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Description
Juniperus Horizontalis Wiltonii, commonly known as Blue Rug Juniper or Creeping Juniper, is a low-growing evergreen shrub that is perfect for ground cover. It is native to North America and can grow up to 1 foot tall and 6 to 8 feet wide. The leaves are scale-like and arranged in whorls of three. It produces small cones that are round and berry-like. It has a silvery-blue color that adds a beautiful contrast to any landscape.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Genus | Juniperus |
Appearance
The Blue Rug Juniper has a silvery-blue color that adds a beautiful contrast to any landscape. It is a low-growing evergreen shrub that can grow up to 1 foot tall and 6 to 8 feet wide. It has scale-like leaves that are arranged in whorls of three. The leaves are a bluish-green color in the summer and turn a purplish hue in the winter. It produces small cones that are round and berry-like. It is a slow-growing plant and can take up to 10 years to reach its mature size.
Care Guide
The Blue Rug Juniper is a low-maintenance plant and is easy to care for. Here are some tips:
- Water: Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season. Make sure the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
- Soil: The Blue Rug Juniper prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Make sure it gets at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.
- Hardiness Zones: It can grow in hardiness zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Blue Rug Juniper is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, and bagworms. Here are some tips to prevent pests and diseases:
- Keep the plant healthy by providing adequate water and fertilization.
- Inspect the plant regularly for signs of pests and diseases.
- Prune infected branches and dispose of them properly.
Habitat
The Blue Rug Juniper is native to North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including rocky slopes, sandy soils, and open woodlands. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought and cold temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Blue Rug Juniper be planted in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be planted in containers. Make sure the container has drainage holes and use well-draining soil.
Q: How often should the Blue Rug Juniper be pruned?
A: The plant does not require regular pruning. However, it can be pruned to maintain its shape or to remove dead or diseased branches.
Q: Is the Blue Rug Juniper deer-resistant?
A: Yes, the plant is deer-resistant.
Q: Can the Blue Rug Juniper tolerate salt spray?
A: Yes, the plant can tolerate salt spray, making it a good choice for coastal gardens.
Related Plants
- Juniperus Horizontalis
- Juniperus Horizontalis Prince of Wales
- Juniperus Conferta
- Juniperus Sabina
References
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/juniper/growing-blue-rug-junipers.htm
- https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=932
- https://www.gardendesign.com/plants/juniperus-horisontalis-wiltonii.html
