Prince of Wales Juniper

The Prince of Wales juniper is a very popular choice for an evergreen groundcover. In winter, the green foliage develops a purplish tinge that makes it stand out. The low branches spread from the center in a starburst pattern.

This easy to grow juniper loves a sunny spot and will cover a large area. It is very low growing, only reaching 8 inches in height. It spreads to 10 feet wide, so a single plant can cover a large area. This hardy shrub will live for around 30 years under ideal conditions.

Landscaping Ideas

Plant Prince of Wales juniper in rock gardens or beds where you need low maintenance cover. They tolerate heat and cold very well and poor soils don't harm them at all. They thrive on rocky ground where it is difficult for anything else to grow. Plant them on slopes to prevent erosion. Let them cascade off of retaining walls, as they drape gracefully over the edge. Mass plantings are perfect for this shrub.

This juniper is deer and rabbit resistant, so it is a good choice if they plague your garden. Prince of Wales juniper is also a good choice next to streets, sidewalks and driveways where it is hot and dry.

Good companion plants include other junipers, the laceleaf staghorn sumac and Eastern redbud. They are a good choice for coastal areas with winds from the ocean. Urban pollution doesn't hurt this juniper at all. It is also perfect for a xeriscape garden that uses very little water.

Planting and Care Tips

Plant your Prince of Wales juniper in full sun. Dappled sun is tolerated. The type of soil is not so important as long as it drains well. Water deeply occasionally. This is better than frequent shallow watering. Prune only as needed to keep the plant contained.

Don't overfertilize. Junipers are sensitive to chemical fertilizers. Use only at half strength once a year or use compost. Mulch after planting to help prevent weeds from invading the plant. It is easier to prevent them than to remove them later. For mass plantings, space the plants 8 to 10 feet apart.

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