Juniperus horizontalis 'Plumosa Compacta Youngstown'

• Pollinators: The flowers are insignificant and do not attract many pollinators, but the dense foliage provides shelter for small wildlife.
• Wildlife: Deer-resistant, making it ideal for areas where wildlife is a concern. It can also provide cover for small birds and animals.

• Season: Evergreen, year-round interest
• Flowering Season: Spring
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9

Foundation Plantings: Softens edges and fills space around buildings

Mass Planting: Ideal for low-maintenance evergreen ground coverage

Rock Gardens: Its soft texture contrasts beautifully with boulders and gravel

Erosion Control: Works well on slopes, embankments, and hillsides

Drought-Tolerant Beds: Excellent for xeriscaping and water-wise designs

Understory Accent: Looks attractive beneath taller evergreens or flowering shrubs

• Color: Silvery-blue needle-like leaves that turn a deep purple in winter, providing stunning seasonal color.
• Shape: The foliage is fine-textured, scale-like, and densely packed along the stems.
• Size: The foliage forms a soft, feathery mat, with needles measuring around 0.5 inches long.

• Color: Small, yellowish flowers appear in spring, but they are not the main feature of this plant.
• Bloom Time: Blooms in spring, although the flowers are inconspicuous and play a minor role in the plant's ornamental appeal.

• Best Time to Plant: Early spring or fall is ideal, allowing the plant to establish roots before summer heat or winter cold.

• Soil Requirements: Thrives in well-drained, sandy or rocky soils. 'Youngstown' is adaptable to a wide range of soil types but prefers soil with good drainage.
• Spacing: Space plants 4-6 feet apart to accommodate their spreading habit and ensure proper air circulation.
• Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the crown is level with the soil surface.

• Pruning Needs: Minimal pruning is required. Lightly prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape or remove any dead or damaged branches. It can also be pruned to control size if needed.
• Winter Care: No special winter care is required, as this juniper is highly cold-hardy and can withstand harsh winter conditions.

• Watering Frequency: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, water deeply but infrequently.
• Drought Tolerance: Highly drought-tolerant once established, making it perfect for dry, poor soil conditions.

• Full sun for best foliage color and density. It can tolerate partial shade, but growth and color may be reduced.

Though not a harvest crop, Juniperus ‘Plumosa Compacta Youngii’ offers decorative value.

• When to Fertilize: Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to encourage healthy growth. Fertilizing is generally unnecessary in well-drained, nutrient-poor soils.
• Type of Fertilizer: Use a general-purpose fertilizer or one formulated for evergreens.

• Mulching: Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around the base to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots, especially during the first growing season.
• Pests: Generally pest-free, though spider mites and scale insects may occasionally be a problem. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed.
• Disease: To avoid fungal diseases such as root rot, ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering. Ensure proper spacing for good air circulation.

• Juniperus horizontalis 'Plumosa Compacta Youngstown' is wind-pollinated, and its flowers are typically not a focal point. Its ornamental value lies in its year-round evergreen foliage and spreading habit.

Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ – Deep purple flower spikes add vertical contrast

Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) – Silvery foliage and fragrant purple blooms pop against the green

Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) – Bold summer blooms contrast beautifully with the soft needles

Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’ – Cool, silvery-blue grass echoes the conifer texture

Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’ – Adds height and movement with bottlebrush flowers

Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood) – Evergreen structure complements juniper’s flowing form

Spiraea japonica ‘Little Princess’ – Compact and colorful flowering shrub

Berberis thunbergii ‘Golden Nugget’ – Bright golden foliage contrasts with rich green juniper