Juniperus communis var. hemisphera Hornibrookii

Juniperus communis 'Hornibrookii' is a robust common juniper with a prostrate habit that forms a somewhat shaggy form, with fine prickly branches, covered with dense, grey-green foliage all year round, which is silver-blue underneath. This extremely hardy conifer with slow growth is a robust groundcover plant, ideal for enhancing a large slope, a wall or a rockery. It is perfectly adapted to difficult conditions. It adapts to all conditions, from full sun to shade in a hot climate, and appreciates well-drained soil, even poor, occasionally dry and limestone soils.

Juniperus communis is an evergreen, prickly conifer belonging to the cypress family, which groups related species such as Cypress and Chamaecyparis. It is native to northern Europe, North America and Asia Minor. In its natural environment, it has a quite varied habit, conical or spreading to prostrate, reaching 6 m (19 ft 8 in) in height and 3 to 4.5 m (9 ft 10 in to 14 ft 10 in) in width. This species appreciates poor, sandy and/or limestone soils and does not mind dry conditions.

Juniper 'Hornibrookii', derived from this species, was discovered in the west of Ireland by M. Hornibrook, before 1923. Its exceptional qualities have allowed it to be seen in many gardens, in most climates. After 10 years, it will form a prostrate bush with a very spreading habit, measuring 35 cm (13.8 in) in height with a spread of 1 m (3 ft 4 in) to 1.50 m (4 ft 11 in). It grows slowly when it's a young plant, at a rate of 2 cm (0.8 in) in height and 5 cm (2 in) in width in a year. Growth accelerates a bit as the plant matures. An adult plant will measure about 40 to 60 cm (15.7 to 23.6 in) in height to 2 to 3 m (6 ft 7 in to 9 ft 10 in) in diameter. Its rather slender branches, are slightly raised at their tips. They bear juvenile, tight, sharp leaves, 5 to 6 mm (0.2 to 0.2 in) long, prickly and grey-green on the top, with a band of silver-blue stomas on the back. Its small leaves give off a resinous and aromatic smell when rubbed. The fruits appear on the female plants. These are scaly berries that we call galbulus; they are brown-black and rich in essential oil with many therapeutic properties.  Junipers have a shallow root system that makes them fragile in the face of strong winds, and makes them difficult to mix with perennials.

The creeping Juniper 'Hornibrookii' is an extraordinary conifer, of great value, which can be planted in the most difficult areas of the garden. It can work well on a large slope, in a rockery, overhanging or against walls or near a swimming pool, because it contrasts well with geometric lines.  It is easily grown in pots and is well suited to the art of bonsai. It can also be planted near or overhanging water or cascading from a rockery. The geometric qualities of conifers naturally allow them to work successfully in the design of a contemporary garden, which prefers the aesthetics of shapes, silhouettes and textures to a mix of flowers. These plants can structurally enhance a planting bed, delineate pathways, border a terrace, or easily substitute pruned boxwood.  They mix well with tousled grasses and heathers which like similar planting conditions. The best results are achieved by playing with volume and colour.