Blue Rug Juniper
Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Rug'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Groundcover
Height
4 inches
Width
84 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Dry to moderate
Lifespan
Decades
Native To
Northern North America
Toxicity
Parts can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.
The Story
Plant Bio
Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Rug' is a low-growing, spreading evergreen shrub with dense, scale-like bluish-green foliage that forms a compact, mat-like ground cover, often used for rock gardens and slopes. This cultivar is distinguished by its striking silvery-blue foliage and its vigorous, creeping habit, making it an excellent choice for erosion control and ornamental ground cover.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select well-draining soil for planting
- Tuck seeds or cuttings into soil in early spring
- Water regularly until established, about 6 weeks
- Place in full sun for optimal growth
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Prune lightly to maintain shape in late winter
Pro Tip
Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Prune to shape in late winter
- Mulch to conserve moisture
Don't
- Avoid overwatering ❌
- Don’t fertilize excessively
- Refrain from heavy pruning in summer
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
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 fall through late fall. 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'
Blue Rug Juniper
Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii'
Keep exploring
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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.
