Blue Forest Creeping Juniper

Blue Forest is a low, spreading cultivar of creeping juniper with soft, plume-like blue-green foliage. North Carolina State Extension lists its former name as Juniperus sabina ‘Blue Forest’ and currently classifies it as Juniperus horizontalis ‘Blue Forest’. The evergreen foliage may darken toward blue and purple in colder months. ## Plant profile The cultivar grows in a prostrate form with short upright branches and is suited to groundcover on slopes or cascading over retaining walls. Extension guidance gives a mature height of 9–12 inches and spread of 3–4 feet, and recommends full sun. It describes the plant as drought- and deer-tolerant and fairly salt-tolerant, with adaptable soil preferences as long as drainage is good. ## Maintenance Choose a sunny, well-drained site and allow the plant to spread. Water during establishment, then reduce irrigation as roots develop; established plants tolerate dry conditions. Avoid sites that remain wet, since prolonged moisture can contribute to root rot. The source notes that insects and fungal diseases can affect junipers, especially in unsuitable conditions. Source: [North Carolina State Extension: Blue Forest Juniper](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/juniperus-horizontalis-blue-forest/).