Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii'

Plant Family

Cupressaceae

Plant Botanical Name

Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii'

Photo by: JESSIE KEITH

Plant Common Name

Blue Rug Juniper, Creeping Juniper, Wiltonii Juniper

General Description

Considered the lowest growing of all the ground-hugging junipers, 'Wiltonii' (often sold under the name 'Blue Rug'), is the standard by which all others of its kind are judged. Its trailing, woody stems form a spreading, evergreen carpet of feathery, bright blue-gray foliage which develops attractive purple tints in winter. Like all creeping junipers, it performs well in difficult areas, tolerating poor soil, dry conditions, and extremes of heat and cold. The parent species is native to most of temperate North America, including Alaska and Nova Scotia.

Creeping junipers are low-maintenance plants which grow best in full to part sun and are tolerant of a wide range of soils, as long as they are well-drained. This cultivar responds especially well to pruning to encourage denser foliage growth. Use it as a groundcover for erosion control on banks, slopes, or hot, dry spots. It is a terrific choice for rock gardens, and also looks beautiful when cascading over stone retaining walls.

Characteristics

• AHS Heat Zone

  9 - 1

• USDA Hardiness Zone

  3 - 9

• Sunset Zone

  A1, A2, A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

• Plant Type

  Needled or Scaled Evergreen

• Sun Exposure

  Full Sun, Partial Sun

• Height

  4"-6" / 10.2cm - 15.2cm

• Width

  6'-10' / 1.8m - 3.0m (8)

• Native To

  North America

Growing Conditions

• Soil pH

  Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

• Soil Drainage

  Well Drained

• Soil type

  Clay, Loam, Sand

• Tolerances

  Pollution, Drought, Salt

• Growth Rate

  Medium

• Habit

  Prostrate/Trailing

• Seasonal Interest

  Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

• Flower Interest

  None

• Foliage Color (Spring)

  Blue Green

• Foliage Color (Summer)

  Blue Green

• Foliage Color (Fall)

  Blue Green

• Foliage Color (Winter)

  Purple, Blue Green

• Bark Color

  Brown

• Fragrant Flowers

  No

• Fragrant Fruit

  No

• Fragrant Foliage

  Yes

• Bark or Stem Fragrant

  No

• Repeat Bloomer

  No

• Showy Fruit

  No

• Edible Fruit

  No

• Showy Foliage

  Yes

• Foliage Texture

  Fine

• Foliage Sheen

  Matte

• Evergreen

  Yes

• Showy Bark

  No

Special Characteristics

• Usage

  Container, Edging, Groundcover, Rock Garden / Wall

• Sharp or Has Thorns

  Yes

• Invasive

  No

• Self-Sowing

  No