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Description
Juniperus Squamata Blue Carpet is a low-growing evergreen shrub that belongs to the genus Juniperus. It is native to mountainous areas of China and has become popular in gardens around the world, especially as groundcover. The plant has blue-green foliage that turns purple in winter, which makes it an excellent choice for winter interest. It is also known by the common names Blue Carpet Juniper and Blue Rug Juniper.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Genus | Juniperus |
Appearance
Juniperus Squamata Blue Carpet is a low-growing shrub that can reach a height of 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) and a spread of 3-6 feet (90-180 cm). It has a prostrate growth habit and forms a dense mat of blue-green foliage. The leaves are scale-like and are arranged in opposite pairs. The plant produces small, berry-like cones that are bluish-black in color.
Care Guide
Juniperus Squamata Blue Carpet is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for keeping it healthy:- Water: Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate poor soil conditions.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Juniperus Squamata Blue Carpet is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Juniperus Squamata Blue Carpet is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites and aphids. If you notice any signs of infestation, treat the plant with an insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Juniperus Squamata Blue Carpet is native to mountainous areas of China, where it grows in rocky, well-drained soil. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate extreme temperatures and drought.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Juniperus Squamata Blue Carpet a good groundcover plant?
A: Yes, it is an excellent choice for groundcover due to its low-growing habit and dense mat of foliage.
Q: Does Juniperus Squamata Blue Carpet require a lot of water?
A: No, it is drought-tolerant and only needs to be watered once a week during the growing season.
Q: Is Juniperus Squamata Blue Carpet susceptible to pests?
A: It can be susceptible to spider mites and aphids, but it is generally resistant to pests and diseases.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Juniperus Squamata Blue Carpet?
A: It is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Related Plants
– Juniperus Horizontalis- Juniperus Procumbens- Juniperus Sabina- Juniperus Chinensis- Juniperus Virginiana
References
– Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Carpet’. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c380.- North Carolina State University. (n.d.). Juniperus squamata. Retrieved from https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/juniperus-squamata/.
