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Family: Cupressaceae · Pot diameter: 13cm · Height: approximately 20cm
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.
A creeping juniper with a slightly raised centre, distinct spreading branches and fine silver-blue foliage.
The low central canopy has more volume than a completely flat carpet, while the outer branches continue to spread close to the ground.
Numerous small side shoots clothe the main branches. Their fine texture creates a clear contrast beside stone or broader leaves.
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.
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.
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.
Full sun or very light partial shade. An open position supports the colour and density of its low canopy.
Water deeply when the soil begins to dry, especially during establishment. Once rooted into its position it tolerates dry periods, but not standing water.
RHS H7: very cold hardy, including temperatures below −20°C in a suitable position. Winter wet and exposed pots require separate attention.
Harmful if eaten and a potential skin allergen. Wear gloves and prevent access by children or pets that chew plants.
Reserve enough space for its long horizontal branches. A cramped position leads to repeated restriction instead of allowing its natural spreading character to develop.
Check moisture below the surface and soak the entire root area when needed. Daily light sprinkling does not replace a thorough watering after planting.
It prefers well-drained soil and tolerates different soil types and pH levels. Where winter water collects, improving drainage takes priority before planting.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The canopy still occupies a small area, with branches grouped more closely around the centre. Successful root establishment comes first.
Main stems lengthen horizontally and their side branches fill the surface. The centre retains a low but visible raised profile.
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.
A low centre with spreading woody branches and dense fine side shoots. Mature cover is much wider than it is tall.
Purple tones are stronger in cold conditions and vary between climates. The branching structure retains evergreen foliage.
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.
The journey of ‘Blue Chip’ begins in Orting, Denmark, where A. M. Jensen selected a seedling of Juniperus horizontalis. The species is North American, but this particular selection entered cultivation through Danish nursery production, carrying the low silver-blue habit that made it recognisable.
Thomsen’s nursery initially introduced it as ‘Blue Moon’. When the cultivar later reached the American market through D. Hill Nursery in Union, Illinois, it was renamed ‘Blue Chip’. There was a practical reason: to avoid confusion with the different, upright Juniperus scopulorum ‘Blue Moon’.
The names ‘Blue Moon’ and ‘Blue Chip’ in references to Juniperus horizontalis therefore belong to the same nursery journey rather than two separate selections. Today, ‘Blue Chip’ maintains its own identity as a low, spreading conifer with a slightly raised centre, clearly distinct from the upright cultivar that prompted the change of name.
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.
Useful distinctions about mature spread, winter colour and other blue creeping junipers.
Yes, growth is predominantly horizontal. The mature estimate is 0.1–0.5m high, but its spread can eventually reach 2.5–4m.
No. ‘Blue Chip’ usually has a more raised centre and greater relief. ‘Wiltonii’ spreads very flatly, with fine stems closely following the ground.
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.
Yes, spreading branches can continue over the edge. Plant it in sufficient soil, with good drainage and room behind the wall for its roots.
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.
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.
