A centre with relief
The low central canopy has more volume than a completely flat carpet, while the outer branches continue to spread close to the ground.
Juniperus 'blue chip' 13cm
Normal price
€9,00
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The legal guarantee concerns the plant’s conformity at delivery. It is not a guarantee of survival or growth for two years. Each issue is assessed taking into account the nature of the plant, its care and the conditions in which it is kept. Your statutory rights remain unaffected.
Juniperus ‘Blue Chip’
- Silver-blue foliage
- Low, slightly raised centre
- Spreading woody branches
- Possible purple winter tones
Juniperus ‘Blue Chip’ resembles a silver-blue wave spreading between stones, with a low, full centre anchoring its shape. Long branches reach out from that centre, clothed in fine side shoots that follow different directions and give the surface a natural sense of movement. Its cool gleam brings earthy colours into focus, creating a quiet yet unmistakable point of reference within the planting around it.
It has enough relief to avoid looking like a flat mat, and enough horizontal flow to soften the edges of a border. Against warm gravel or dark stone, the silver-blue foliage becomes almost painterly. Taller, lighter plants appear to rise from a steady cool base, while the spaces between them gain continuity and character.
What makes it special
A creeping juniper with a slightly raised centre, distinct spreading branches and fine silver-blue foliage.
Fine silver-blue texture
Numerous small side shoots clothe the main branches. Their fine texture creates a clear contrast beside stone or broader leaves.
A winter colour accent
In cold conditions, foliage may develop purple tones, especially towards the tips, without losing its evergreen cover.
Why you will love it: it brings cool colour and horizontal movement to a planting, with enough relief to give the lowest layer an architecture of its own.
In the garden & on the balconyPlacement & plant combinationsLow silver-blue mass · sun and drainage · long-term spreading space
A wave over stone
Use it in an open rock garden, broad border or above a low wall, where branches can follow the edge freely. Its mature spread can reach 2.5–4m, so avoid narrow strips beside paths. In a pot it needs enough space, unrestricted drainage and regular moisture checks.
Silver with warm flowers
A cool silver-blue base is particularly effective with warm flowers and large, softly textured leaves. Place companions in separate positions beyond its future perimeter, sharing sunshine and well-drained soil.
- Stachys byzantina — broad, softly hairy silver leaves contrast with fine juniper shoots without a strong colour clash.
- Salvia ‘Blue Spire’ — open, taller stems and blue-purple flowers create an airy backdrop behind the compact base.
- Achillea ‘Terracotta’ — warm flower heads provide a distinct contrast against the silver-blue foliage.
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun or very light partial shade. An open position supports the colour and density of its low canopy.
Watering
Water deeply when the soil begins to dry, especially during establishment. Once rooted into its position it tolerates dry periods, but not standing water.
Climate & hardiness
RHS H7: very cold hardy, including temperatures below −20°C in a suitable position. Winter wet and exposed pots require separate attention.
Safety
Harmful if eaten and a potential skin allergen. Wear gloves and prevent access by children or pets that chew plants.
Detailed careComplete care guideSeven practical points: Position, Watering, Soil, Feeding, Pruning, Planting and repotting, Health checks.
Position
Reserve enough space for its long horizontal branches. A cramped position leads to repeated restriction instead of allowing its natural spreading character to develop.
Watering
Check moisture below the surface and soak the entire root area when needed. Daily light sprinkling does not replace a thorough watering after planting.
Soil
It prefers well-drained soil and tolerates different soil types and pH levels. Where winter water collects, improving drainage takes priority before planting.
Feeding
Apply only modest spring feeding when needed. Excess fertiliser cannot correct poor drainage or insufficient light and is not a requirement for silver-blue colour.
Pruning
Remove dead or broken branches and make selective adjustments around the perimeter. Retain green side shoots; cutting deeply into old, bare wood can leave lasting gaps.
Planting and repotting
Maintain the original depth and do not bury the stem bases under extra soil. Pots need clear drainage holes, a freely draining mix and repotting before root space becomes severely restricted.
Health checks
Remove fallen debris from the dense canopy and inspect for insects or drying sections. Winter purple should not be confused with brown, brittle, dead shoots.
Development over timeThe low wave spreadsCompact centre · longer branches · broad mature cover
At planting
The canopy still occupies a small area, with branches grouped more closely around the centre. Successful root establishment comes first.
Over the following years
Main stems lengthen horizontally and their side branches fill the surface. The centre retains a low but visible raised profile.
At mature spread
It typically reaches 0.1–0.5m in height and 2.5–4m in spread in approximately 10–20 years. These are mature dimensions, not measurements for the first few seasons.
Mature habit & dimensions
approximately 10–20 yearsHeight 0.1–0.5mSpread 2.5–4mLow, raised centre
A low centre with spreading woody branches and dense fine side shoots. Mature cover is much wider than it is tall.
Form through time
two real statesSilver-blue foliagePossible winter purple
Young establishment
A few arms spread around the base, with open gaps still visible between them.
Established winter crown
More side branches form dense cover with a darker winter tone.
Groundcover thickens as the main arms extend and add lateral branchlets.
What to expect after planting: The greatest change will be in width. Plan for an extensive low conifer and keep space available for its spreading branches.
History & originCultivar originA Danish selection · from ‘Blue Moon’ to ‘Blue Chip’
A. M. Jensen selected ‘Blue Chip’ as a Juniperus horizontalis seedling at Orting, Denmark. Thomsen’s nursery first marketed it as ‘Blue Moon’, bringing this Danish selection of the North American species into nursery production.
It was renamed ‘Blue Chip’ when it reached the American market through D. Hill Nursery in Union, Illinois. This avoided confusion with the different, upright Juniperus scopulorum ‘Blue Moon’. The two names in historical accounts of the creeping J. horizontalis therefore refer to the same selection.
Greenleaf for Plant NerdsScience nobody asked forBotanical details for anyone curious about what lies behind the plant’s appearance
Tiny leaves in four ranks
In Juniperus horizontalis, small scale-like leaves lie against the shoot in opposite pairs, forming four lengthwise ranks. This explains the fine, continuously clothed appearance of the shoots: each visible surface is made from many small overlapping leaves, rather than one continuous needle.
Frequently asked questions
Useful distinctions about mature spread, winter colour and other blue creeping junipers.
01Does it genuinely stay low?
Yes, growth is predominantly horizontal. The mature estimate is 0.1–0.5m high, but its spread can eventually reach 2.5–4m.
02Is it the same as ‘Wiltonii’?
No. ‘Blue Chip’ usually has a more raised centre and greater relief. ‘Wiltonii’ spreads very flatly, with fine stems closely following the ground.
03Why does it look purple in winter?
This cultivar may develop purple tones in cold conditions, particularly at the tips. The change varies with climate and does not, on its own, mean the plant is drying out.
04Can it trail over a low wall?
Yes, spreading branches can continue over the edge. Plant it in sufficient soil, with good drainage and room behind the wall for its roots.
05Will it suppress weeds?
Mature dense cover can reduce the space and light available to weeds, but it does not eliminate them. Clear the site before planting and check gaps while the plant develops.
06How often should I water?
Water when the soil begins to dry below the surface rather than on fixed days. New plantings and pots need more frequent checks than established plants in the ground.
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