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Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Chip'

Phonetic Spelling
jew-NIP-er-us hor-ih-zon-TAL-iss BLEW CHIP
Description

This mounding, low growing evergreen can be used as a groundcover.  It grows along the ground without setting out roots.  Looking similar to other groundcover junipers, Juniperus horizontalis is distinguished by its development of mauve to deep purple colors in cold weather.  They can grow in a variety of soil types but does best in dry sandy soil.  It cannot tolerate wet soil, good drainage is important.

It can be found growing along coastal cliffs, sand dunes, stream banks, and rocky outcroppings.

'Blue Chip' is a blue needled form.  Like others in this species, the tips of the foliage will become purplish in the winter months. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Some susceptibility to phomopsis blight.  Root rot may be an issue if good drainage is not provided.  

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Juniperus horizontalis.

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Tags:
#evergreen#drought tolerant#air pollution tolerant#needled evergreen#deer resistant#dry soils tolerant#wet soils intolerant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#drought tolerant#air pollution tolerant#needled evergreen#deer resistant#dry soils tolerant#wet soils intolerant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Juniperus
    Species:
    horizontalis
    Family:
    Cupressaceae
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Alaska, Canada and northern US
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 8 in. - 0 ft. 10 in.
    Width: 8 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Ground Cover
    Shrub
    Habit/Form:
    Dense
    Horizontal
    Prostrate
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Fine
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    Sand
    Shallow Rocky
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    6-feet-12 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Blue
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
    Fruit Description:
    The dark blue berries that typically mature in two years may not be present on cultivated plants.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Blue
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Purple/Lavender
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Silver-blue-green foliage all year, purplish tips in winter. Grown for its foliage.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Patio
    Slope/Bank
    Walkways
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage Garden
    Rock Garden
    Design Feature:
    Barrier
    Border
    Foundation Planting
    Mass Planting
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer