Bar Harbor Juniper Shrub, Compact Evergreen

The Bar Harbor Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis 'Bar Harbor') is a low-growing, spreading evergreen shrub that is a cultivar of the creeping juniper. It is popular for its dense foliage and attractive blue-green color, making it an excellent choice for ground cover, erosion control, and ornamental purposes in the landscape.

Bar Harbor Juniper Specifications:

• Botanical Name: Juniperus horizontalis 'Bar Harbor'
• Common Name: Bar Harbor Juniper, Creeping Juniper
• Family: Cupressaceae (Cypress Family)

Size and Growth:

• Mature Height: 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) tall.
• Mature Spread: 4 to 5 feet (120 to 150 cm) wide, making it an excellent ground cover plant.
• Growth Habit: Spreading, low-growing, and ground-hugging. It forms a dense mat of foliage that spreads horizontally across the landscape.
• Growth Rate: Moderate to slow growth rate.

Foliage:

• Color: Blue-green in the summer, turning a purplish-bronze in the winter. The winter color adds seasonal interest to the plant.
• Texture: The leaves are scale-like and tightly arranged, which gives the plant a soft, needle-like texture. It also has a slightly spiny appearance, typical of creeping junipers.

Hardiness:

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9, making it suitable for a variety of climates, from cold northern regions to more temperate areas.
• Cold Tolerance: Extremely cold-hardy, capable of withstanding freezing temperatures and harsh winters.

Soil and Light Requirements:

• Soil Type: Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils. Tolerates poor soils but does best in slightly acidic to neutral pH.
• Soil Drainage: Excellent drainage is key for healthy growth. Avoid areas with poorly-drained, soggy soil.
• Light: Full sun to partial shade. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate some light shade, particularly in warmer climates.

Uses:

• Landscaping: Ideal for ground cover, rock gardens, slopes, and borders. It's also great as a filler plant between other shrubs or trees.
• Erosion Control: The Bar Harbor Juniper’s dense, spreading nature makes it an effective plant for erosion control on hillsides or slopes.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it a great choice for low-maintenance landscapes.

Pests and Diseases:

• Pests: Generally pest-resistant. However, it can occasionally be affected by aphids, spider mites, or bagworms.
• Diseases: Susceptible to fungal diseases such as juniper blight, particularly if grown in overly moist or poorly-drained soil. Good air circulation and proper drainage can help prevent these issues.

Special Features:

• Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant, making it a great choice for xeriscaping or low-water-use gardens.
• Winter Interest: The plant provides year-round interest, with its blue-green summer foliage turning to a purplish-bronze in the winter months.
• Cold Hardiness: Very cold-hardy, making it a great option for gardens in cold climates.

Summary:

The Bar Harbor Juniper is a versatile, low-maintenance evergreen shrub that thrives in a variety of growing conditions. It is well-suited for ground cover, erosion control, and landscaping in both residential and commercial gardens. Its dense, blue-green foliage and ability to tolerate both drought and cold temperatures make it a durable and attractive choice for many landscapes

Care Guide

PLANTING:

• Choose a location with well-draining soil and full sun exposure.
• Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and mix in compost or organic matter.
• Place the shrub in the hole, filling with soil and tamping it down firmly.

SOIL:

•  Well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
• Avoid soil that is too heavy or poorly draining.

MULCH:

• Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the shrub to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
• Keep the mulch several inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.

LIGHT:

•  Full sun exposure to thrive.
• Avoid planting in shade or areas with limited light exposure.

WATER:

• Water the shrub regularly for the first few weeks after planting, then as needed.
• Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

FERTILIZE:

• Apply an all-purpose fertilizer once a year in the spring or early summer.
• Do not overfertilize, as this can lead to leaf yellowing and stunted growth.

PRUNING:

• Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth.
• Avoid heavy pruning, as this can damage the shrub and reduce its overall health.

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More Frequently Ask Questions

Is it safe to ship plants by mail?

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How do you measure height for ground cover junipers?

Approximate height is measured from the base of the plant to the top of the highest branch.

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Can I order during winter months?

Yes you can, however most Tropical plants are sensitive to extreme cold conditions, once cold temperatures are expected to fall below freezing it will not be safe to ship life plants, we carefully manage shipping decisions during winter months and determine when is safe to ship, please be advise we may need to hold orders until conditions are appropriate to safely ship the plants.