Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Mat

Juniperus Horizontalis 'Blue Mat'

Juniperus horizontalis ‘Blue Mat’ — commonly called Blue Mat creeping juniper — is a low-growing evergreen shrub valued for its dense, carpet-like habit and soft blue-green to silvery-blue foliage that may develop purplish tones in winter. Its fine-textured, trailing branches form a tight groundcover, making it especially effective for uniform coverage and erosion control.

Type: Evergreen shrub

Mature Size:
Width: 6–8 ft
Height: 6–12 in.

USDA Zones: 3a–9b

Form: Very low, prostrate, mat-forming

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 groundcover, slopes, rock gardens, and between stepping stones. Its low profile and dense coverage make it ideal for large areas requiring minimal maintenance.

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

6-12"

Width

6-8'

Hardiness zones

3–9

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Leaf color

Steel Blue

Soil

Average, Sandy, Well Drained

Landscape use

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

Shape

Low Spreading

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes