Creeping Juniper
Scientific Name: Juniperus horizontalis ‘Blue Chip’
Family name: Cupressaceae
Location on Campus: 46.8955, -96.803361
Description: ‘Blue Chip’ is a prostrate cultivar with excellent blue foliage in the summer that turns purple in the winter. It is often used as ground cover. It is a great choice for sunny, dry locations.
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9.
Natural Habitat: Native to Alaska, Canada, and northern United States.
Mature Size: Height: 8’ to 10’, Spread: 8’ to 10’
Form (Shape): Dense, mounded, spreading.
Growth Rate: Slow to medium.
Foliage: Scale-like needles that are typically green to blue-green in growing seasons. Needles turn plum-purple in winter.
Texture: Medium to fine.
Flowers: Dioecious, inconspicuous.
Fruit: Dark blue fleshy, slightly glaucous seed cones
Light: Full sun.
Soil: Grows best in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil.
Propagation: Propagation can be done via cuttings or seeds.
Tree Failure Patterns: Tree failure is uncommon in northern areas. Less prosperous in southern zones.
Insects and Diseases: No serious insect or disease problems, but is susceptible to blights in rainy/wet springs.
Landscape Use: Can be used as groundcover, mass plantings for erosion control, and foundation plantings. Good for rocky areas.
Availability: Available in trade.
