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Juniperus 'Wiltonii Blue Rug Juniper' is a versatile, low-growing evergreen prized for its striking blue-green foliage and dense, carpet-like habit. This creeping juniper variety adds a cool, textured layer to garden beds, slopes, and rock gardens, offering year-round interest with minimal care.
Description:
Dimensions: Grows to a height of 4-6 inches with a spread of 6-8 feet. It forms a flat, spreading mat with soft, needle-like foliage that maintains its vibrant blue hue throughout the seasons.
Sun Exposure: Prefers full sun, ideally receiving 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Thrives in bright conditions to enhance its color and ensure healthy, compact growth.
Water Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil with moderate watering during establishment. Highly drought-tolerant once established, it requires minimal watering, thriving in dry conditions.
Hardiness Zones: Hardy in Zones 3-9.
Bloom Time: Does not produce significant blooms; valued primarily for its evergreen foliage, which provides consistent color and ground coverage year-round.
Pruning: Prune lightly in early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and maintain its low profile. Avoid heavy pruning to preserve its natural, spreading form.
How to Plant:
Location: Ideal for garden beds, slopes, rock gardens, or as a ground cover in sunny areas. Prefers well-draining soil and open spaces to showcase its expansive, blue carpet effect.
Soil Preparation: Use well-draining, sandy or rocky soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Amend heavy soils with sand or gravel to improve drainage and prevent rot.
Planting: Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
Spacing: Space plants 6-8 feet apart to accommodate their mature spread and allow for a seamless, ground-hugging layer.
Watering: Water thoroughly after planting and keep soil moderately moist during the first growing season. Reduce watering once established, as it prefers dry conditions.\
Fun Fact: Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii Blue Rug Juniper' is a garden workhorse, often called 'Blue Rug' for its ability to weave a stunning, low-maintenance tapestry across the landscape. Its intense blue foliage and rugged durability make it a top choice for erosion control and year-round beauty.