How to Grow Prince of Wales Juniper
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Prince of Wales Juniper
Juniperus horizontalis 'Prince of Wales'
shrubPrince of Wales is a low-growing, creeping juniper cultivar known for its feathery, soft-textured blue-green foliage that turns purplish in cold weather. This groundcover shrub is extremely hardy and drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for rock gardens, slopes, and erosion control. It rarely exceeds 12-18 inches in height but spreads 4-6 feet wide, creating dense mats of attractive evergreen foliage.
When should you plant Prince of Wales Juniper in your zone?
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Example Prince of Wales Juniper timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Prince of Wales Juniper
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Prince of Wales Juniper
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Prince of Wales Juniper dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-7; exceptionally cold-hardy
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Get my Prince of Wales Juniper timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
3-6 monthsYoung plant with compact growth; foliage is lighter green; lateral spreading begins
Water weekly during first growing season to establish deep roots. Mulch lightly around base. Avoid heavy fertilizing.
Development
1-2 yearsSpreading horizontally with increasing density; foliage develops richer blue-green coloration
Reduce watering frequency as plant establishes. No fertilizer needed. Prune any upright growth to maintain prostrate form if desired.
Maturation
2-3 years onwardDense mat with extensive horizontal spread; foliage turns purplish to bronze in winter cold
Minimal maintenance. Only water during prolonged drought. No fertilizer. Winter color is desirable and indicates healthy plant.
Maintenance
IndefiniteFully mature, established groundcover providing year-round color and texture
Annual light pruning if shape needs correction. Occasional removal of dead wood. Excellent for erosion control and wildlife cover.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Prune out infested branches; spray with horticultural oil in early spring or late fall; maintain plant health
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Increase air circulation; spray foliage with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe; avoid water stress
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Hand-pick bags when visible; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in early summer; prune infested branches
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Remove infected branches back to healthy wood; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; plant disease-resistant cultivars
Uses
Erosion Control & Slope Stabilization
HouseholdThe low-growing, spreading form with extensive root systems makes Prince of Wales ideal for stabilizing slopes and preventing soil erosion on hillsides and embankments. Its drought tolerance eliminates the need for irrigation on difficult-to-water slopes. [source]
Evergreen Cut Foliage
CraftThe attractive blue-green foliage and fine texture make Prince of Wales juniper useful for winter floral arrangements and wreaths. Cut stems maintain their color and structure well when dried. [source]
Wildlife Shelter & Food
WildlifeDense mats provide excellent cover for ground-nesting birds, small mammals, and pollinators. The plant's dense structure offers protection from predators and harsh weather elements. [source]
Ornamental Groundcover & Landscaping
HouseholdAs a low-maintenance groundcover, Prince of Wales juniper is excellent for rock gardens, borders, and mass plantings where its soft foliage and seasonal color changes add year-round visual interest with minimal care. [source]
Drought-Tolerant Xeriscaping
HouseholdPerfect for water-conscious landscapes and xeriscaping projects, Prince of Wales requires minimal supplemental watering once established, making it economical and environmentally responsible for arid or semi-arid regions. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not harvested; grown as ornamental. Prune in early spring to shape or remove winter damage. Cut stems can be used in floral arrangements.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Prince of Wales juniper displays remarkable cold hardiness and can withstand temperatures below -40°F, making it one of the hardiest groundcover junipers available.
- 🌱 The foliage changes color seasonally, developing purplish or bronze tones in winter cold, then returning to blue-green in spring—a natural adaptation to protect against winter sun damage.
- 🌱 Despite appearing delicate with soft, feathery foliage, this juniper is remarkably tough and can tolerate poor, infertile, sandy soils where many other plants fail, making it valuable for difficult sites.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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