Juniperus chinensis 'San Jose'

San Jose Juniper

Juniperus chinensis ‘San Jose’ — commonly called San Jose juniper — is an evergreen shrub valued for its low spreading habit and dense gray-green foliage carried on layered horizontal branches. Its vigorous growth creates a broad evergreen carpet that is highly effective for covering slopes and large open areas with year-round texture.

Type: Evergreen shrub

Mature Size:
Width: 6–8 ft
Height: 2–3 ft

USDA Zones: 4a–9b

Form: Low, spreading, layered

Light: Full sun

Soil: Well-drained soil; adaptable to sandy, rocky, and average garden soils

Water: Low to medium; drought tolerant once established

Wildlife: Provides shelter for birds; deer resistant

Features & Landscape Uses: Excellent for slopes, erosion control, foundation plantings, and evergreen massing. Its spreading habit makes it valuable for low-maintenance large-area coverage.

Care: Plant in full sun for best density and foliage color. Avoid poorly drained soils. Minimal pruning is needed; trim lightly in early spring only if shaping is desired.

Plant type

Evergreen Shrub

Height

2-3'

Width

6-8'

Hardiness zones

4–9

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Does not flower

Leaf color

SeaGreen

Soil

Average, Sandy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Container, Foundation, Mass Planting, Rock Garden

Shape

Low Spreading

Bark

Exfoliating

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No