Family: Cupressaceae • Pot diameter: 13 cm • Height: ~20 cm
Ultra-low, creeping conifer with silvery blue foliage and an even, carpet-like spread. Perfect for full sun, sharply drained substrates and low-maintenance schemes.
🔹 Very low canopy (“blue rug” type) that covers ground evenly.
🎨 Silvery blue foliage that pairs beautifully with gravel/stone.
🛡️ Good drought tolerance once established.
Best uses
🪨 Rock gardens, slopes/embankments (erosion control).
🏙️ Xeriscape and minimalist, low-care plantings.
🪴 Perimeter edging for a clean, year-round “frame”.
Where to place it
Provide full sun and excellent drainage (sandy/rocky). Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry between cycles. Avoid heavy, wet soils and constant root moisture. Pruning is minimal — remove dead bits and lightly rein in the edge where needed.
Plant pairings
Festuca glauca & Stipa tenuissima — fine textures that set off the silvery blue.
Lavandula, Perovskia — silver–lilac palette for a Mediterranean feel.
Low Thymus & Sedum — complementary groundcover with scent/flowers.
Origin of the cultivar click to read
Taxonomic note:Juniperus horizontalis — a North American ground-hugging species (Cupressaceae) with numerous cultivars.
Habitat/distribution: Cool–temperate N. America; rocky bluffs, sandy shores, lean substrates with rapid drainage.
Naming:horizontalis = creeping habit; ‘Wiltonii’ is widely known as “Blue Rug” for its flat, carpet-like growth.
‘Wiltonii’ character: Very low canopy (10–15 cm), fast lateral spread, best silvery blue in full sun with good air movement.
Ecology/biology: Evergreen with scale/needle foliage; high cold and wind tolerance after establishment.
Propagation & stability: Clonal cuttings to maintain habit/colour. Does not reshoot reliably from old wood — prune with care.
Cultural risks: Susceptible to root rots in poor drainage. Exposure and airflow are key in humid climates.
1) Soil mix: Very free-draining sandy/rocky mix. In heavy soils add grit/pumice and raise the planting area.
2) Watering: Deep and infrequent; let soil dry between waterings. Reduce frequency after establishment.
3) Maintenance: Minimal pruning — remove dead bits and lightly contain edges; avoid cutting into old wood.
🔎 Item
Info
🌿 Scientific name
Juniperus horizontalis ‘Wiltonii’
🪴 Pot/Size
13 cm • height ~20 cm
☀️ Light
Full sun (≥6 hours)
💧 Water
Infrequent, deep • avoid constant moisture
🧪 Soil
Very free-draining, sandy/rocky, lean–medium
🌡️ Hardiness
High to cold/wind (established plants)
📏 Final size
Height 10–15(–20) cm, spread 1.5–2+ m over time
☠️ Toxicity
Low — discourage chewing by pets
💡 Tip: For a flawless “rug”, plant 50–70 cm apart and use a gravel mulch for drainage, colour stability and a crisp look.
🤔 Did you know? ‘Wiltonii’ is among the lowest picks of the species — ideal on slopes and bed edges without hiding taller companions.
Why you’ll love it info
🧊 Silvery blue, steady colour that elevates stone/gravel.
🧱 Dense, even groundcover with minimal upkeep.
🏜️ Perfect for sunny, free-draining, drought-leaning sites.
🧠 Greenleaf for nerds — scientific bits no one asked for geek
🧬 Creeping habit; can root where stems touch the substrate.
🪵 Scale/needle foliage; avoid pruning into old wood.
💨 High wind/cold tolerance; sensitive to poor drainage.
🧪 Prefers neutral–slightly acidic pH and mineral mulch (gravel).
How much sun does it need? light
Full sun for a compact “carpet” and strong silvery blue colour. In shade it opens up and greens.
How should I water it? watering
Deep, infrequent watering with full drainage. Let the substrate dry between cycles; avoid saucers/standing water.
What soil does it prefer? soil
Very free-draining sandy or rocky soil, lean–medium in organic matter. In heavy soils add grit/pumice and plant slightly raised.
Does it need pruning? pruning
Not routinely — remove dead parts and lightly contain edges. Avoid cutting into old wood.
🔎 Note: Natural variation means the plant you receive may differ slightly from the photos. Form, size or colour vary with season, growing conditions and each plant’s nature.
Juniperus 'wiltonii' 13cm Care & Tips
We take care of the packaging!
With specially designed boxes, we ensure that the plants will reach you intact, no matter what they encounter on the way!
All plants in 3L pots or larger are placed in individual boxes that secure the plant at the base of the pot, preventing it from tipping over.
The cardboard used for the boxes is specially made to provide resistance to potential impacts during transport.
