Buffalo Juniper Planting & Care
Buffalo Juniper (a low-growing, drought-tolerant juniper) is an excellent groundcover for sunny locations with well-drained soil.
- Light: Plant in full sun (6+ hours daily).
- Planting: Dig a hole 2–3 times wider than the root ball but no deeper than the root ball. Set the top of the root ball level with or slightly above the surrounding soil. Backfill with the native soil and gently firm it.
- Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting until the entire root ball and surrounding soil are saturated. For the first 2 weeks, water every 2–3 days if there is no rain. For the next 2–3 months, water once a week, soaking the soil 6–8 inches deep. After establishment (about one growing season), water only during extended dry periods.
- Mulch: Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the plant, keeping it 2–3 inches away from the stems to prevent rot.
- Fertilizer: Fertilizer is usually unnecessary. If growth is poor, apply a slow-release balanced fertilizer in early spring according to the label.
- Pruning: Remove dead or damaged branches as needed. Avoid cutting back into old, leafless wood, as junipers often do not regrow from it.
- Pollination: No pollination is required for ornamental use. Female plants may produce berry-like cones if a male juniper is nearby.
- Harvesting: There is nothing typically harvested from Buffalo Juniper. The berry-like cones are ornamental and are not generally used for culinary purposes.
- Container Growing: Grow in a large container with drainage holes using a well-draining potting mix. Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry, as containers dry out faster than garden beds. Avoid keeping the soil constantly wet.