Juniper Andorra

Description: 'Andorra' Juniper is a spreading evergreen shrub with a prostrate growth habit, forming a dense mat of foliage that hugs the ground. The foliage consists of scale-like, bright green needles that retain their color year-round, providing a vibrant backdrop in the landscape. In spring, 'Andorra' Juniper may produce small, inconspicuous flowers, followed by bluish-black berries on female plants. This cultivar is valued for its low-growing, spreading habit, making it an excellent choice for ground cover, erosion control, and rocky slopes.

Size: 'Andorra' Juniper typically grows to a height of 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 centimeters) and spreads of 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 meters) at maturity. The plant's compact, spreading growth habit forms a dense mat of foliage that effectively covers the ground and suppresses weeds. 'Andorra' Juniper has a slow to moderate growth rate, and its size can be managed through pruning and trimming to maintain its desired shape and size.

Best Growing Zones: 'Andorra' Juniper is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 9, where it can tolerate a range of temperatures and climates. It performs best in regions with full sun exposure, though it can tolerate some light shade. 'Andorra' Juniper is adaptable to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, or rocky soils, as long as they are well-drained. It is drought-tolerant once established and can withstand hot, dry conditions, making it an excellent choice for water-wise landscapes.

Soil and Sun Requirements: 'Andorra' Juniper prefers well-drained soil with good fertility and adequate moisture retention. It thrives in full sun exposure, which is essential for promoting dense, healthy growth and vibrant foliage color. 'Andorra' Juniper is relatively tolerant of poor soil conditions, including rocky or sandy soils, but it performs best in soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.0). Avoid planting 'Andorra' Juniper in areas with poor drainage or standing water, as this can lead to root rot and other problems.

Maintenance: 'Andorra' Juniper is relatively low-maintenance and requires minimal care to thrive. Prune as needed to maintain the desired shape and size, removing any dead, diseased, or overgrown branches. 'Andorra' Juniper has a slow to moderate growth rate, so pruning is typically minimal and may only be necessary to tidy up the plant's appearance. Fertilization is generally not required, as 'Andorra' Juniper is adapted to nutrient-poor soils and can thrive without supplemental fertilization.