How to prune wiltoni juniper

Early spring after the risk of hard frost has passed. Trace dead or errant stems back to a live, foliage-bearing lateral and cut cleanly there. Avoid lifting and shearing the top — this groundcover's flat, carpeting habit is its ornamental value and shearing exposes unsightly bare wood.

Annually or as needed to control spread. Wiltoni (Blue Rug) Juniper is a flat, hugging groundcover that stays only 4–6 inches tall. It needs minimal pruning — remove any dead or winter-damaged stems in early spring and trim back stems creeping into pathways or over other plants. Always cut to a living lateral; bare, leafless stems on junipers will not regenerate.

Trace dead or errant stems back to a live, foliage-bearing lateral and cut cleanly there. Avoid lifting and shearing the top — this groundcover's flat, carpeting habit is its ornamental value and shearing exposes unsightly bare wood.