Blue Rug Juniper — Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii'

Blue Rug Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii') is a low, wide-spreading evergreen conifer that forms a dense carpet of aromatic silver-blue foliage. Purple tones develop in winter, adding seasonal color to its ground-hugging habit.

This female cultivar can produce ornamental blue-black fleshy seed cones that mature over two years. Grow in full sun and well-drained soil. It tolerates drought once established.

Growing details

• Plant type: Evergreen coniferous shrub
• Species origin: Alaska, Canada, and the northern United States
• Mature height: Approximately 6 inches
• Mature spread: 6–8 feet
• Spacing: Approximately 6 feet apart
• Hardiness: USDA zones 3–9
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained
• Foliage: Aromatic silver-blue, developing purple winter tones
• Habit: Low and wide-spreading

Care and garden use

This low-maintenance groundcover needs good drainage. Avoid waterlogged soil and allow room for its broad mature spread.

Use on sunny slopes, as groundcover, in borders, rock gardens, naturalized areas, or suitably sized containers. Pair with rose, clematis, or ninebark where growing conditions suit each plant.

Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.