Tortuga Juniper

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

2 Feet

Mature Spread

3-4 Feet

Growing Zones

2 to 7

Mowing the lawn on a stubborn hillside can be dangerous. Mow no more and let Tortuga™Juniperus communis do all of the hard work for you. This is the perfect low mounding evergreen groundcover that is tough as nails. Your four-season sea of green awaits. Literally, just plant it and watch it succeed with ease.

This plant is one of the toughest North American natives that reliably thrives year after year in the most extremes of cold and heat (hardy to zones 2 to 7b). Deer and rabbits are no match. Heat and drought are not an issue. It is even salt-tolerant, especially near sidewalks, hell strips, or near driveways where winter salt tends to wreak havoc. Experiment with this evergreen as a spiller in a container. If your feeling really spunky and unconventional, this turtle shrub is a formidable lawn replacement.

Tortuga Juniper Care

Versatile and adaptable plants are a necessity for any successful garden. There are a few important guidelines to follow to be successful with Tortuga™. This plant can thrive in both sun or part sun conditions. It will adapt to average to poor soil that is well-draining. Consistently wet soils are detrimental and can lead to root rot. Once established, it can take periods of drought without any ill effects. Fertilizing in the first year is not necessary, but every year after, fertilize in late Spring.

Every once in a while your shrub may need to be trimmed to keep it in line, but technically if it is spaced correctly then it does not need to be trimmed at all. Trimming back unhealthy yellowing or browning leaves may be an indication of dampness or fungal disease. Trim off the affected area and clean pruners between cuts to limit any spread of disease.

Tortuga Juniper Spacing

This Juniper can easily spread up to 36 to 48 inches. Ensure there is a gap of 3 to 4 feet between plants. These are slow-growing, so if you’re looking to fill in a large area faster, then space each plant 3 feet apart. The rule of thumb when planting juniper in any container is to make sure that the container is twice the width and depth of the rootball.