Blue Rug Juniper Bank Planting: Spacing and Drip Irrigation Design

Covering a bank with Blue Rug juniper (Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii') requires proper plant spacing and drip irrigation layout for slope efficiency.

Plant Spacing

• Standard: 4-6 feet apart
• Hot/arid climates: 3 feet apart for faster fill
• Staggered triangular pattern: Offsets rows for quicker visual coverage

Drip Irrigation on Slopes

Critical Layout Rules

• Lines run HORIZONTALLY (cross-slope)—not up/down
• Vertical runs create pressure imbalance: Overwater bottom, underwater top, risk blowouts
• Max run length: 300 feet per zone
• Point of connection at TOP of slope (or install backflow preventer)

Emitter Placement

One emitter per plant, tubing runs cross-slope to each row.

Staggered Planting Pattern

Row 1:  *     *     *     *     *
Row 2:     *     *     *     *     
Row 3:  *     *     *     *     *

Additional Resources

• Drip planning guide: DripIrrigation.ca
• Blue Rug discussion: Paghat's Garden

Code Note

Check local backflow requirements—double-detector check valve often mandated.