Juniperus communis ‘Green Carpet’ — Juniper
Family: Cupressaceae • Pot diameter: 17 cm • Height: ~30 cm
A green carpet that lays itself — landscaping without the drama 💚
A very low, ground-hugging juniper with dense, even spread and lively green foliage. Thrives in full sun/part shade and sharply drained substrates.
Cupressaceae Evergreen Sun–part shade Low maintenance Slow–moderate
Light
☀️ Sun–part shade
best colour in full sun
Water
💧 Infrequent
deep drinks; dry between
Soil
🪨 Well-drained
sandy/rocky, lean–medium
Hardiness
❄️ Cold
very hardy in low temps
What makes it special
- 🧩 Ultra-low, “carpet” habit for crisp edges and definition.
- 🎨 Clean green palette that pairs with stone/gravel/wood.
- 🛡️ Good drought tolerance once established.
Best uses
- 🪨 Rock gardens, slopes and erosion-control plantings.
- 🏙️ Minimal/xeriscape schemes with low upkeep.
- 🖼️ Perimeter “frame” around beds for a premium finish.
Where to place it
Plant in full sun to light part shade and a site with excellent drainage (sandy/rocky). Water deeply but infrequently; let soil dry between cycles. Avoid heavy, wet ground. Pruning is minimal — remove dead bits and avoid cutting into old wood as it does not reliably reshoot.
Plant pairings
- Festuca glauca & Carex testacea — linear textures and colour counterpoint.
- Lavandula, Santolina, Perovskia — Mediterranean silver–lilac palette over gravel.
- Low Thymus & Sedum — continuous “carpet” with flowers/aroma.
Origin of the cultivar click to read
Species context: Juniperus communis — widely distributed across Europe/Asia/North America, adapted to lean, dry, stony sites.
‘Green Carpet’ profile: Very low, creeping habit with even ground coverage and dense branching; brightest green in full sun.
Morphology: Scale/needle-like foliage (juvenile parts can be spiny). Does not reliably bud from old wood.
Culture: Excellent cold and wind tolerance after establishment; demands sharp drainage to avoid root rot.
Propagation: Clonal cuttings to maintain habit/colour.
1) Soil mix: Very free-draining sandy/rocky mix. In heavy soils add grit/pumice and raise the planting area.
2) Watering: Deep, infrequent; allow soil to dry between. Reduce frequency once established.
3) Maintenance: Minimal — clean out dead tips and lightly contain the edges; never cut hard into old wood.
💡 Tip: For an even “carpet”, plant 60–80 cm apart and top-dress with gravel for stability, drainage and a clean look.
🤔 Did you know? In cold winters the foliage can deepen or take a light bronze-green cast — a normal seasonal shift.
Why you’ll love it info
- 🧩 Dense, modest height that ties designs together.
- 🧱 Suppresses weeds and reduces maintenance.
- 🌞 Looks premium with stone/gravel in full sun.
🧠 Greenleaf for nerds — scientific bits no one asked for geek
- 🧬 Creeping habit; can root where stems touch the soil.
- 🪵 Scale/needle foliage; avoid pruning into old wood.
- 💨 Wind-tough; sensitive to poor drainage.
- 🧪 Prefers neutral–slightly acidic pH and mineral mulch (gravel).
How much sun does it need? light
Full sun to light part shade. In heavy shade it opens up and loses colour.
How should I water it? watering
Water deeply but infrequently with excellent drainage. Let the substrate dry between cycles; avoid saucers/standing water.
What soil does it prefer? soil
Sandy or rocky soil, lean–medium in organic matter, with sharp drainage. In heavy soils, add grit/pumice and plant slightly raised.
Does it need pruning? pruning
Not routinely — just remove dead tips and lightly trim the perimeter. Avoid deep cuts into old wood.
© Original plant description by Greenleaf Garden Center. All rights reserved. | Το κείμενο αποτελεί πρωτότυπο υλικό. Απαγορεύεται η αντιγραφή (Νόμος 2121/1993).
🔎 Note: Natural plant variation means the item you receive may differ slightly from the photos. Form, size or colour vary with season, growing conditions and the individuality of each plant.
