Blue Rug Juniper for Sale - Buying & Growing Guide

Planting and Care

by John Haryasz | Horticulture Writer and Landscape Designer – last update on November 26,, 2022

Planting instructions

Occasionally, a Blue Rug Juniper can survive in partial shade, but this plant will grow much better where there is full sunlight. Regarding soil conditions, what’s most important for a Blue Rug Juniper is efficient drainage. This plant can adapt to many soil types, including soils of varying acidities. Once you find a suitable growing location, plant your Blue Rug Juniper in a hole that is as deep as the root ball is tall and about twice as wide.

Watering and nutrients

A well-established Blue Rug Juniper will have good drought tolerance. However, it remains beneficial to give this plant some water when there has been a significant lack of natural rainfall. Typically, it’s best to water your Blue Rug Juniper after it has not rained for a month or more. To feed this plant, you can apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer or an organic soil amendment such as compost during either the early spring or at the end of the growing season in fall.

Pollination

Juniper plants come in male and female varieties, which means you’ll need at least one of each if you wish to conduct pollination. When male and female plants grow near one another, the male plant will open its cones to release pollen, which travels via the wind to the female plant, resulting in the development of a fleshy, berry-like, seed-bearing cone. However, while the Blue Rug Juniper is a female juniper, it often does not produce those cones as a result of it being a cultivated variety.

Pruning

In many instances, a Blue Rug Juniper will look great and remain relatively healthy without pruning. However, pruning aids this plant’s health, especially when it comes to preventing disease. Mainly, pruning that thins this plant’s foliage allows for better airflow, which lessens the odds of moisture-related diseases. You can also use pruning to perform some light shaping for your Blue Rug Juniper, and to remove any stem that is dead, damaged or diseased. The best time to prune this plant is during spring after the last frost has passed.

Pests, diseases and animals

Most diseases that will befall a Blue Rug Juniper will arise as the result of overwatering or poorly-draining soils. Either condition can cause excessive moisture, which can promote fungal infections. However, if you select a suitable growing location, provide the right amount of water, and prune this plant occasionally, disease issues will be unlikely to occur. Insects can be an issue in some cases as well. Some of the most common Blue Rug Juniper pests are aphids, bagworms and spider mites.

Achieving maximum results

You should not underestimate the durability of the Blue Rug Juniper. Essentially, as long as this plant does not grow in shaded areas or soils that hold too much water, it will likely thrive. The Blue Rug Juniper’s adaptability includes drought and deer resistance. It has the ability to survive in rocky soils and slightly polluted areas, as well. It is also an excellent plant for anyone who wishes to stabilize a slope or reduce erosion.

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