How do you plant a Blue Rug juniper on a hill? Make the planting hole twice as wide and 2 inches shallower than the blue rug juniper
Juniperus horizontalis
Juniperus horizontalis is a low-growing shrubby juniper native to northern North America, throughout most of Canada from Yukon east to Newfoundland, and in the United States in Alaska, and locally from Montana east to Maine, reaching its furthest south in Wyoming and northern Illinois.
How to grow and care for Blue Rug Juniper?
The fundamental caring guidelines for every Blue Rug Juniper can be summed up into the following:
- Water: The Blue Rug Juniper appreciates reduced watering once it’s established.
- Light: Keep your Juniperus Horizontalis ‘Wiltonii’ in an environment where it can receive full sun on a daily basis.
- Soil: Make sure to keep the Blue Rug Juniper in soil with well-draining properties, so ideally, one that is made of clay, loam, chalk, and sand.
How to prune Blue Rug Juniper?
How to Prune a Wichita Blue Juniper
- Prune most Wichita Blue Junipers in early spring, before new growth occurs. ...
- Choose bypass loppers, hand pruners or pole pruners, depending on the length of the branches you intend to cut.
- To reduce the juniper's size, prune the longest branches back to a lateral branch or bud with green growth.
How to prevent my juniper shrubs from turning brown?
- Wait to prune your juniper until after its new growth emerges in early spring.
- Examine your juniper, and remove each branch that is dead from its tip to its base.
- Cut back overlong branches and those that look unattractive or are partially dead.
How far apart to plant blue rug junipers?
The foliage of a Blue Rug Juniper is a silvery-blue, thus the first half of its common name. Blue Rug spreads rapidly, making it ideal for homeowners who are in a hurry to install ground covers on an incline to control erosion. Space these plants 4 to 6 feet apart to form a dense enough mat to crowd out weeds.
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What kind of soil does a blue rug juniper like?
How much sun does a blue rug juniper need?
What is a blue rug juniper?
How long does it take for a blue forest to grow?
Is a blue rug juniper drought tolerant?
Do you need to trim a blue rug juniper?
Do blue rug junipers need fertilizer?
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How do you grow a juniper on a slope?
1:227:14All About Groundcover Junipers - Erosion Control Planting On A SlopeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo most of your most of your plants need to be in the upper two-thirds of the slope. And then youMoreSo most of your most of your plants need to be in the upper two-thirds of the slope. And then you know in staggered rows. So you'll do one row across the top. And then the row.
How do you plant a Blue Rug juniper on a slope?
We suggest planting your junipers about 3-5 feet apart. Within 2 years these plants should be touching covering up any soil or mulch which will greatly stabilize the area. If you're looking for a taller juniper that gets about 3-5 feet tall we suggest the Grey Owl or the Angelica Blue.
How do you plant a blue carpet juniper?
1:367:22How to grow Blue Rug Juniper with detailed description - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou will want to wear gloves with them though because some people get very itchy when they'reMoreYou will want to wear gloves with them though because some people get very itchy when they're handling junipers. In terms of planting your blue rug junipers. This plant is not going to want to stay
How quickly does Blue Rug juniper spread?
about 7 to 10 inches per yearHow quickly does creeping juniper spread? It grows about 7 to 10 inches per year5.
What is the best ground cover for slopes?
Steep, sunny slopes are perfect for perennials such as daylilies, creeping phlox, lamb's ears, stonecrop and a variety of ornamental grasses. A number of woody plants can also serve as good groundcovers, especially creeping juniper, fragrant sumac, bearberry, and Russian arborvitae.
When should you plant blue rug juniper?
Blue rug junipers in this form require planting during the fall, winter or early spring while temperatures remain below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. While the planting time of container-grown plants is not restricted, it is best to avoid installing them during mid to late summer, the hottest part of the year.
How do you plant a Blue Rug juniper ground cover?
For a seamless planting, space your Blue Rug Juniper 3 feet apart from plant center to plant center. For space between plantings, plant them 6-7+ feet apart.
How far apart should Blue Rug junipers be?
4 to 6 feet apartThe Blue Rug Juniper is a very low-maintenance groundcover shrub. Plant the Juniper in full sun with well-drained acidic soil. Space plants 4 to 6 feet apart to allow for a dense coverage that will prevent weeds from peeking through.
Does Blue Rug juniper have deep roots?
The creeping juniper plant has an extensive and shallow root system, with larger roots coming from the plant's center and many smaller roots developing as the plant grows. As the branches spread, new roots appear on the branches about 6 inches from the branch tips, helping anchor the plant to the ground.
Taxonomy and Botany of Blue Rug Juniper Plants
Plant taxonomy classifies Blue Rug juniper plants under Juniperus horizontalis. The cultivar is Wiltonii (thus the secondary common name of "Wilton...
What Blue Rug Juniper Plants Look Like
The foliage is a silvery-blue, thus the first half of its common name. The second half comes from its growth habit, as it forms a dense, low mat (r...
