Blue Pacific Shore Juniper

Junipers are among the most valuable of evergreens – and no wonder. These tough plants are very, very easy to grow and need no maintenance to always look great. They come in many forms, from upright columns to flat carpets, and in different foliage colors, including some of the most vibrant blues and silvers found in foliage plants. The low-growing forms are especially valuable when it comes to clothing your garden, as one plant can cover a large area, turning a problem spot into something beautiful, and saving you lots of work too.

The Blue Pacific Shore Juniper is one of the very best of these low-growing junipers. First, it has vibrant blue-green foliage that looks great every day of the year. Secondly, it grows no more than 12 inches tall, but it covers an area at least 6 feet across, so one plant goes a long way. It will flow across the ground, on flat or sloping areas, creating a dense covering that is weed-resistant and attractive all year round. Several plants will turn a dry, weedy spot into a low-maintenance carpet of blue. Planted along the front of a larger bed it makes the perfect transition to a walkway or drive. With other evergreens – both upright and spreading, you can make a very attractive garden feature out of an expanse of dry gravel.

Growing Blue Pacific Shore Junipers

The Blue Pacific Shore Juniper is hardy from zone 5 to zone 9, so it grows across almost all the country. No matter where you live, you can enjoy the beauty of this easy-to-grow plant. The short, crowded stems are covered in broad needles that grow outwards from the stems, and these are a handsome blue-green color all year round. The effect is soft and feathery, and a perfect contrast to plants with larger leaves, and more upright habits.

This plant grows 6 to 8 inches a year, mostly outwards, and it can also be staked up, or if planted at the foot of a rock it can easily be encouraged to grow upwards, leaning against the rock. It is just as easy to let it cascade over the edge of a wall, or down a slope. The dense mat of foliage will prevent soil erosion too. Use it in any style of garden, and since it originates from Japan, it is perfect in Asian-themed gardens. Because it comes from the sea-shore, it is a great choice for a coastal cottage, even on almost pure sand. It will stabilize shifting sand, preventing it blowing around, and it is very resistant to ocean spray too.

Planting Location

Plant the Blue Pacific Shore Juniper in any well-drained soil. It will grow well even in very sandy soil, so if you have dry, sandy or stony areas in your garden, this is the perfect choice. Plant in full sun – heat and drought do not bother it, and it is tolerant of strong reflected heat from walls and drives. Keep new plants watered during the first year or two, while they become established. It has no significant pests or diseases, and deer usually leave it alone.

History and Origins of the Blue Pacific Shore Juniper

The temple juniper (juniperus rigida) grows wild in open forests, scrubland and sandy places across China, Japan and Korea. It forms a large bush or small tree, and it varies in height between 12 and 30 feet, with older trees developing a thick trunk. It is very similar to the common Juniper (juniperus communis), which is found throughout the northern hemisphere, growing even up into the Arctic. These junipers are known for developing different growth habits in different areas, sometimes in response to the feeding habits of local deer and other animals, or to environmental factors.

Growing wild in Japan is a form of the temple juniper which is low-growing and spreading, rather than upright. It is so different in appearance that for a long time it was considered to be a different species and is called juniperus conferta. It has the common name of Shore Juniper because it grows only along sea shores and on sand dunes, where it forms continuous carpets over large areas. Today it is recognized as a variety of the temple juniper. This tree, in all its forms, is widely grown around temples and in gardens across Japan, and the wood is used for furniture and carving.

Around 1970 an unusual form of this plant – with vibrant blue foliage, a denser habit and better cold resistance – was spotted at Monrovia Nurseries in California. They recognized how valuable this plant would be in gardens, and they named it ‘Blue Pacific’. This special form can only be reproduced from stem cuttings taken from correctly-identified plants. Our plants are grown for us in this way, and they are far superior to other examples of the Shore Juniper, or to other spreading Junipers. For best results it pays to choose the best – and that is what this plant is. Our supplies are limited, and such a versatile and low-maintenance plant will be quickly taken by avid gardeners. So order now while we still have the stocks to satisfy your needs.