- Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)
- Height 2 Feet
- Width 3 - 4 Feet
- Growing Zones 2-7
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.
Tortuga Juniper Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-7 |
Plant Type: Shrub |
Sunlight Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun |
Mature Height: 2 Feet |
Mature Width: 3 - 4 Feet |
Plant Spacing: 3 - 4 Feet |
Growth Habit: Spreading |
Flower Color(s): None |
Seasonal Interest: Grown for Foliage |
Foliage Type: Evergreen |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Resists: Deer |
Tolerates: Heat, Drought, Salt |
Features: Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance, Native to North America |
Uses: Border Plant Container Edging Plant Groundcover Landscape Lawn Substitute Mass Planting |
Plant Brand: Proven Winners |
Botanical/Scientific Name: Juniperus communis 'SMNJCB' USPP 32,393, Can PBRAF |
- SKU:
- JUNTO
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.