Description

Juniperus Buffalo is a tough, spreading juniper selected for resilient groundcover in cold and dry climates. Its dense, trailing branches form a clean, weed-suppressing mat of blue‑green, scale-like foliage that may take on a soft bronze cast in winter. Best in full sun and well-drained soils, it’s an excellent solution for slopes, banks, rock gardens, and areas where low maintenance is essential. As a conifer, it bears inconspicuous cones rather than showy flowers and is naturally deer resistant, drought tolerant once established, and long-lived.

Suggested Uses

Care Tips

• Planting InstructionsPlant in full sun. Dig a hole 2–3× wider than the root ball and no deeper. Tease circling roots, set the crown level with or slightly above the surrounding soil, backfill with native soil (amend only if drainage is poor), water deeply, and mulch 2–3 in (5–7.5 cm), keeping mulch off the stem. Space plants 5–8 ft apart for a closed carpet.
• Soil MoistureKeep evenly moist the first growing season with deep, infrequent watering. Once established, drought tolerant; allow the top few inches of soil to dry between waterings. Avoid soggy conditions.
• Soil TypeRequires well-drained soil; sandy or gravelly loams are ideal. Tolerates poor, rocky sites. pH 6.0–7.8. In heavy clay, plant on a berm or amend to improve drainage.
• HumidityPrefers low to moderate humidity with good air circulation. Avoid overcrowding to reduce foliar disease pressure.
• Pruning InstructionsMinimal pruning needed. In late winter to early spring, lightly shear to shape and remove dead or diseased tips. Avoid cutting back into old, leafless wood. Sterilize tools between cuts.
• Winter CareVery hardy; little protection needed in zones 3–7. Water deeply before ground freeze, maintain mulch, and brush off heavy, wet snow. Limit exposure to de‑icing salt where possible.
• Planting DepthSet the top of the root ball 0–1 in (0–2.5 cm) above grade; do not bury the stem or crown. Ensure the root flare is visible at the soil surface.
• FertilizationLight feeder. After the first year, apply a slow‑release, balanced conifer fertilizer (e.g., 8‑8‑8 to 12‑12‑12) in early spring at label rate or top‑dress with compost. Avoid heavy nitrogen to prevent lanky growth.
• Special CareSpace for airflow and avoid overhead irrigation to reduce tip blights (Phomopsis, Kabatina). Monitor for spider mites in hot, dry weather. Wear gloves when handling (sap can irritate). Not for indoor culture or ingestion.