Care For Blue Rug Juniper Plants
No plant is "no-maintenance," but this one is certainly "low-maintenance." Ground covers that flower require much more care. Space these plants 4 t...
USDA Planting Zones, Sun and Soil Requirements For Blue Rug Juniper Plants
This ground cover can be grown in planting zones 3 to 9. Blue Rug juniper plants thrive in full sun and prefer a well-drained soil with an acidic p...
Uses, Ground Covers Similar to Blue Rug Juniper
Besides their use as ground covers, the juniper shrubs and their relatives make good specimens for a rock garden design. There are many types of ju...
Other Juniper Ground Covers
Many varieties besides Blue Rug juniper plants are suitable for ground covers. All want full sun and a soil that drains well. The Prince of Wales c...
How tall does a blue rug juniper grow?
It will grow a little more slowly, typically grows to be 4-6 inches tall and spreading to 5-7 feet. These evergreen shrubs make an excellent ground cover for mixed shrub beds, rock garden, mass plantings and erosion control. Blue Rug juniper serves well as a year-round ground cover, its silvery blue foliage turning a bit purplish during ...
Where does a rug juniper grow?
It is native to Alaska, Canada, and the northern U.S from New England to New York to the Great Lakes, Wyoming, and Montana. The cultivar is “Wiltonii”.
What is a good substitute for a blue rug juniper?
Substitute for Blue Rug Juniper. If you are thinking about the Substitute for Blue Rug Juniper, Blue Pacific juniper (Also called Pacific shore juniper) is a great alternative.
What are the problems with blue rug junipers?
Problems. There are no serious insect or disease problems with the Blue Rug Junipers. Occasional insect pests include bagworms, scale, webworm, aphids. Watch for spider mites as well. These plants are generally susceptible to blights and root rot may occur, particularly in unusually rainy/wet springs.
Why is my blue rug purple?
In the cold regions, this Blue Rug adapts well to snow and frost but it can turn almost purple in seriously cold winters. That may be the main reason why some people found that the name to be deceptive since it never really looked blue when they had it. The plants are dioecious, the male and female shrubs are separate.
What is juniper used for?
It can be used for many landscaping application such as ground cover, mass planting, border edging, general garden use, rock/alpine gardens. This juniper spreads rapidly making it ideal for homeowners who are in a rush to install ground covers on a slope to control erosion.
How to grow a sage plant?
Planting. Adding compost to your prepared soil and mixing it into the top 9 to 12 inches. Add nutrients to improve drainage and loosens the soil for planting. Remove dead, broken or mushy roots before planting. Also, use pruning shears to cut through any circling roots to encourage outward growth.
How to grow a juniper bush faster?
The mulch will hold in the moisture and help your plants establish faster. Junipers like to be fed. Spread a high quality slow release fertilizer 2-3 times per year throughout the planting bed. The roots will grow faster, and will enable the shrub to spread faster.
Why do we use junipers on slopes?
We use junipers on a hillside or slope because they help stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. If you have a hill in your yard where you can't keep mulch on it, try some junipers. They are great for erosion control and look great too! The most popular junipers used on hills or slopes are Blue Rug and Blue Pacific.
What to plant on a hillside?
Your hillside doesn't have to be all junipers. If it's not too steep, you can plant an ornamental trees as a focal point. Crape myrtles work very well if you live in the south. Birch trees will work very well in the north. Mix it up a little. Add boulders and flowering shrubs to increase the beauty of your yard.
How tall is a juniper?
If you're looking for a taller juniper that gets about 3-5 feet tall we suggest the Grey Owl or the Angelica Blue. These varieties are very similar. The Angelica Blue has a whiter blue color and the Grey Owl has a darker blue color and a slightly softer look.
What shrubs are good for hillsides?
Junipers on Hillsides | Ideas and Care. Junipers are one of the easiest shrubs to care for and are too often overlooked. These evergreen shrubs come in all shapes and sizes and have many uses in the landscape. Utilizing Junipers on hillsides has many benefits. We use junipers on a hillside or slope because they help stabilize ...
What zone do blue rug junipers grow in?
These evergreens grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9, and require full sunlight and fast-draining soil. The specific soil type, whether it be clay, sand or loam, doesn't affect plant growth, ...
What is a blue rug juniper?
This 6-inch-tall evergreen makes an excellent ground cover for mass plantings, mixed shrub beds, rock gardens and erosion control. Planting blue rug junipers in the right location , at the right time and in the correct method will help ensure their successful growth.
Do blue rug junipers grow in clay soil?
The specific soil type, whether it be clay, sand or loam, doesn't affect plant growth, as blue rug junipers acclimate to most soil types. Tolerant of salt, blue rug junipers make excellent plantings along coastal sites.
What kind of soil does a blue rug juniper like?
These shrubs are salt-tolerant and grow best if planted near areas that are salted. The Blue Rug Juniper also prefers a soil with a slightly acidic pH level. You can not go wrong with soil that is rocky, sandy, and dry, they love it.
How to propagate Juniperus horizontalis?
