Shore Juniper Juniperus conferta 'Blue Pacific'

'Blue Pacific' is a cultivar of the j. conferta  juniper. It is a low growing, trailing, spreading, needled evergreen shrub that matures to a height of about 2 feet high. 'Blue Pacific' is a dwarf selection of Shore juniper with soft feathery Blue-green foliage with gray berries. After 10 years, a mature specimen will measure 1 to 1.5 feet tall and 6 feet wide with an annual growth rate of 6 to 8 inches, significantly more outward than up. This cultivar was introduced to the nursery trade in 1972 by Monrovia Nursery, inc. California, USA. Note that it is sometimes incorrectly listed under the cultivar name, 'Blue Shore'.

This plant prefers full sun and tolerates drought, shade, sandy soils, and salt. This plant is good in rock gardens, as ground cover, for mass plantings, and for erosion control. It is intolerant of wet soil and has a slow growth rate.  It will grow in a range of soil types provided they are well-drained. ‘Blue Pacific’ is noted for its blue foliage color, its  ground cover form, the denser foliage along the branches and resistance to winter injury.

Quick ID Hints:

• Plant is a low trailing, evergreen shrub.
• Has awl-shaped leaves that are crowded, whorled in threes, and are less than an inch long.
• Upperside of leaves have white glaucous bands and a deep groove.
• Has yellowish-green stems.
• Produces female cones that are berry-like, globular with a flat base, and are bluish to bluish-black in color.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

This plant has no serious pest or disease problems and is seldom damaged by deer.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common juniper diseases and insect pests.

More information on Juniperus conferta.