Caring for a Blue Chip Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis ‘Blue Chip’)

Caring for a Blue Chip Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis ‘Blue Chip’) in Lethbridge, Alberta, requires understanding the plant’s needs and adapting them to the region’s cold, dry climate. The Blue Chip Juniper is a low-growing, spreading evergreen with attractive blue-green foliage, making it a great choice for ground cover, borders, or rock gardens. This guide is based on firsthand experience from the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden in Lethbridge, Alberta—a city located in hardiness zone 4B, where winters are cold, and the climate is relatively dry. You can also see Blue Chip Juniper by visiting Nikka Yuko.

Planting Location

• Full Sun: The Blue Chip Juniper thrives in full sun, so choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. While it can tolerate some light shade, full sun is optimal for vibrant foliage colour.
• Well-Drained Soil: This juniper is highly adaptable to various soil types, including sandy, rocky, and loamy soils. However, it must have well-drained soil to avoid root rot. If your soil is heavy or clay-based, amend it with organic matter like compost or sand to improve drainage.
• Wind Protection: Lethbridge can be windy, especially in the winter. Plant the Blue Chip Juniper in a sheltered spot, such as near a fence or wall, to help protect it from harsh winds and prevent windburn in winter.

Soil and Fertilization

Int he right conditions, Blue Chip Juniper will grow up to a foot a year.

Quick Growing Guide

Botanical Name: Juniperus horizontalis

Botanical Family: Cupressaceae

Colour:

• Blue
• Green

Sun / Shade:

• Full Sun

Water: Once established, requires little water

Soil:

• Slightly Acidic
• Well drained

Height:

• Less than 1 foot (30 cms or less)

Width:

• Up to 8 feet (240cms)

Hardiness Zones:

• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8
• 9

Care:

• Easy to Care and Grow

Propagation Method

• Other Cuttings

Take cuttings in the late summer or fall

• Soil Type: The Blue Chip Juniper is tolerant of poor soil, but it prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0 to 7.0). It can also handle drought and dry soils, making it well-suited for Lethbridge’s arid climate.
• Fertilizing: Junipers typically don’t need heavy fertilization. If desired, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (like 10-10-10) in early spring to encourage healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nitrogen can lead to weak growth and reduced hardiness.
• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool. Be sure to keep the mulch away from the trunk to avoid rot.

Watering

• Watering Needs: The Blue Chip Juniper is relatively drought-tolerant once established. However, it requires regular watering during its first few growing seasons to develop a strong root system. During dry spells, water deeply once a week or as needed.
• Avoid Overwatering: While junipers are drought-tolerant, they don’t like soggy conditions. Ensure the soil drains well, and do not overwater. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
• Watering Tips: Check the soil before watering to ensure it’s dry to the touch a few inches below the surface. Water the juniper at the base, not on the foliage, to prevent fungal issues.

Pruning

• Minimal Pruning: The Blue Chip Juniper is naturally low-maintenance and doesn’t require much pruning. However, you can trim back any dead, damaged, or diseased branches as needed, especially in the spring before new growth starts.
• Shaping: If you want to maintain a specific shape or size, you can prune lightly to control its spread. The plant has a naturally spreading habit, so regular pruning can keep it looking tidy and prevent it from becoming too sprawling.
• Pruning Tips: If you decide to prune, make sure to cut back to the point where healthy growth begins. Avoid cutting into old wood, as junipers may not regenerate from old, woody stems.

Winter Care

• Cold Hardy: The Blue Chip Juniper is hardy to USDA Zone 3, making it well-suited for Lethbridge’s cold winters. However, it may still be susceptible to winter burn from wind and sun.
• Protection from Winter Burn: To prevent winter burn, especially during harsh winds, you can wrap the juniper with burlap or provide wind protection using a temporary barrier. This will shield the plant from drying winds and the sun’s reflective rays.
• Snow Cover: Snow can act as insulation for the plant, so don’t worry if the juniper gets buried in snow. If there’s heavy snow on the branches, gently shake it off to prevent damage.
• Mulching: Apply an extra layer of mulch around the base of the plant in the fall to protect the roots from freezing temperatures.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pest Resistance: The Blue Chip Juniper is relatively pest-resistant, but it can occasionally attract aphids, spider mites, or scale insects. If you see pests, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
• Diseases: Junipers are generally disease-resistant, but they can sometimes suffer from fungal diseases, especially in overly wet conditions. Ensure good air circulation around the plant to help prevent diseases like rust or blight.
• Proper Spacing: Make sure to space the plants properly when planting multiple junipers to ensure good airflow, which reduces the risk of fungal infections.

General Tips

• Ground Cover: The Blue Chip Juniper is often used as ground cover due to its low, spreading habit. It’s an excellent choice for erosion control, slopes, and rock gardens. It forms a dense mat that can help prevent weed growth.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, the Blue Chip Juniper requires minimal maintenance. It’s drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and adaptable to a variety of growing conditions.
• Companion Planting: It pairs well with other drought-tolerant plants like ornamental grasses, sedums, and other hardy shrubs. Consider planting it alongside other evergreen plants for year-round interest.

Conclusion

The Blue Chip Juniper is a hardy, low-maintenance evergreen that does well in cold and dry climates. By providing it with full sun, well-drained soil, and proper watering during its establishment phase, your juniper will thrive. Once it’s established, the Blue Chip Juniper is drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and can handle the harsh winter conditions in the region. With minimal care, it will provide year-round beauty, whether as ground cover, a border plant, or in rock gardens.