Creeping Junipers

Creeping junipers are among ground covers that like a lot of sun. Happily,

Creeping junipers are among ground covers that like a lot of sun. Happily, they stay short (generally no more than 1 foot), and they're cold-hardy (many being suited to zone 3 to 9). Juniperus plants give you landscape color year-round because they're evergreen. There are a number of different cultivars, including:

What's the point in growing creeping junipers? At the most practical level, these ground covers are vigorous growers that will help you suppress common lawn weeds and other unwanted plants. When it comes to beautifying your landscaping, they are superior to grass because they don't have to be mowed.

Their roles in taming steep hills and in making life hard for weeds only begins to tell the story behind why creeping junipers are so popular. Learn how to plant these ground covers, what some of the best types are, and what assets they bring to your landscaping.

One popular type of creeping juniper is the Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Rug' ('Wiltonii' is similar). Notice how the plants in the photo are poking out through holes in what looks like black plastic? Well, an explanation is needed regarding what this material really is, how to install it, and why this covering works hand-in-hand with such a planting of creeping junipers.

The material shown in the picture is landscape fabric, not black plastic. People do sometimes use the latter, but the advantage landscape fabric (which is also called "weed barrier") enjoys is that it breathes, meaning that a certain amount of air and water will be able to reach the plants' root systems. One mistake the homeowners have made here is in failing to cover this material with mulch. Left exposed to the bright sunshine for too long, the weed barrier will suffer damage. Besides, you'll want to apply a bit of mulch in the holes, too, thereby discouraging weeds from sprouting up right next to your creeping junipers.

The idea is that, between the landscape fabric, mulch, and creeping junipers, few weeds will emerge, the soil will be held in place, and the area will be beautified. Consider these three components as a team that works together for weed control, with the prime functions of the creeping junipers being soil erosion control and aesthetic enhancement. Although you don't necessarily have to do it in this order, experts recommend putting the weed barrier down first, installing the creeping junipers (cutting holes into the material to provide access) next, and, finally, spreading the mulch on.

The likelihood of success will be greatly increased if, prior to installing these three components, you kill any grass growing in the area, as well as any weeds. In extreme cases, you may wish to try soil solarization. Even out the surface with a steel rake and remove sharp objects that could puncture the weed barrier.

Before moving to the next entry, take a closer look at this planting. Do you notice the weeds starting to emerge? Apparently, the weed barrier was torn by sharp rocks or roots that the homeowner failed to remove prior to installation. Weeds, ever the opportunists, will be quick to exploit such openings. In a case like this, if the weeds aren't removed pretty soon, the whole enterprise will be put at risk. The weeds will spread quickly, causing further ruptures in the landscape fabric.