Green Mound Juniper (Junipers ‘Nana’)

A cultivar of Juniper, junipers ‘Nana’ is a prostrate variant that produces masses of prickly, coniferous, gray-green leaves. Differing from other cultivars and the parent plant, the junipers ‘Nana’ forms low, dense, wide-spreading mats. Gardeners like it as it thrives in full or partial sunlight and is recommended for being easy to grow, as it requires no pruning.

I. Appearance and Characteristics

Juniperus procumbens ‘Nana’ (Junipers ‘Nana’) is a slow growing dense evergreen groundcover.

The stem of junipers ‘Nana’ is characterized by its stiff texture and varying length, typically between 1-3 feet (30-90 cm). It has a rough, woody surface, with a grayish-brown color. The branches are dense and the tips ascend slightly, creating a visually distinctive pattern. The stem’s diameter usually remains under 0.5 inches (1.3 cm). This unique combination of stiffness, length variation, and ascending branch tips make junipers ‘Nana”s stem easily identifiable.

The leaves of junipers ‘Nana’ are small, rigid, and closely set, measuring around 0.2 inches (5 mm) in length. They are awl-shaped and arranged in whorls of three. The coloration is bluish-green, becoming slightly purplish in winter. Each leaf has a bluish underside with two distinctive white dots at the base. New growth appears bright green. These leaves are pointy in texture, providing a notable tactile characteristic.

II. How to Grow and Care

Sunlight

Junipers ‘Nana’ needs sufficient sunlight and can only grow normally with more than 4 hours of sunlight per day. If it’s planted under big trees or in any other shady environment, its growth slows, with sparse branches and yellowing leaves. It needs to be shaded on hot summer days to avoid sunburn.

Temperature

Junipers ‘Nana’ is mainly distributed throughout the Northern temperate zone. It likes cool weather, but can also tolerate heat. Some species blossom multiple times a year in warm areas. It doesn’t require much air humidity and is somewhat drought-tolerant.

Watering

Originating from rocky outcrops and mountainous regions, junipers ‘Nana’ is adapted to environments with less frequent rainfall. This species thrives on minimal water intake, showcasing a strong drought tolerance. Watering should be done sparingly, aligning with its natural habitat’s conditions—ideally watering every week. Typically found outdoors due to its hardy nature, junipers ‘Nana’ often flourishes in well-draining soil that mimics its native terrain. As an evergreen plant, junipers ‘Nana”s water retention contributes to its year-round foliage display.

Soil

Junipers ‘Nana’ can grow in all types of soils and has no requirements for soil pH. But it grows most robustly in loose, fertile soils with good water drainage. It has strong roots and can survive in dry, sandy lands and rock cracks, but cannot tolerate standing water.

Fertilizing

For junipers ‘Nana’, fertilize with balanced, slow-release granular formulas (e.g., 10-10-10) twice yearly in spring and fall to boost growth and vigor. Limit to 1 tablespoon per square foot to prevent root burn. In growth phases, increased nitrogen helps foliage; in dormancy, refrain from fertilization to avoid stress. Watering post-application ensures nutrient absorption without damaging roots. Adapt frequency and amount to junipers ‘Nana”s response and environmental changes.

Planting Instructions

To transplant, dig a planting pit with a layer of 4 to 6 cm organic manure on the bottom as the base fertilizer. Next, add a layer of soil on top of the manure to avoid the junipers ‘Nana’ roots coming into direct contact with the fertilizer, so the highly concentrated fertilizer doesn’t dehydrate the roots. Place the plant into the pit, backfill the soil to fully cover the roots, and press the soil firmly. Water thoroughly.

Pruning

Junipers ‘Nana’ doesn’t need much pruning. For a plumper look, prune top buds in daily care to promote the growth of lateral buds. In the winter, when the plant is dormant, prune old, dry, pest- and disease-infected branches. Trimming excessively dense branches can improve the plant’s internal ventilation and light permeability, and reduce the chance of pests and disease.

Propagation

Rooted in the family Cupressaceae, junipers ‘Nana’ is a resilient, low-growing coniferous shrub admired for its ground-covering habit. Propagation is typically successful through cuttings. For optimal results, select healthy semi-hardwood stems. Gently snip these cuttings, ensuring a few inches in length, and remove the lower foliage. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining soil mix. Moisture is essential, so provide a consistent watering regime without causing waterlogged conditions. Patience is key, as rooting might take several weeks.

Transplanting

The best time to transplant junipers ‘Nana’ is when weather settles in gentle warmth, favoring late blossoms of spring to cusp of summer or when autumn bids farewell. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil to welcome junipers ‘Nana’, ensuring minimal root disturbance for robust growth.

III. Uses and Benefits

Slow-growing, this compact Juniper makes a wonderful dwarf groundcover and looks terrific in the rock garden or cascading over a wall. It creates a stunning and very classy look in the landscape.

IV. Harvesting and Storage

When junipers ‘Nana’ branches are harvested and placed in vases for viewing, they can last for 2 months. Early-morning harvest is best to avoid branches withering due to dehydration. Cut the branches off at a 45° inclined angle with a pair of sharp gardening scissors and quickly put them in clean water to prevent water loss.