Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Rug'

"Blue Rug' is a cultivar of J. horizontalis. It is the lowest growing and possibly the slowest growing juniper. It has a dense, trailing, creeping form, making it an excellent ground cover and for use in erosion control. The plant has a uniform, centered growth habit with silver-blue evergreen foliage.

'Blue Rug' does best in full sun in a site with good drainage. It tolerates a range of soil types, but prefers a dry, sandy soil with a PH of 5 to 8. The plant requires watering only when the top 2 inches of soil are dry to the touch. Many Juniper varieties require moisture and cannot survive on sunny slopes where run off can leave the soil dry. 'Blue Rug' does not require the level of moisture required by other varieties, making it a great solution for dry, sunny, sloped conditions.

'Blue Rug' will adapt to the cold, snow and frost and is winter hardy down to minus 30 degrees F.  It also performs well in high desert locations where the temperatures fluctuate rapidly. 'Blue Rug' performs nicely as a ground-hugging juniper spilling over rocks, as a perimeter plant, or along a retaining wall where the foliage will provide year-round cover. 

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: 

No known diseases or insect pests. Spider mites can be an issue. During the summer months, hose the plants down with a firm spray of water.  This will disrupt web-making.

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.