Juniperus Horizontalis `BowDak

Juniper Bowdak

Juniperus horizontalis ‘Bowdak’ — commonly called Bowdak creeping juniper — is a low-growing evergreen shrub valued for its dense, spreading habit and fine-textured blue-green foliage that often develops purplish tones in winter. Its trailing branches form a wide, ground-hugging mat, providing durable year-round coverage and strong erosion control on slopes.

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 large-scale evergreen massing. Its low habit makes it ideal for covering open areas with minimal maintenance.

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

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Soil

Average, Clay, Dry Area, Sandy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Erosion control mass planting, Erosion control slopes, Foundation, Groundcover, Mass Planting

Shape

Low Spreading

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes