Botanical profile

Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Chip'

Latin name
Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Chip'
Common name
Creeping juniper 'Blue Chip'
Type
Coniferous
Family
Cupressaceae

Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Chip' is a creeping juniper with a very spreading, low, and dense habit, known for its remarkable ground cover and intense silvery-blue foliage that retains its color throughout the year. Forming a uniform, flat, and even mat, it is ideal for slopes, rockeries, low walls, green roofs, or as groundcover between more vertical plantings. In winter, its foliage sometimes takes on slight purplish hues without ever fading. This cultivar is very hardy, drought-tolerant, and perfectly suited to poor, rocky, or sandy soils. Its compact form provides effective and decorative plant coverage with no maintenance. 'Blue Chip' is often used for its consistent aesthetic qualities and reliability in harsh climates.

Care guide

Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Zone 3
Exposure
Sun
Watering
Moderate watering
Fertilization
Slow-release fertilizer in spring. Fertilize monthly or as directed on the bag. Not recommended – use Bionik rooter or bone meal.
Soil type
Neutral to slightly acidic, dry to well-drained
Minimum temperature
'-40°C
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Not significant
Flower color
Non-ornamental
Fruiting
Late-season blue-green berries.
Foliage color
Blue-green
Foliage type
Persistent
Shape
Ground cover
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
12 in (1 ft)
Width
2 m (6.5 ft)
Growth rate
fast
Pet friendly
Safe 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.