Alpine Carpet® Juniper

Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Watering can be reduced after establishment. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring.

Extreme tolerance of brutal cold and humidity makes this creeping Juniper a reliable plant for difficult sites. Because they are shrubs, you can plant them through weed-blocking fabric. Thrives in rocky soils and mountainous conditions, where the soil is thin. Use on slopes for coverage or erosion control, allow it to drape off retaining walls or cover unsightly transition zones at the edges of paving. Prostrate habit and slow growth also makes it a candidate for potted bonsai. Excellent deer resistance.

Pioneer works well in very cold northern climates and is best combined with other hardy plants that add interest with color or form. For bright berries, try another creeping shrub, Ground Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis perpusillus), native Compact Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra 'Compacta') and Mohican Viburnum (Viburnum lantana 'Mohican'). To combine with low-growing deciduous flowering shrubs, consider Ludwig Spaeth Lilac (Syringa vulgaris 'Ludwig Spaeth') and Super RedTM Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles japonica 'Moned').

This is the "common" juniper native to an enormous range of Europe, Asia and North America. The majority of the forms are upright shrubs to small trees no taller than twenty feet. This shows that like so many other Juniperus species it exhibits a diversity of forms to include this low growing variety. It was first identified as J. alpina, which suggests its origins as a high mountain alpine plant adapted to heavy snows and persistent winds. The genus was classified in 1767 but species remained confused for centuries due to natural variability. There are over sixty other species which originate around the world in the northern hemisphere. This variety was introduced by Monrovia in 1999.

Juniper berries are the flavoring agent of gin. It's oil was once highly valued as a medicinal and used in many compounds. It was used to line pits where Native Americans stored food for winter because its oils prove a natural insect repellant.