Juniperus Horizontalis 'Pancake'

Juniper Pancake

Juniperus horizontalis ‘Pancake’ — commonly called Pancake creeping juniper — is an extremely low-growing evergreen shrub valued for its very flat, ground-hugging habit and soft blue-green foliage that often develops purplish tones in winter. Its tight, mat-forming growth creates a smooth, uniform “pancake-like” spread, making it ideal for low-profile groundcover applications.

Type: Evergreen shrub

Mature Size:
Width: 6–8 ft
Height: 3–6 in.

USDA Zones: 3a–9b

Form: Extremely low, prostrate, mat-forming

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 groundcover, between stepping stones, slopes, and rock gardens. Its ultra-low height makes it useful where visibility or clearance is important.

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

3-6"

Width

6-8'

Hardiness zones

3–9

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Slow

Leaf color

Steel Blue

Soil

Average, Sandy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Foundation, Mass Planting

Shape

Low Spreading, Prostrate

Bark

Exfoliating

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No