by Susan Klatz Beal

Created on: May 13, 2009   Last Updated: May 23, 2009

Blue Rug Juniper is a wonderful and very adaptable ground cover. Unlike most other varieties of juniper, and other ground covers, Blue Rug Juniper is completely flat, so the name is very appropriate. Because it grows so flat, it looks like a rug. The smooth blue silver foliage becomes a purple-bronze color in winter. One of the most appealing attributes of Blue Rug Juniper is the fact that is it quite disease resistant. It is also well suited to use for deer control.

GOOD FOR USE AROUND TREES -

Before planting Blue Rug Juniper, the soil should be amended. Unless the ground cover is being planted near trees, the soil should be loosened to a depth of about six to eight inches. If it is being planted around trees, one should not till or dig up and loosen the soil any deeper than about two or three inches. There is too great a risk of disturbing or damaging tree roots.

ADAPTABLE -

Ideally, this ground cover prefers soil that drains well and that is acidic. It can grow and thrive in poor soil, however, but it will not tolerate water logged conditions. To prepare the soil before planting, add some organic matter that is rich in nutrients. Leaf mold, compost and well rotted manure are the ideal materials to add to the soil. This juniper prefers full sun, but can adapt to part shade.

FAST SPREADER -

The plants should be planted four to six inches apart. This will allow for faster spreading without over crowding plants as they grow. The goal is to have the plants form a dense mat so that ultimately, the covering will crowd out the weeds. Until the plants are fully mature, it will be necessary to weed between the plants or mulch the area.

Blue Rug Juniper is a fast grower that can potentially spread to six feet across in about ten years. It is often used on slopes where other things wouldn't grow well or survive, or in rock gardens or other places. Because it is so flat, it mixes well with heather or other upright conifers, but it doesn't tolerate being planted with or near other plants that will grow over its foliage.

REQUIRES LITTLE MAINTENANCE -

Blue Rug Juniper is among the all time favorites as a ground cover. It grows quickly, requires relatively little maintenance, can withstand somewhat adverse conditions, and will grow in undesirable or difficult places where other things won't grow. It is also very well suited to growing in rock gardens. The blue berry like things that appear on the plant aren't berries at all; they are really cones. This juniper is hardy in zones 3 through zone 9.

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