Juniperus horizontalis 'Bar Harbor'

Bar Harbor Creeping Juniper

Juniperus horizontalis ‘Bar Harbor’ — commonly called Bar Harbor creeping juniper — is a low-growing evergreen shrub valued for its fine-textured blue-green foliage that develops attractive plum to purplish tones in winter. Its dense, trailing branches form a broad ground-hugging mat, making it especially useful for slopes and large areas needing durable evergreen coverage.

Type: Evergreen shrub

Mature Size:
Width: 6–8 ft
Height: 1–2 ft

USDA Zones: 3a–9b

Form: Low, prostrate, spreading

Light: Full sun

Soil: Well-drained soil; thrives in sandy, rocky, and poor soils

Water: Low; highly drought tolerant once established

Wildlife: Provides shelter for birds; deer resistant

Features & Landscape Uses: Excellent for slopes, groundcover, rock gardens, and erosion control. Its winter color adds seasonal interest to low-maintenance landscapes.

Care: Plant in full sun with excellent drainage. Avoid heavy, wet soils. Minimal pruning is needed; trim lightly only if shaping is desired.

Plant type

Evergreen Shrub

Height

1-2'

Width

6-8'

Hardiness zones

3–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Leaf color

Steel Blue

Fall color

Blue Green

Soil

Average, Sandy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Container, Erosion control mass planting, Erosion control slopes, Mass Planting

Shape

Wide Spreading

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No