Layered branches
Horizontal growth creates low tiers with slightly raised tips rather than a tall central leader.
Juniperus procumbens 'nana' 17cm
Normal price
€13,50
What does the legal guarantee mean for plants?
The legal guarantee concerns the plant’s conformity at delivery. It is not a guarantee of survival or growth for two years. Each issue is assessed taking into account the nature of the plant, its care and the conditions in which it is kept. Your statutory rights remain unaffected.
Juniperus procumbens ‘Nana’
Keeping a low profile, with room to grow 🌿
- Low green carpet
- Needle-like foliage
- Evergreen structure
- Well-drained planting
Juniperus procumbens ‘Nana’ spreads its branches close to the ground, creating a dense texture of small, pointed needles. Grey-green foliage is arranged in successive layers, with shoot tips lifting gently above the prostrate framework. Its appeal lies in this fine architecture: a living carpet that follows the planting while allowing stonework and taller plants to remain visible behind it, giving the whole composition a grounded appearance.
In a rock garden or along a raised border, it provides continuity without adding another vertical mass. Its steady low outline reveals contrasting surfaces and looks particularly effective beside upright grasses or clean geometric pots.
What makes it special
Fine needle texture
Small, pointed needles provide detail and density even when viewed at close range.
Winter presence
Foliage remains in place and may develop purple-bronze tones in cold weather without becoming deciduous.
Why you will love it: it fills the lower layer of a composition without hiding the other plants.
In the garden & on the balcony Placement & plant combinations Position, growing space and compatible companions
Best position
Give it a sunny, well-drained position in a rock garden or low border, with room to spread its branches over stones. Allow approximately 1–1.5 m centre to centre for long-term cover, depending on the desired overlap, and keep it away from walking routes and places where small children brush against it.
Compatible planting
Blue-grey, silver and purple elements complement the low conifer structure. Provide sun and drainage, with separate watering for any companion requiring more moisture.
- Sedum album — in sunny crevices or gaps at the front, for contrasting succulent texture in a well-drained position.
- Thymus serpyllum — at the outer edge, where its low flowers remain visible rather than disappearing beneath the branches.
- Pennisetum alopecuroides — behind it in a separate watering zone, creating upright movement above the low juniper carpet.
Care at a glance
Light
Sun is preferable; light partial shade is tolerated with good airflow.
Watering
Moderate watering during establishment. Later, allow the upper layer to dry and avoid permanently wet soil.
Climate & hardiness
Very cold-hardy and drought-tolerant once established. Pots remain more vulnerable to extremes.
Safety
Harmful if eaten and a potential skin allergen. Prevent chewing and wear gloves.
Detailed careComplete care guidePlanting, water, maintenance and seasonal care
A sunny position
Light and airflow help the outer foliage remain dense. Avoid deep shade beneath other shrubs or constant contact with wet neighbouring leaves.
Well-drained soil
Plant at the original depth and check that water drains away. In heavy soil, use a suitably prepared raised position rather than an isolated hole that collects water.
Water without excess
Until established, check moisture in the original rootball. Water deeply when needed; drought tolerance in a mature plant does not mean a newly planted one can receive no water at all.
Progressive repotting
A pot needs drainage holes and a freely draining mix. Increase its size progressively as roots fill the space, allowing the low, lateral growth to extend freely.
Prune only where needed
Routine shaping is usually unnecessary. Remove dead or problem branches and lightly shorten green tips only where they obstruct something. Do not cut deeply into bare old wood expecting reliable regrowth.
Feeding and protection
Avoid strong feeding that does not match its needs. Wear gloves when handling and keep cut material away from children and pets. Check drainage particularly carefully in winter.
Development over timeThe low expansion of a coniferFrom establishment to the natural mature form
Establishment before coverage
Root development comes first. Gaps between young plants do not close immediately and need not be filled with additional junipers.
Branches move sideways
Main branches extend near ground level and develop smaller branchlets. Tips remain slightly raised without forming an upright tree.
Needles through winter
The structure remains visible throughout the year. Purple-bronze winter colour may be seasonal; dry, brittle brown sections need a separate assessment.
Mature form & dimensions
Gradual maturityHeight 20–50 cmSpread 1–1.5 mProstrate, layered branches
Approximately 20–50 cm tall × 1–1.5 m wide. Prostrate, layered branches; allow room sideways. Conditions and pruning influence the final size.
Form through the seasons
Spring / summerGrey-green needles and fresh shoot tips
WinterPersistent framework, possible purple tones
The drawings show natural architecture and the seasonal cycle, not a guaranteed size or colour of the potted plant.
History & origin Cultivar origin The history of this particular cultivar
‘Nana’ is a low horticultural selection of Juniperus procumbens, a species associated with Japan. Oregon State University dates its introduction from Japan to 1922.
In cultivation it has been retained for its low, dense architecture: woody branches spread close to the ground while their small tips lift upwards. This form distinguishes it from an upright juniper and explains its use in rock gardens.
Greenleaf for Plant NerdsScience nobody asked forBotanical details for anyone curious about what lies behind the plant’s appearance
Needles in threes
The pointed leaves of Juniperus procumbens are arranged in whorls of three around the shoot. This creates the dense, radiating texture of small branchlets without broad leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Practical answers for this particular cultivar.
01Will it become a tall conifer?
Not in its natural form. ‘Nana’ grows mainly horizontally, with low branches and slightly raised tips.
02Can it be walked on like a lawn?
No. Ground cover refers to visual coverage by woody branches, not a surface for walking.
03Why does it turn purple in winter?
A purple-bronze tone in cold weather can be a natural seasonal response. Dry, brittle brown shoots need a separate check.
04Should it be clipped like a hedge?
No. Keep the natural low outline and shorten only problem green tips, avoiding deep cuts into bare wood.
05Is it safe for pets to chew?
No. It is harmful if eaten and can cause an allergic skin reaction. Keep it beyond the reach of animals that chew plants.
06Does its small size mean frequent watering?
During establishment, check that the rootball does not dry out completely. However, it does not need constantly wet soil, even in a small pot.
📦 Your plant travels protected
Every order is prepared with care so your plant arrives upright, secure and safe.
Individual protection
Plants in pots with a capacity of 3 litres or more are placed in individual boxes that hold the pot securely and reduce the risk of tipping over.
Sturdy packaging
We use reinforced cardboard designed to protect against impacts and vibration during transport.