JUNIPERUS horizontalis 'Blue Chip'

Elegant variety of Juniperus Horizontalis, of which it has many characteristics, it is an evergreen conifer with a ground cover belonging to the cupressaceae family. From the slow growth, it manages to reach a diameter greater than one meter over time, while the height does not go beyond 20 cm. The stems, which radiate from the ground in every direction, are woody, climbing, horizontal and thickly covered with tiny scaly leaves of a beautiful grey - blue color, which, in the coldest periods of the year, can fade to purple - purplish. Between late autumn and winter, numerous small blue / purple berries containing seeds ripen, but only on female specimens, being a dioecious species, which enhance the already highly impacting appearance of the plant. It requires a predominantly sunny position, since even the simple partial shade would make the vegetation difficult.

It grows on any type of soil as long as it is well drained, however it prefers rich and soft ones. It tolerates the cold, even intense and prolonged, as well as the salty air, thus succeeding well in both mountain and coastal environments. After the first period of the plant, during which it likes periodic wetting, it can be left to itself and overcome even long periods of drought. It does not require specific pruning: remove dry or broken branches in spring and perform a light topping cut to stimulate the thick habitus of the plants. Very resistant, it is used in the garden along slopes, steep places or at the base of other plants, alone or in association with other conifers, where it can also have a containing action on herbaceous plants. It also lends itself to growing on terraces and balconies in containers where its harmonious appearance is enhanced.