Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Chip'
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- jew-NIP-er-us hor-ih-zon-TAL-iss BLEW CHIP
- Description
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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.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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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.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Ground Cover
- Shrub
- Habit/Form:
- Dense
- Horizontal
- Prostrate
- Spreading
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Fine
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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
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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.
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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.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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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
