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Key characteristics

Family: Cupressaceae
Height: 1 to 2 feet
Width: 6 to 8 feet
Flower color: Inconspicuous
Foliage color: Green with creamy-white and yellow variegation
Bloom time: Not applicable
Light: Full sun
Water: Low to moderate
Maintenance: Low; occasional pruning to maintain shape
Growing zone: USDA zones 4 to 9
Wildlife: Provides cover for birds; berries are eaten by some bird species

Shrubs

Juniperus chinensis 'Expansa Variegata'

Chinese Juniper

Juniperus chinensis 'Expansa Variegata' is a low-growing evergreen shrub that features attractive, needle-like foliage with a mix of green, cream, and white tones. This East Asia native variety is particularly noted for its variegated leaves, which provide year-round visual interest. In spring, it produces small, inconspicuous, yellow-green flowers, which are followed by bluish, berry-like cones that mature in late summer to fall.

This cultivar is often used as part of a landscape design where a spreading, low-maintenance shrub is needed.

Light

Full sun

Water

Low to moderate

Bloom time

Not applicable

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Rock Gardens
Slopes & Banks
Under Trees

Companion plants

Spirea · Feather reed grass · Catmint · Shasta daisy · Candytuft · Ornamental onion

Design tip

Use ‘Expansa Variegata’ where its broad, spreading habit can soften edges or cover open ground. The green foliage, irregularly accented with cream, white, and yellow, provides year-round color, while its low profile creates contrast beneath taller shrubs and upright plants.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)