Juniperus Procumbens Nana

Juniperus procumbens ‘Nana’ is a low-growing, evergreen conifer prized for its dense blue-green foliage and spreading groundcover habit. This hardy dwarf juniper is widely used in landscaping and is one of the most popular varieties for bonsai.

🌿 Description

Juniperus procumbens ‘Nana’ is a compact, mat-forming evergreen shrub with fine, prickly juvenile foliage in attractive silvery blue-green tones. It forms a dense carpet over time, making it ideal for erosion control, slopes, and rock gardens.

✨ Features

• Low-growing, spreading groundcover
• Striking blue-green evergreen foliage
• Extremely hardy and drought tolerant
• Excellent for coastal gardens
• Low maintenance once established
• Highly popular for bonsai

📏 Size & Growth

• Height: 20–40 cm
• Spread: 1–2 metres
• Growth rate: Moderate
• Habit: Prostrate, spreading

🌞 Growing Conditions

☀️ Sunlight

• Thrives in full sun
• Tolerates light shade but best colour develops in full sun

🌱 Soil

• Prefers well-drained soil
• Tolerates sandy, rocky, or poor soils
• Avoid heavy, waterlogged clay

💧 Watering

• Water regularly during establishment
• Drought tolerant once established
• Avoid overwatering

🌊 Climate

• Frost hardy
• Tolerates coastal conditions
• Performs well in temperate and Mediterranean climates

🌿 Care Guide

Fertilising

• Minimal feeding required
• Apply a slow-release fertiliser in spring if desired

Pruning

• Light trim to shape if needed
• Avoid cutting into old woody stems without foliage

Mulching

• Apply mulch to conserve moisture
• Keep mulch away from crown

Pests & Issues

• Generally pest resistant
• Root rot can occur in poorly drained soil

🌳 Landscaping Uses

• Groundcover for slopes and embankments
• Rock gardens
• Coastal landscapes
• Cascading over retaining walls
• Low-maintenance borders
• Container planting

🌿 Bonsai Uses

Juniperus procumbens ‘Nana’ is one of the most popular bonsai species worldwide because:

• Flexible branches are easy to shape
• Responds well to pruning and wiring
• Hardy and forgiving for beginners
• Develops attractive aged bark over time

Ideal for both beginner and advanced bonsai enthusiasts.