Junipers are popular because of their numerous design characteristics: form, size, color and texture. Low-growing junipers can be used as groundcovers or foundation plantings. Taller-growing plants are excellent for screens, hedges or windbreaks. You can find a juniper in almost any height, width, shape or needle color. They grow throughout South Carolina, in a wide variety of habitats.

One common trait shared by junipers is their tolerance to adverse conditions. Junipers generally enjoy full sun and good drainage. During summer droughts they withstand heat and dry conditions much better than most ornamentals.

The groundcover group includes types ranging from a few inches to 2 to 3 feet high.

Some species, such as creeping juniper, spread 5 to 6 feet. Others only spread 18 inches. Spacing of the plants depends on the species used. During the first years after planting, mulch will help keep the soil cool and the weeds down.

Junipers do not tolerate severe pruning. Do not cut back to older, needleless wood. Propagate junipers by cuttings, seed, layering and grafting.