Images Depict Mature Plants
Blue Rug Juniper
Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii'
“Blue Rug Juniper is my top recommendation when customers ask for a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant groundcover that delivers year-round color. Its silvery-blue foliage and creeping growth make it ideal for slopes, rock gardens, or cascading over retaining walls. This deer-resistant evergreen stays beautiful in sun, poor soil, and even tough weather—exactly the kind of easy-care plant every garden needs.”
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Blue Rug Juniper – Low-Growing Evergreen Groundcover with Silvery-Blue Foliage
A classic, low-maintenance groundcover.
Blue Rug Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis ‘Wiltonii’), also called creeping blue juniper, is one of the most popular evergreen groundcovers for home landscapes. Its silvery-blue foliage forms a dense, carpet-like mat that stays vibrant year-round. Perfect for rock gardens, slopes, and borders, it provides fast-spreading coverage and a touch of cool color to any sunny space.
Excellent for slopes and erosion control.
Known for its ability to thrive in full sun and poor soils, Blue Rug Juniper is a top choice for erosion control on banks and retaining walls. Its strong, mat-forming growth helps stabilize soil, while its drought-tolerant nature makes it ideal for low-water landscapes and xeriscaping. Even in harsh conditions, this hardy juniper delivers year-round blue color with little effort.
Deer-resistant and hardy.
Hardy in USDA Zones 3–9, Blue Rug Juniper is naturally deer-resistant and requires minimal maintenance once established. Its evergreen foliage resists browsing, providing a reliable groundcover where deer pressure is high. With its trailing branches and silvery-blue hue, it’s an attractive option for foundation plantings, borders, and large-scale landscapes.
A versatile, long-lasting landscape solution.
Whether planted along walkways, in containers, or cascading over retaining walls, Blue Rug Juniper creates an elegant, low-maintenance blue carpet that complements shrubs, perennials, and ornamental grasses. Its drought tolerance, deer resistance, and four-season appeal make it a dependable, easy-care groundcover for any sunny landscape.
| Hardiness Zone: | 3 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 6 to 8 inches |
| Mature Width: | 6 to 10 feet |
| Classification: | Evergreen ground-cover |
| Sunlight: | Full Sun |
| Habit: | Spreading |
| Foliage: | Dense Silver-Green Foliage |
| Soil Condition: | Any well drained soil |
| Water Require: | Water well until established. |
| Uses: | A truly deer proof groundcover shrub. |
How to Care for Blue Rug Juniper
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Blue Rug Juniper for years to come!
How do I plant Blue Rug Juniper for groundcover or erosion control?
Choose a site in full sun with well-drained soil. Dig holes twice as wide as the root ball, spacing plants 3–4 feet apart to allow their trailing branches to spread. Set each plant so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil, backfill halfway, water to settle, then finish filling and water again. Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping mulch a few inches from the crown. Plant in spring or early fall to give roots time to establish before extreme summer heat or winter cold.
How often should I water Blue Rug Juniper after planting?
During the first growing season, water deeply once or twice per week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Consistent moisture helps the plants develop strong roots and spread quickly for full coverage. Once established, Blue Rug Juniper is highly drought-tolerant, needing only occasional supplemental water during extended dry periods. Its silvery-blue foliage retains color and texture even in tough, low-water conditions.
When and how should I fertilize Blue Rug Juniper?
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release evergreen fertilizer to encourage healthy root growth and vibrant blue foliage. Spread fertilizer evenly around the drip line and water well to move nutrients into the soil. One light feeding each year is usually sufficient to keep your low-growing evergreen groundcover lush and healthy throughout the seasons.
Does Blue Rug Juniper require pruning or special maintenance?
Blue Rug Juniper’s creeping, trailing habit requires very little maintenance. You can lightly trim any stray or overlong branches in late winter or early spring to maintain neat edges along walkways or borders. Its naturally low-growing, spreading form eliminates the need for regular pruning. This low-maintenance groundcover keeps a tidy, carpet-like appearance year after year.
