Blue Rug Juniper
Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Groundcover
Height
6 inches
Width
84 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low
Humidity
Dry to average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Western North America
Toxicity
Mildly toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii' is a low-growing, spreading evergreen shrub with needle-like, silvery-blue foliage that creates a dense mat, often used as ground cover in rock gardens and slopes. This cultivar is distinguished by its striking silvery-blue color and its vigorous, trailing habit, making it an excellent choice for adding color and texture to landscape borders and rockeries.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck juniper cuttings into well-drained soil in spring.
- Mist young plants regularly to establish roots.
- Tuck seeds into soil surface and keep moist until germination in 2 weeks.
- Transplant seedlings after 1 year when established.
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape.
Pro Tip
Use well-drained soil and full sun for best growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water sparingly once established 🌱
- Prune lightly to shape in late winter
- Mulch to conserve moisture
Don't
- Overwater which can lead to root rot ❌
- Avoid heavy fertilization
- Don’t prune in late summer
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Blue Rug Juniper questions
What zones can Blue Rug Juniper grow in?
Blue Rug Juniper is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Blue Rug Juniper deer resistant?
Yes — Blue Rug Juniper is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Blue Rug Juniper bloom?
Blue Rug Juniper typically blooms in late summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Blue Rug Juniper need full sun?
Blue Rug Juniper does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Blue Rug Juniper drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Blue Rug Juniper handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Juniperus to compare
Blue Point Juniper
Juniperus chinensis 'Blue Point'
Skyrocket Juniper
Juniperus horizontalis 'Skyrocket'
Blue Star Juniper
Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star'
Hollywood Juniper
Juniperus chinensis 'Kaizuka'
Foemina Chinese Juniper
Juniperus chinensis 'Foemina'
Flaky Juniper
Juniperus squamata
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Grow Blue Rug Juniper with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
