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The common name of the plant , Blue Rug Juniper, certainly indicates its most unique and probably sought after quality when looking for a ground cover plant. Of all of the junipers this variety (Juniperus horizontalis Wiltonii) plant lays flat along the ground like a rug. The bluish-silver tint lasts through the season. As the weather turns it changes to a mauve-tinted carpet. Rug is a well suited description.

This ground cover is not made to deal with water logged conditions. It needs good and well drained soil to truly flourish. It requires full sun, so planting other things over the top of it doesn't work well. It does seem to do well with heather as a companion plant.

The plant is not full enough to stop the weed growth. Weed suppression will need to be met by using mulch, or a knee pad and pair of gloves. Weeding is good for the soul, or so grandmothers all over the world proclaim.

The Blue Rug Juniper tolerates heat, salt air, drought, and survives at sub zero temperatures as long as it is placed in a well drained location. They tend to like acidic or sour soils. These are soils that have a pH balance of less than 7. There are things that added to the soil to change the pH balance and make it more friendly for the plant. It is a good idea to check the soil before putting in the Blue Rug Juniper. Amendments are the things that are used to prepare the soil. Some amendments are the ones that change the pH balances. Others provide texture, or perhaps nutrients that may help the plants to thrive.

In order to keep the Blue Rug Juniper disease free, ventilation for the plant is important. Things like branches and leaves that tend to smother out the younger plants should be quickly removed. Avoid severe pruning of the plant.

To get the coverage needed it is important to note that the spread on each plant is about 5' to 6'. The height is generally between 4" to 6". If planted with enough spacing it spreads rather quickly and the carpet fills in nicely.

Rock gardens often have opportunities where the Blue Rug Juniper can be used as a border or colorful addition. They are a fairly low maintenance option. If ground cover is new to a garden this is a variety that yields a high success rate. It's a hearty and beautiful plant with just a little water and weeding.

The Blue Rug Juniper is also relatively inexpensive. Since the coverage is so great, a large number of plants are not required. It is a good ground cover choice for a wide variety of climates.




Sources:
www.junipertrees.com
www.landscaping.about.com

Learn more about this author, Trenna Sue Hiler.
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