Creeping juniper 'Wiltonii' Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii'

Water

Blue Rug Juniper requires watering once a week, providing enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of around 4 inches. During the growing season, it's essential to ensure the soil remains slightly moist but never soggy. In the absence of rainfall, water with approximately 1 to 2 gallons depending on the size and the environmental conditions. During the winter months, reduce watering frequency as the plant's water requirements decrease. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

Light

Blue Rug Juniper thrives best in full sun conditions, where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day. It's ideal to plant it in a spot where it can benefit from maximum light exposure throughout the day, as this promotes dense foliage and healthy growth. Partial shade is tolerated, but the plant's growth may become less vigorous and its vibrant color can diminish.

Temperature

Blue Rug Juniper is hardy and can adapt to a wide range of temperatures, making it suitable for many climates. It can withstand temperatures as low as -40°F and as high as 90°F. The ideal temperature range for this evergreen shrub is between 60°F and 80°F. It is very frost resistant and can survive harsh winters, but for optimal growth, avoid extremely hot and dry conditions.

Pruning

Blue Rug Juniper requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape and health. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This evergreen is often pruned to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches and to control its size. Whenever pruning, make sure to use sharp tools to make clean cuts without tearing the plant's flesh. Generally, light trimming annually or as needed to shape the plant is sufficient.

Cleaning

Not needed

Soil

Blue Rug Juniper thrives in well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 5.5 and 7.0. The best soil mix should have a combination of loamy soil, sand, and organic matter like peat moss or pine bark for improved drainage and aeration.

Repotting

Blue Rug Junipers are typically grown outdoors and do not require repotting as they are spreading groundcovers. Once planted in the landscape, they do not need to be moved.

Humidity & Misting

Blue Rug Juniper is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does well in average outdoor conditions. It does not have specific humidity requirements and is quite adaptable to different climates.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright light, ensure good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-draining soil, space plants 4-6 feet.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii', commonly known as Blue Rug Juniper, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, once germinated, develops into a small seedling. The seedling gradually matures into a spreading evergreen shrub, characterized by its silver-blue foliage and low-growing, mat-forming habit. As it grows, it reaches its vegetative stage, where it spreads outwards through stems that root at the nodes, covering the ground effectively. The reproductive phase sees the production of small, inconspicuous flowers, leading to the development of berry-like cones called juniper berries, which contain the seeds for the next generation. These plants are generally slow-growing but can live for many years, continuing to spread and thicken, providing valuable ground cover and erosion control. Over time, older plants may become woody and less dense, eventually completing their life cycle when they die, leaving seeds that may sprout to start the cycle anew.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The most popular method of propagating Blue Rug Juniper is through softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer when new growth is just beginning to harden off. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches long and should include several sets of leaves. Strip the bottom sets of leaves off the cutting to expose the nodes, as this is where roots will develop. Dipping the cut end into a rooting hormone can enhance rooting success. The prepared cuttings should be planted in a well-draining rooting medium, such as a mix of peat and perlite, ensuring that the exposed nodes are buried. The medium should remain moist but not waterlogged, and cuttings should be kept in a warm, bright environment but out of direct sunlight. Roots typically develop within 4 to 8 weeks, after which the rooted cuttings can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions before permanent planting.