Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii': Blue Rug Juniper for Groundcover and Erosion Control

Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii' (blue rug juniper) is a creeping shrub with prostrate form and dense steely blue foliage. Mature height 1 foot tall. Scale-like green leaves turn dull purple in winter. Creates a flat ground cover, grows 6–12 inches per year, bears ovoid dark blue fruit.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Excellent in a rock garden or on banks to prevent erosion.

Care

Grows well in well-drained soil and tolerates a wide variety of soil types and conditions.

Propagation

Take ripe cuttings in late autumn through winter and root in a humid cold frame. Or take softwood cuttings in summer under mist with bottom heat.

Problems

Leaf miners, bark beetles, scale insects, aphids, mites, caterpillars. Phomopsis twig blight, Gymnosporangium (cedar-apple) rust, dieback and canker, lesion nematodes, brown felt blight, and various heart and wood rots.

Overview

• Height: 1–3 ft.
• Spread: 6–10 ft.
• Growth Habit: Spreads
• Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Moisture: Dry to Medium
• Characteristics: Showy Foliage, Showy Fruit
• Foliage Color: Evergreen
• Uses: Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Specimen Plant/Focal Point
• Style: Rock Garden
• Seasonal Interest: Winter Interest
• Type: Shrubs