Botanical profile

Juniperus chinensis 'Blue Alps'

Latin name
Juniperus chinensis 'Blue Alps'
Common name
Chinese juniper 'Blue Alps'
Type
Bushy conifer
Family
Cupressaceae

Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Alps’ is an ornamental shrub juniper with an upright habit, renowned for its imposing silhouette and intense silvery-blue foliage. This variety is distinguished by its marked vertical growth and dense structure, eventually forming a large coniferous shrub ideal for creating visual screens, informal hedges, or focal points in solitary plantings. Its evergreen foliage, composed of stiff and slightly prickly needles, maintains a sustained bluish coloration throughout the year, offering excellent contrast in landscape designs. Very robust, drought-tolerant once established, and undemanding regarding soil type, ‘Blue Alps’ is particularly valued in northern gardens and sustainable landscaping. Its longevity, cold hardiness, and structural habit make it a reliable choice for large spaces requiring volume and character.

Care guide

Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Zone 4
Exposure
Sun
Watering
Weak
Fertilization
Low, rarely needed
Soil type
Well-drained, tolerates poor and chalky soils
Minimum temperature
-35°C
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Spring
Flower color
Not specified
Fruiting
Small decorative blue-grey berries
Foliage color
Silvery blue to grey-blue
Foliage type
Persistent
Shape
Erect, dense, and structured shrub
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
4–5 m (13–16 ft)
Width
6.5–10 ft (2–3 m)
Growth rate
Moderate
Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

Deer
Less attractive or generally tolerated by deer

Deer

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.