Images Depict Mature Plants
Andorra Juniper
Juniperus horizontalis 'Plumosa'
Andorra Juniper is one of my favorite “set it and forget it” evergreen ground covers for full sun—especially on slopes where you’re tired of mulch washing away and weeds moving in. It stays low, spreads into a clean evergreen mat, and that winter bronze-purple color is a nice surprise when everything else goes sleepy. Plant it with good drainage, give it a steady first season of watering, then let it do what it does best: cover ground and make the landscape look finished.
Use Coupon Code: FOREVER20
Take 20% Off ALL Evergreens
📦 Free shipping on orders over $99.
Delay shipping by leaving us a message at Checkout.
Share:
Andorra Juniper Shrubs for Sale Online
Evergreen Ground Cover That Looks Finished Year-Round
Andorra Juniper is the kind of plant that makes a bed look clean and “done” without asking for constant attention. It stays low, spreads wide, and creates a dense, textured carpet of evergreen foliage that works like living mulch—covering soil, reducing weeds, and giving you a tidy edge along walkways and foundations. If you’ve got a spot where grass struggles, mulch washes, or you just want a permanent, polished ground layer, this juniper is a dependable solution.
The foliage has a soft, feathery look from a distance, but it’s tough as nails up close. In winter, many plantings develop a richer bronze-to-purple cast that adds seasonal interest when most landscapes go quiet. That color shift is a big part of the charm: you get a ground cover that doesn’t disappear into “flat green,” and it keeps your landscape looking intentional in every month of the year.
A Tough Choice For Hot Sun, Dry Soil, And Hard-to-Plant Spots
This is a sun-lover that performs best where other plants tap out. Andorra Juniper thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and once it’s established, it’s impressively drought-tolerant. That makes it ideal for sunny slopes, roadside edges, hell strips, and any spot that bakes in summer. It’s also a strong pick for busy homeowners because it doesn’t need frequent feeding, fussing, or pampering to stay attractive.
The key to success is drainage. Junipers hate wet feet, so think “dry to average” rather than constantly moist. If you’re planting into heavier soil, a slightly raised planting and a smart mulch ring can make a big difference. Give it sun, give it airflow, avoid soggy soil, and you’ll have a durable evergreen ground cover that holds its shape and color through real-world conditions.
Spreading Coverage That Controls Erosion And Softens Edges
Andorra Juniper spreads outward into a broad, low mat—typically staying around 12–18 inches tall while reaching several feet across at maturity. That growth habit is exactly why it shines on slopes: the branching network helps hold soil, slow runoff, and reduce erosion while looking natural and layered. It also looks great spilling gently over retaining walls, curbs, or bed edges, giving hard lines a softer, more landscaped finish.
It’s also a strong “repeat plant.” Use it in multiples to create a unified ground layer under taller shrubs or along long sunny runs where you want consistent texture. Once it starts to knit together, it’s remarkably effective at shading out weeds and reducing the need for re-mulching every season. If your goal is low-maintenance coverage that actually solves a landscape problem, this is one of the simplest wins you can plant.
Easy Care Pruning And Spacing For A Full, Clean Mat
Spacing is where people either love their creeping juniper—or wonder why it never fills in. For faster coverage, plant Andorra Juniper about 3–4 feet apart (center to center). That spacing gives you room for healthy airflow while still allowing plants to knit together into a continuous mat over time. If you want a looser, more “individual mounds” look, space them farther apart and let each plant show its natural form.
Pruning is minimal and best done lightly in early spring. You’re not shearing this like a hedge—you’re simply trimming stray runners, keeping edges crisp, and shaping for symmetry. Avoid cutting back into old, bare wood, because junipers don’t reliably re-sprout from leafless stems. With smart spacing and a light annual tidy-up, Andorra Juniper stays dense, attractive, and wonderfully low-maintenance.
| Hardiness Zone: | 3-8 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 1-1.5 Feet |
| Mature Width: | 4-6 Feet |
| Sunlight: | Full sun (best); tolerates light part shade |
| Water Requirements: | Low once established; water regularly first season |
| Soil | Well-drained; sandy/rocky soils ideal |
| Bloom Time / Color | Inconspicuous spring flowers; small blue “berries” (cones) may form |
| Wildlife Value | Cover for small wildlife; berry-like cones can feed birds |
| Resistance | Deer resistant; drought tolerant; salt tolerant once established |
| Landscape Uses | Slopes/erosion control, borders, foundation beds, mass plantings, rock gardens, wall edges |
How to Care for Andorra Juniper
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Andorra Juniper for years to come!
How should I plant Andorra Juniper?
Plant Andorra Juniper in full sun and well-drained soil. Dig a hole 2–3 times wider than the root ball and no deeper than the root ball, then set the plant so the top of the root ball sits level with (or slightly above) the surrounding soil. Backfill with native soil, firm gently, and water deeply to settle the roots. Finish with a thin mulch layer to reduce weeds and conserve moisture, but keep mulch off the stems so the crown stays dry and airy. If you’re planting on a slope, position plants so runoff doesn’t pool around them, and consider a shallow basin on the uphill side to help water soak in during establishment.
-v1769185455429.png?89x84){kind=icon}
How often should I water Andorra Juniper after planting?
Water deeply right after planting, then continue with a deep soak about once per week during the first growing season. In very hot, dry stretches, water twice per week until the plant is clearly pushing new growth and roots have expanded into the surrounding soil. After establishment, Andorra Juniper is drought-tolerant and usually needs supplemental watering only during extended dry spells. The biggest mistake is frequent light watering that keeps the surface damp—junipers prefer deep, occasional watering with a dry-down period between.
-v1769185456652.png?90x89){kind=icon}
When should I fertilize Andorra Juniper?
Fertilize lightly in early spring with a slow-release evergreen fertilizer if your soil is lean or you want to encourage a bit more growth. In many landscapes, Andorra Juniper does well without much feeding, especially in average garden soil with a light mulch layer. Avoid heavy fertilizing, which can push overly soft growth and reduce the plant’s naturally dense look. If growth seems weak year after year, focus first on sun exposure and drainage—those two factors matter more than fertilizer for long-term performance.
When and how should I prune Andorra Juniper?
Prune in early spring before new growth takes off. Use hand pruners to trim stray runners, tidy edges, and lightly shape the plant while preserving its natural, layered form. Think “gentle grooming,” not “hard haircut.” Do not cut back aggressively into old, bare wood because junipers don’t reliably re-leaf from leafless stems. If a section becomes woody or thin, it’s usually better to selectively thin and encourage new growth from greener areas, or replace that individual plant if it has aged out.
