Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Order: Pinales
- Family: Cupressaceae
- Genus: Juniperus
- Species: J. horizontalis
General Information
Creeping Juniper is a low-growing, spreading coniferous shrub native to North America. It's known for its excellent ground cover properties in landscaping and its adaptability to various growing conditions. In bonsai, it's prized for its flexibility in styling and hardiness.
Bonsai Suitability
Suitability Rating: 4/5 (Very Good)
Creeping Junipers are popular in bonsai for their: - Low, spreading growth habit - Small, scale-like foliage - Flexibility in shaping and styling - Tolerance to pruning and root work - Hardiness and adaptability to various climates
Growth Characteristics
- Height: Usually less than 0.5 m (1.6 ft) tall in the wild; can be trained to various heights in bonsai
- Spread: Up to 2.5 m (8 ft) in the wild; contained in bonsai cultivation
- Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
- Foliage Type: Scale-like, sometimes awl-shaped on young growth
- Foliage Color: Varies by cultivar, from blue-green to gold
Bonsai Care Requirements
- Light: Full sun to partial shade; prefers full sun for compact growth
- Water: Moderate; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings
- Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix
- Fertilizer: Balanced feed during growing season; reduce in winter
- Pruning: Regular pinching and pruning to maintain shape; can handle heavy pruning
Styling Recommendations
- Excellent for cascade and semi-cascade styles
- Suitable for windswept, literati, and rock-growing (ishizuki) styles
- Can be trained into pad-like foliage areas for a more tree-like appearance
- Deadwood techniques (jin and shari) work well and are commonly used
Propagation Methods
- Cuttings (most common method)
- Layering
- Seeds (slow and not commonly used for cultivars)
Common Issues
- Spider mites in dry conditions
- Juniper tip blight
- Root rot in overly wet conditions
- Foliage may brown if kept too dry
Seasonal Changes
- Spring: New growth appears
- Summer: Active growth period
- Autumn: Growth slows; some cultivars may show color changes
- Winter: Dormant; some cultivars may show bronzing of foliage
Cultivars
Many cultivars of Creeping Juniper are suitable for bonsai. Some popular ones include:
- 'Blue Rug' (J. horizontalis 'Wiltonii'): Silvery-blue foliage, very low growing
- 'Andorra Compact' (J. horizontalis 'Plumosa Compacta'): Feathery, sage-green foliage turning purple in winter
- 'Mother Lode' (J. horizontalis 'Mother Lode'): Bright gold foliage
- 'Lime Glow' (J. horizontalis 'Lime Glow'): Lime-green foliage, brighter in full sun
- 'Blue Chip' (J. horizontalis 'Blue Chip'): Blue-gray foliage, compact growth
- 'Prince of Wales' (J. horizontalis 'Prince of Wales'): Bright green foliage, very low growing
Historical and Cultural Significance
While not as steeped in cultural history as some other bonsai species, Creeping Juniper has been used in North American landscaping for centuries. Native American tribes used various juniper species for medicinal purposes.