To propagate the Juniperus horizontalis ‘Wiltonii’ requires patience. These shrubs can be propagated through cuttings but you should be prepared for a lengthy wait. The reason this process takes a while is that the Blue Rug Juniper is known to be particularly slow to root.
Why is Juniperus horizontalis called Wiltonii?
Founded by Jacob van Heiningen in 1914, the Juniperus horizontalis ‘Wiltonii’ was named with a sense of humor. Jacob called the shrub ‘Wiltonii’ after his town of Wilton as well as the famous store Wilton Carpets.
What is the best shrub to plant on a hillside?
For a hillside or slope that proves difficult for plants to grow, the Juniperus horizontalis ‘Wiltonii’ is recommended. It grows in a manner that is cascading and downhill. The shrub conforms to the shape of the ground it is planted on. Blue Rug Juniper does well in a variety of landscaping applications.
What is the name of the evergreen juniper?
The evergreen shrub that is the Juniperus horizontalis ‘Wiltonii’ is widely popular. This is due to its hardiness and versatility. Other ground covering plants will find it hard to compete. More commonly known as the Blue Rug Juniper or the Creeping or Carpet Juniper, this shrub is as its name describes. The Juniperus horizontalis ‘Wiltonii’ ...
How tall is a Juniper?
Juniperus horizontalis ‘Wiltonii’ only reaches heights between 7.5cm and 15cm (3 in and 6in). But, it has a spreading distance of anywhere between 1.5m and 3m (5ft and 10ft). The Blue Rug Juniper’s growth size tells a lot about its growing habit.
Does Juniperus horizontalis thrive in the sun?
Other than that, the Blue Rug Juniper will thrive in many areas and conditions. Provided it receives its preferred full and direct sunlight .
What does "creeping junipers" mean?
The adjective in the name, "creeping junipers" is sometimes a cause for concern when you hear it associated with a plant. After all, who wants a garden thug that is going to creep into parts of your flower borders where it does not belong? But ground covers are different (by definition) from other plants in this respect. You want them to spread (within reason) and cover up a patch of ground; this is their raison d'etre, right?
Can you plant mailboxes in the yard?
For one thing, your ground covers will need to be tough here. At the very least, they should be pollution-tolerant. And in case you don't have a chance to water this area of the yard, it's helpful if they're also drought-tolerant ground covers.
Do creeping junipers need snow?
It serves as a reminder that, as evergreens, creeping junipers are moderately promising for adding to your yard's winter interest. One must say "moderately" because, being short plants, they will be covered by deep snows, robbing you of any visual interest.
Do you put mulch in a hole in a juniper?
Besides, you'll want to apply a bit of mulch in the holes, too, thereby discouraging weeds from sprouting up right next to your creeping junipers. The idea is that, between the landscape fabric, mulch, and creeping junipers, few weeds will emerge, the soil will be held in place, and the area will be beautified.
Is Bar Harbor juniper salt tolerant?
It's a good indication that this genus is well represented among the salt-tolerant plants. The 'Bar Harbor' cultivar (see below) has its roots in this part of the country. In addition to this tolerance for salt, creeping junipers are deer-resistant ground covers.
Can creeping junipers grow on flat land?
Observe, too, that in this case, the ground covers are occupying flat land. Just because creeping junipers are wizards at covering steep hills, there's no rule that says you can't grow them on flat land.
What kind of soil does a blue rug juniper like?
Blue rug juniper is tolerant of a range of soil types, though it prefers to grow in dry, sandy soil. Excellent soil drainage is key to healthy growth. Furthermore, this plant is tolerant of rocky soil, as well as salt from saltwater spray or road salt.
How much sun does a blue rug juniper need?
Sunlight. Blue rug junipers prefer to grow in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight on most days. However, these plants can tolerate some shade and actually prefer protection from hot afternoon sun to prevent foliage burns.
What is a blue rug juniper?
Blue rug juniper ( Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii') is a drought-tolerant ground cover that craves good soil drainage. This juniper is a practical solution for sunny slopes ...
How long does it take for a blue forest to grow?
It has a slow to medium growth rate. 'Blue Forest': A compact variety that spreads one to five feet in ten years. Its foliage changes color from lavender in winter to blue in spring. 'Emerald Spreader': This variety has bright emerald green foliage throughout the year.
Is a blue rug juniper drought tolerant?
Varieties. Back to Top. Blue rug juniper ( Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii') is a drought-tolerant ground cover that craves good soil drainage. This juniper is a practical solution for sunny slopes where water runs off so quickly that plants are apt to go thirsty. Blue rug juniper is a hardy evergreen plant with silvery-blue foliage ...
Do you need to trim a blue rug juniper?
Blue rug juniper doesn't require pruning unless growth has become unruly or portions of the plant are damaged or diseased. You can prevent the juniper from spreading outside of its boundaries by keeping it trimmed. Light pruning can also encourage robust growth and branching to create more fullness.
Do blue rug junipers need fertilizer?
Blue rug juniper grows well in average soil and is tolerant of somewhat poor soil. Fertilizer typically isn't necessary, but to give mature plants a boost, you can use an organic fertilizer in the fall if you wish.