Habit:  Bar Harbor is a very low growing, spreading groundcover juniper. Foliage color is bluish green, but turns a very distinct, pronounced, purplish color in winter or cold weather. Winter coloration is strongest in very windy locations. Mature height: 4 - 8 inches. Mature width: 6 - 8 ft. Growth rate: Moderate at 6"- 8"  per year. Has a slightly softer texture than many other juniper varieties - not nearly as prickly. Flowers are non-descript. 

 

Culture:  Easy to grow in most soils under the organic program. First discovered in Mt. Desert Island, Maine and has shown a very high tolerance for salt spray. Makes a fine groundcover with good solid coverage. Easy to grow and quite hardy. Hardiness zones: 4 - 9. Use in full sun to light shade. Growth rate will be slightly slower in shadier spots. Will adapt to virtually any soil that has adequate drainage but does not like wet, swampy conditions. Has also shown to adapt well to rocky soils & banks. Recommended spacing is 2 1/2 - 3 feet apart for most typical ground cover applications. 
 

Problems:  Phomopsis can be a problem, especially if kept in very moist conditions for extended periods of time. Spider mites have also been seen occasionally on this variety. Phomopsis is a fungal plant disease commonly called dead-arm. Infections usually begin during early growth stages in spring on leaves, fruit and shoots of plants. This disease causes the formation of lesions on shoots and leaves but also can cause fruit rot. Phomopsis viticola causes significant economic damage to grape vines.  P. juniperovora, infects junipers, and is a particularly important pest of seedlings and juvenile plants in the nursery industry.

 

Recommended treatments include soil applications of cornmeal, liquid sprays of cornmeal juice and hydrogen peroxide sprays.