Genuinely low architecture
Radiating branches stay close to the ground instead of rising into a domed centre.
Juniperus 'Green Carpet' 17cm
Normal price
€13,50
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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 ‘Green Carpet’
A green carpet that lays itself — landscaping without the drama 💚
- Very low green carpet
- Radiating branch pattern
- Evergreen ground cover
- Sun to light shade
Juniperus ‘Green Carpet’ creates an exceptionally low, fresh-green layer that seems to flow directly out of the ground. Fine branches radiate from the centre and overlap closely, following contours without building a bulky mound. The result is a calm, precise evergreen surface that frames stones, bulbs and taller plants beautifully, giving a border a finished edge while preserving an open sense of space even in a small garden.
Its restrained height makes it especially useful where another shrub would obscure the design. Across a gentle slope, around stepping stones or beneath a light conifer composition, it supplies permanent green continuity with very little visual weight.
Juniperus communis ‘Green Carpet’ has received the RHS Award of Garden Merit for its reliable, very low evergreen garden form.
What makes it special
Fine branches radiate outwards and knit into a remarkably low green cover that follows the ground without losing its structure.
Fresh green rather than blue
The colour remains lively and natural beside stone, bulbs and woodland-edge planting.
Coverage without heaviness
Close branch overlap finishes the soil surface while preserving an open view above it.
Why you will love it: it creates a convincing evergreen finish at a height low enough to keep stones, bulbs and neighbouring plants fully visible.
In the garden & on the balcony Placement & plant combinations Place it where its low spokes can meet across open soil without being buried by taller neighbours or fallen leaves.
A low green line through the design
Plant in sun or light partial shade on a gentle slope, between well-spaced rocks or along the front of a border, giving the radiating branches room to meet.
Fresh green with heathers, bulbs and rosettes
Small upright or seasonal forms can rise through the low evergreen plane without competing for the same space.
- Erica carnea — winter flowers bring colour above a similarly low outline
- Crocus tommasinianus — early flowers emerge cleanly through the evergreen layer
- Sempervivum tectorum — structured rosettes punctuate the fine green surface
Care at a glance
Light
Juniperus ‘Green Carpet’ performs best in full sun or light, open partial shade; this exposure also keeps its very low radiating green carpet clearly defined.
Watering
Water Juniperus ‘Green Carpet’ thoroughly while it establishes, then let the surface begin to dry before moistening the full shallow spread; allow the soil to aerate between soakings.
Climate & hardiness
Juniperus ‘Green Carpet’ is a hardy evergreen conifer. Its ground-hugging shoots are hardy, but dense fallen leaves and stagnant winter moisture should not smother the centre.
Safety
Do not consume the foliage or cones, and use gloves while clearing its low centre if your skin reacts to juniper sap.
Detailed care Complete care guide Maintain an open, healthy centre as the green spokes spread outwards
Position
Plant in full sun or light open shade, away from leaf litter and taller neighbours that could smother the radiating carpet.
Soil & drainage
For Juniperus ‘Green Carpet’, use lean to moderately fertile, free-draining soil that stays aerated beneath the low branch layer. Air must still reach the shallow roots after rainfall and irrigation.
Watering during establishment
During the first season, water gently across the shallow, widening root zone whenever the surface begins to dry.
Watering once established
Once established, let the surface begin to dry before moistening the shallow root zone across its full breadth.
Growing in a container
Choose a broad planter that still provides genuine root depth beneath its low profile. Unobstructed drainage and regular removal of fallen leaves protect the centre.
Feeding
A light spring feed is sufficient on poor soil; rich feeding can lift and loosen the exceptionally low green cover.
Pruning
Redirect flexible outer shoots or remove a boundary-crossing branch at a side shoot, leaving the radiating pattern intact.
Seasonal care
Clear fallen leaves promptly from the centre and trim only damaged growth so air continues to reach the ground-hugging shoots.
Development over time From establishment to a mature very low radiating carpet The central root system settles first; radiating branches then lengthen and branch sideways until their fine green spokes meet.
Small radiating centre
The young plant roots in and sends its first distinct branches out from the middle.
Spokes begin to overlap
Secondary shoots fill the spaces between the main radiating lines without adding much height.
Continuous mature carpet
A very low 1–1.5m-wide layer follows the ground while individual branch directions remain visible at the edge.
Mature form & dimensions
in the groundHeight 10–15cmSpread 1–1.5mProstrate green carpet
Woody stems extend almost along the soil. Short side branchlets with densely held needles fill the spaces and keep the carpet low.
Form through time
young → establishedEarly establishmentA few short stems extend from the base, with separate leafy tips.
Established carpetLonger stems overlap while their side branchlets thicken close to the ground.
Evergreen foliage remains on the low stems. Bright green spring shoots mature to a deeper green.
What to expect after planting: The young plant roots in and sends its first distinct branches out from the middle. Secondary shoots fill the spaces between the main radiating lines without adding much height.
History & origin Cultivar origin A. Bryne · Karmøy, Norway · 1970s · introduced in England by A. Bloom
Juniperus communis ‘Green Carpet’ was selected by A. Bryne at Karmøy, Norway, in the 1970s and was first sold locally as ‘Karmøy’.
A. Bloom later introduced it in England as ‘Green Carpet’. Its exceptionally low radiating habit and lively green foliage established its reputation, followed by an RHS Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
Greenleaf for Plant Nerds Science nobody asked for Botanical details for anyone curious about what lies behind the plant’s appearance
Needles in threes
In Juniperus communis, needle-like leaves persist on adult growth. Three leaves arise from the same node, forming whorls along each branchlet.
The needle’s white band
The inner surface of each needle has one white stomatal band. This single zone, together with the three-leaf whorls, is a useful feature for identifying the species.
Frequently asked questions
Key guidance for light, shallow roots, leaf litter and controlled spread.
01Does ‘Green Carpet’ require full sun?
Full sun produces the densest, freshest cover, although light open partial shade is tolerated. Deep shade loosens the radiating pattern.
02How do I water its shallow young roots?
Apply water across the widening surface whenever the top layer starts to dry, making sure it drains freely beneath the low branches.
03Why should fallen leaves be cleared from the centre?
A trapped layer can smother the ground-hugging shoots and hold stagnant winter moisture around them. Gentle clearing preserves air movement without disturbing healthy growth.
04What makes a container suitable for this low juniper?
Choose a broad planter with real root depth and completely open drainage beneath its low profile. The outer spokes also need room to extend.
05How can I keep the radiating branches within bounds?
Redirect an approaching shoot while it is flexible, or remove only the branch that crosses the intended boundary. The rest of the spoke pattern should remain intact.
06Is darker or bronzed winter foliage a problem?
Usually not. Cold can deepen the green or introduce a subdued bronze tint, followed by livelier new growth in spring.
📦 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.