Juniperus sabina ‘Buffalo’

• Wildlife: Juniperus sabina ‘Buffalo’ provides shelter for small wildlife such as birds and insects, especially in its dense, sprawling branches. However, it is not a significant attractant for pollinators.
• Pollinators: Junipers are wind-pollinated, and the flowers are not particularly attractive to bees or other pollinators.

• Seasonality: As a true evergreen, Juniperus sabina ‘Buffalo’ retains its vibrant green foliage throughout the year, offering year-round interest in the garden.
• Blooming Season: This juniper is grown primarily for its foliage. The flowers are inconspicuous, with male and female cones appearing on separate plants.
• Winter Interest: The foliage remains green even during the coldest months, sometimes developing a slight purple or bronze tint in extreme cold.

• Groundcover: Spreads wide and low, ideal for covering large areas quickly
  
• Erosion Control: Stabilizes slopes and embankments with its dense root system
  
• Rock Gardens & Xeriscaping: Thrives in poor, dry soils and requires minimal water
  
• Urban Landscapes: Tolerates road salt, wind, and pollution
  
• Foundation Plantings: Useful for low-maintenance borders and softening hardscape edges
  
• Commercial or Municipal Use: Excellent for large-scale, low-care landscapes
  
  

• The foliage is soft, scale-like, and feathery, creating a dense, matted appearance.
• The needles are dark green to bluish-green, with a fresh, clean fragrance, adding texture and year-round color to the landscape.
• Foliage may turn slightly purplish in winter, especially in colder regions, adding subtle seasonal interest.

• While Juniperus sabina produces cones instead of traditional flowers, they are small and insignificant, and the plant is valued more for its foliage than its floral display.
• Male cones are yellowish, and female cones are small, berry-like structures that ripen to a dark blue or black color.

How & When to Plant:

• Plant in early spring or fall to allow the roots to establish before extreme temperatures set in.
• ‘Buffalo’ thrives in well-drained soil and can tolerate poor, rocky, or sandy soils. It prefers neutral to slightly alkaline conditions.
• It’s a great choice for slopes, hillsides, or flat areas needing erosion control.
• Space plants 4 to 6 feet apart to allow room for their spreading habit.

Minimal pruning is required. If needed, prune lightly in early spring to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. Avoid heavy pruning into old wood, as junipers do not regenerate well from older growth.

• Once established, ‘Buffalo’ is highly drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
• Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. After that, water only during prolonged dry spells.

• Full sun to partial shade.
• For best performance and foliage color, provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In shadier locations, the plant may become more open and less dense.

Juniper branches are often used in winter arrangements and wreaths due to their evergreen color and soft texture.

Juniperus sabina ‘Buffalo’ does not require heavy feeding. A slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring will promote healthy growth. Alternatively, compost can be added around the base of the plant to improve soil quality.

• Pests & Diseases: ‘Buffalo’ is generally pest- and disease-resistant. However, it can occasionally be susceptible to juniper blight in overly wet or humid conditions. To reduce the risk of fungal infections, ensure the plant has good airflow and well-drained soil.
• Deer Resistance: This juniper variety is highly deer-resistant, making it a great choice for areas where deer browsing is common.
• Erosion Control: The dense, spreading nature of ‘Buffalo’ makes it excellent for erosion control on slopes and banks. Its extensive root system helps stabilize soil.
• Cold & Drought Tolerance: It is extremely hardy in cold climates and performs well in both drought conditions and poor soil.

Junipers are wind-pollinated, with male and female cones appearing on separate plants. The plant’s flowers are not showy or important for ornamental purposes.

Flowering Perennials:

• Coreopsis ‘Moonbeam’ – Soft yellow flowers contrast with green needles
  
• Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) – Adds upright form and summer blooms
  
• Salvia nemorosa ‘May Night’ – Deep purple flowers stand out against the juniper’s green base
  
  

🌾 Grasses & Groundcovers:

• Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’ – Cool-toned blue grass enhances color contrast
  
• Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ – Succulent texture and fall color harmonize with Buffalo’s low habit
  

🌳 Low Shrubs & Evergreens:

• Berberis thunbergii ‘Crimson Pygmy’ – Deep burgundy leaves provide bold color contrast
  
• Spiraea japonica ‘Gold Mound’ – Bright gold foliage lights up next to Buffalo’s green mat
  
• Buxus (Boxwood) – Formal evergreen shape balances Buffalo’s casual sprawl