Description
JUNIPERUS PROCUMBENS ‘NANA’
If you’ve been searching for a groundcover that’s virtually indestructible, looks equally beautiful year-round, and won’t demand constant fussing, the Procumbens Nana Juniper might just be the answer you’ve been waiting for. This dwarf creeping juniper spreads like a living carpet across the ground, its feathery blue-green foliage creating an almost architectural softness that makes it work in surprising places—tucked into rocky slopes, spilling over stone walls, anchoring container gardens, or creating structure in otherwise lifeless corners of your yard.
What it looks like
This is juniper for people who thought they didn’t like junipers. Instead of the stiff, columnar forms you might be picturing, JUNIPERUS PROCUMBENS ‘NANA’ is a sprawling, delicate thing that grows wider than it is tall—spreading horizontally in a way that feels more like soft needlework than evergreen shrub. The foliage is impossibly fine and feathery, in a cool blue-green that maintains its color even through Connecticut’s toughest winters. Young plants are compact and neat; mature plants create a textured mound that’s surprisingly elegant. The new growth often has an even lighter, more silvery tone that adds depth and visual interest to the plant throughout the year.
Growing it in your garden
Here’s what makes this juniper such a gift for Connecticut gardeners: it’s unfussy about soil. Poor, rocky, sandy, gravelly—it honestly doesn’t care. If anything, it prefers lean soil to rich, loamy stuff. It needs excellent drainage, though, so if you’re working with heavy clay, amending with grit or sand before planting is worth your effort. Position it where it gets full sun to light shade, and give it space to spread—this juniper eventually reaches about 12 inches tall and can spread 4 feet or more, so don’t crowd it. Once established, it’s remarkably drought-tolerant, which makes it ideal for those hot, dry spots in your garden that other plants struggle with. Plant it in spring to give it time to settle in before our next winter.
Through the seasons
One of the best things about the Procumbens Nana is its consistent, year-round presence. Spring brings fresh new growth tinged with lighter color, adding subtle variety to the feathery texture. Summer shows off its fine foliage in full glory, and the low profile means it won’t shade out nearby plants. By fall, as other plants fade, this juniper’s blue-green color actually seems to deepen and warm slightly, giving it more presence in the landscape. Winter is where it truly shines—while deciduous plants sleep and many evergreens look tired, the Procumbens Nana maintains its vibrant color and fine texture throughout even our coldest Connecticut months. It won’t hide under snow because it grows so close to the ground, but it won’t be damaged by it either.
Where it shines
The versatility here is remarkable. Use it as a low groundcover in rock gardens or xeriscaping projects. Edge pathways or driveways with its soft texture. Plant it on slopes or embankments where erosion is a concern—the spreading habit helps stabilize soil while looking intentional and beautiful. It’s wonderful cascading over walls or terraced areas, where its horizontal growth habit becomes a design feature rather than something to wrestle with. Container gardeners love this juniper as a year-round anchor plant that requires almost no maintenance and stays sculptural in a way that few other plants can match.
Perfect companions
The Procumbens Nana plays well with other low-growing, drought-tolerant plants. Pair it with ornamental grasses like FESTUCA GLAUCA for a textural combination, or intersperse it with creeping sedums and sempervivums for a living tapestry. Native low-growing perennials like creeping phlox and basket-of-gold work beautifully nearby. The plant’s cool color also looks stunning next to warm-toned foliage plants or next to silver-leaved companions. Because it’s so fine and delicate, it actually softens the look of harder landscape elements like stone, gravel, and pavers.
Care tips
Once established, this juniper needs very little maintenance. Water regularly during the first growing season to help it establish a deep root system. After that, it’s mostly on its own—it’s genuinely drought-tolerant once settled in. No fertilizer is necessary; lean soil is actually preferable. Prune only if you want to shape it or if any branches get damaged. Watch for spider mites during hot, dry spells indoors or in very exposed locations, and provide a quick spray with water if you notice webbing. Otherwise, this is about as hands-off as evergreens get.
Quick facts
- Hardiness Zone: 4-9
- Mature Height & Spread: 12 inches tall, 4+ feet wide
- Bloom Season: Non-flowering
- Light Requirements: Full sun to light shade
- Water Needs: Low; drought-tolerant once established
- Available at: Both our retail and wholesale locations
