Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Chip'

Blue Chip Creeping Juniper

Juniperus horizontalis ‘Blue Chip’ — commonly called Blue Chip creeping juniper — is a low-growing evergreen shrub valued for its dense, mat-forming habit and soft silvery-blue foliage that develops purplish tones in winter. Its trailing branches create a uniform, ground-hugging carpet, making it one of the most popular junipers for reliable evergreen groundcover.

Type: Evergreen shrub

Mature Size:
Width: 6–8 ft
Height: 1–2 ft

USDA Zones: 3a–9b

Form: Low, prostrate, spreading

Light: Full sun

Soil: Well-drained soil; thrives in sandy, rocky, and poor soils

Water: Low; highly drought tolerant once established

Wildlife: Provides shelter for birds; deer resistant

Features & Landscape Uses: Excellent for slopes, groundcover, rock gardens, and erosion control. Its consistent color and dense coverage make it ideal for large-scale plantings.

Care: Plant in full sun with excellent drainage. Avoid heavy, wet soils. Minimal pruning is needed; trim lightly only if shaping is desired.

Plant type

Evergreen Shrub

Height

1-2'

Width

6-8'

Hardiness zones

3–9

Sunlight

Full Shade, Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Leaf color

Blue Green

Soil

Sandy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Container, Erosion control mass planting, Erosion control slopes, Mass Planting

Shape

Low Spreading

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes