Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Forest'

‘Blue Forest’ creeping juniper is a low-growing, dwarf evergreen shrub in the cypress family (Cupressaceae). The species is native to the northern part of North America, where it grows in rocky or sandy soils from rocky outcrops to streams, making this shrub fairly adaptable to various soil types and pH as long as the soil is well drained.

‘Blue Forest’ is drought- and deer-tolerant and fairly salt tolerant. It tolerates hot and relatively dry conditions, moderately poor soils, and many air pollutants found in urban areas. 

This cultivar grows in a spreading, prostrate form with blue-green, plume-like, soft-textured, upright branches. It reaches a height of between 9 and 12 inches and spreads to a width of 3 to 4 feet. Plant in full sun.

'Blue Forest' grows on ascending branchlets that look like a tiny forest, which gives this dwarf cultivar its name. Its dense blue to green foliage turns to darker tones of blues and purples in colder months, adding winter interest.  

This plant’s growth habit makes it an excellent choice for ground covers on sloped areas or for cascading over retaining walls.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Like most junipers, ’Blue Forest’ is subject to infestation by aphids, bagworms, caterpillars, false spider mites, juniper tip mites, spruce spider mites, juniper and other scales, and juniper webworm. They are also susceptible to blights and some fungal diseases. A wet location may cause root rot.

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

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.