-5 feet tall we suggest the Grey Owl or the Angelica Blue. These are both very similar, the only difference is that the Angelica Blue has a whiter blue color and the Grey Owl has a darker blue color and a slightly softer look.

How To Care For Junipers

This will provide a good jumpstart to your new juniper plants. We suggest you lay down a 3-4 inch depth of rough mulch around the plants.  The mulching process helps in retaining moisture and speeds up the settling of plants. Junipers like to be fed.  Spread a high-quality slow-release fertilizer 2-3 times per year throughout the planting bed.  This will make the roots grow faster, and in turn, enable the shrub to spread faster.  The stronger the roots are, the better it can hold the soil in place and prevent erosion.

It doesn't have to be all junipers on your hillside. Unless it is steep, you can put in an ornamental tree as a focal point. If you are in the South, crape myrtles work very well. If you are in the North, birch trees will do the trick. Mix it up a little. Read more about facts about Juniper trees-ultimate guide.

Juniper: care and planting

Follow the following care tips:

Soil conditions

Junipers would thrive well in well-draining soil to prevent their roots from logging water. Thus, juniper plants can grow in a wide range of soils, varying from sandy and loamy to rocky. Specifically, junipers are mostly found thriving in slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil.

Sunlight and watering needs

Juniper plants can do well in full sun. However, some species grow well in light shade. Junipers are normally drought-tolerant and require little irrigation once they have been established. In dry times, avoid frequent shallow irrigation, but do deep irrigation with a long period allowing the soil to dry between irrigation cycles. 

Frequency of pruning

Pruning is not usually necessary in junipers, although an occasional pruning of the tips of branches is optimal for producing a more rounded or fuller shape. Good form is produced in young plants by early training. The best time to prune is the late winter or early spring season, just before new growth.

Junipers can be shaped using a hand pruner or shears and are often merely trimmed to maintain their natural shape, sometimes to create a desired design. Clipping out dying or sick branches at regular time frames promotes the general health of the tree.

Care calendar: Juniper plant

This juniper plant is also versatile in landscaping, being applicable in various design and functional uses. Columnar varieties are suitable for hedges and screens, while the spreading junipers create a low, dense screen that separates spaces and prevents undesired views.

Low-growing junipers control slope erosion by serving as ground covers and weed suppression with foliage colors that vary. Dwarf junipers are ideal for container gardening on patios and decks. In addition, they will stay evergreen throughout the year and give some berries on the odd variety. Shaping landscapes or improving small spaces, juniper plants will find beauty in their different outdoor settings and be easy to care for. Read more about how to care for and grow ground-cover Junipers.

How to Order Plants From Eureka Farms? 

We are licensed to operate a full-scale nursery featuring an expansive inventory of landscaping trees, fruit trees, palm trees, and the largest selection of houseplants. If you want to amp up your curb appeal or transform your porch to the classiest version, then let Eureka Farms guide you. From topiary trees and hedges to everything in between, we got you covered for any plant lover. You can trust us to handle packing the shipment with utmost care across the country, and your plants will reach you as fresh as possible. If you are looking for ideas on how to improve air quality, boost moods, and inject a touch of natural beauty into your work-from-home office space, these easy-care indoor plants will help. Happy Planting!