Calgary Carpet Juniper

Calgary Carpet Juniper Care Guide

Overview:
Calgary Carpet is a low, spreading evergreen groundcover known for its soft, lime-green foliage, hardiness, and ease of care. It forms a wide carpet of greenery, making it excellent for slopes, rock gardens, borders, or erosion control. 

1. Planting & Growing Conditions

• Hardiness Zone: Zones 3 through 7

• Mature Size: Approximately 6 to 9 inches tall, spreading 6 to 10 feet wide 

• Sunlight Needs: Full sun is ideal. It tolerates some partial shade, but foliage may become less dense or vibrant.

• Soil Requirements:
   • Prefers well-drained soils. It will not tolerate “wet feet” or waterlogged soil. 
   • It tolerates a range of soil types (loamy, sandy, even somewhat rocky) as long as drainage is good. 

• Spacing: For groundcover use, plant centers about 2 to 3 ft apart; for faster coverage, you could space slightly closer. 

2. Watering & Establishment

• In the first growing season, water deeply and regularly to help the root system establish. 

• After establishment, Calgary Carpet is drought tolerant — water only during prolonged dry spells. 

• Avoid overwatering, especially in heavy or poorly drained soil, to prevent root issues.

3. Fertilizing

• A light, balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring is sufficient if soil is not rich.

• Don’t over-fertilize—excessive nitrogen can promote soft growth vulnerable to winter damage or disease.

4. Pruning & Maintenance

• Best Time to Prune: Late winter to early spring, before new growth starts. 

• How to Prune:
   • Remove dead, damaged, or wayward branches to maintain tidy form.
   • You can lightly trim for shape, but avoid cutting into old brown wood — junipers generally don’t regenerate well from deep cuts.
   • Keep mulch pulled away from branches to reduce moisture contact and stem rot.

5. Foliage, Seasonal Interest & Wildlife

• Foliage: Soft, scale-like foliage that is bright green and retains a light green tone through winter. 

• Berries/Cones: Produces small, bluish seed cones (often called “berries”) in late spring or summer. 

• Winter Interest: The evergreen habit provides year-round structure; foliage remains attractive in winter.

6. Pests & Disease Considerations

• Possible Issues:
   • Susceptible to needle blight and tip blights in humid or overly wet conditions. 
   • Root rot may occur in poorly drained soils.
   • Occasional pests include aphids, webworms, mites, scale, or borers. 

• Prevention & Control:
   • Plant in well-drained soil and ensure good air circulation.
   • Remove and dispose of any diseased branches.
   • Avoid overhead watering in humid periods.
   • Monitor periodically, especially after stress (drought, heat).

7. Winter & Cold Protection

• Calgary Carpet is hardy in your region (Zone 3) and usually doesn’t require extra winter protection.

• Applying a light layer of mulch in late fall can help buffer freezing/thawing at the root zone.

8. Landscape Uses

Excellent as an evergreen groundcover, especially on slopes or banks to reduce erosion
Softens edges of rock walls or retaining walls as it cascades over edges
Works well in mass plantings or drifts for texture contrast
Suitable in rock gardens, between boulders, or in low-maintenance landscapes
Can be used under or between other perennials, provided those plants won’t overshadow it