Juniperus conferta

Shore juniper is the low, dense, spreading conifer that hugs the ground in a tight mat of prickly, blue-green needles, one of the best groundcover junipers for sunny, well-drained sites. It grows just twelve to eighteen inches tall while spreading six to eight feet wide, covering slopes, spilling over walls, and filling the hot, dry spaces where most groundcovers struggle. Native to the coastal sands of Japan, it is adapted to salt spray, wind exposure, and poor, sandy soil.

In Western Washington, shore juniper performs well in full sun with sharp drainage. It does not tolerate shade or wet clay, both lead to thinning and disease. 'Blue Pacific' is the most widely planted selection, chosen for its dense, low habit and blue-green foliage. No significant disease or pest concerns are tracked when sited correctly. The prickly foliage makes it deer-resistant and discourages foot traffic, which is either a feature or a drawback depending on the application. For a salt-tolerant, drought-tolerant, ground-hugging evergreen that stabilizes slopes and eliminates mowing on sunny banks, shore juniper is one of the most practical options available.