Genuinely low architecture
Radiating branches stay close to the ground instead of rising into a domed centre.
Juniperus 'Green Carpet' 17cm — Care & Tips
This store requires javascript to be enabled for some features to work correctly.
This store requires javascript to be enabled for some features to work correctly.
A green carpet that lays itself — landscaping without the drama 💚
Family: Cupressaceae · Pot diameter: 17cm · Height: approx. 30cm
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.
Fine branches radiate outwards and knit into a remarkably low green cover that follows the ground without losing its structure.
Radiating branches stay close to the ground instead of rising into a domed centre.
The colour remains lively and natural beside stone, bulbs and woodland-edge planting.
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.
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.
Small upright or seasonal forms can rise through the low evergreen plane without competing for the same space.
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.
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.
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.
Do not consume the foliage or cones, and use gloves while clearing its low centre if your skin reacts to juniper sap.
Plant in full sun or light open shade, away from leaf litter and taller neighbours that could smother the radiating carpet.
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.
During the first season, water gently across the shallow, widening root zone whenever the surface begins to dry.
Once established, let the surface begin to dry before moistening the shallow root zone across its full breadth.
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.
A light spring feed is sufficient on poor soil; rich feeding can lift and loosen the exceptionally low green cover.
Redirect flexible outer shoots or remove a boundary-crossing branch at a side shoot, leaving the radiating pattern intact.
Clear fallen leaves promptly from the centre and trim only damaged growth so air continues to reach the ground-hugging shoots.
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.
A very low 1–1.5m-wide layer follows the ground while individual branch directions remain visible at the edge.
Woody stems extend almost along the soil. Short side branchlets with densely held needles fill the spaces and keep the carpet low.
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.
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.
In Juniperus communis, needle-like leaves persist on adult growth. Three leaves arise from the same node, forming whorls along each branchlet.
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.
Key guidance for light, shallow roots, leaf litter and controlled spread.
Full sun produces the densest, freshest cover, although light open partial shade is tolerated. Deep shade loosens the radiating pattern.
Apply water across the widening surface whenever the top layer starts to dry, making sure it drains freely beneath the low branches.
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.
Choose a broad planter with real root depth and completely open drainage beneath its low profile. The outer spokes also need room to extend.
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.
Usually not. Cold can deepen the green or introduce a subdued bronze tint, followed by livelier new growth in spring.