Hughes Juniper

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

1 Foot

Mature Spread

6-8 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 9

The low-growing Hughes juniper is ideal to grow to control erosion on slopes or other hard-to-plant areas around the garden. The dense and wide spreading branches hug the ground with silvery blue foliage that becomes tinged with purple and bronze as the temperature drops in winter. Dwarf conifers like Hughes juniper rarely require pruning to maintain their fantastic swirling shape, making them a low-maintenance choice. Juniperus horizontalis ‘Hughes’ establishes quickly in growing zones 3-9 and often lives up to 30 years in a garden bed. 

Juniper shrubs are extremely hardy and durable. They are perfect to use as the bones of a mixed shrub bed or a foundation planting. Hughes juniper is very drought tolerant when established and will require supplemental watering only during periods of prolonged drought or heat. Pests and diseases are not an issue for Hughes juniper, and it is highly resistant to deer browsing. 

Hughes Juniper Care

Full sun and well-draining soil are two of the most important considerations for planting Hughes juniper in the landscape. Juniper is highly tolerant of a wide range of soil textures and grows well near the coast where salt and high winds can be issues for other more delicate shrubs. Annual fertilizing is not a necessity although feeding with a balanced shrub fertilizer at planting helps to get the shrubs off to a good start. Installing drip irrigation or soaker hoses at the time of planting also makes watering easier for the first 2-3 years until the shrubs are well established.

Light pruning to refine the shape of Hughes juniper is best done in late winter before new growth starts. Avoid heavy pruning or shearing into the woody branch structure. New growth is slow to fill in, and junipers will not resprout after cuts into bare wood. Hughes juniper is tolerant of deicing salts used in the winter and can be grown alongside driveways or sidewalks with no fear of them being damaged from snow shoveling. 

Hughes Juniper Spacing

The low profile of Hughes juniper matures to a height of 1 foot and a spread of 6-8 feet, making Hughes juniper an economical choice to fill large areas of garden space. Multiple plants need a space of at least 6 feet between centers to allow for a natural spread with little need for major pruning.