How to Propagate Blue Rug Juniper

Blue rug juniper is an evergreen ground cover that grows only four to six inches above the ground. It creates a thick carpet when planted, preventing soil erosion and any weeds from growing. Blue rug juniper can grow well in almost any area and is low maintenance once established. Propagating the plant by seed is unpredictable and can take up to five years, so most people use cuttings. Knowledge of how to prepare the cuttings for planting will help you get a thick, silvery blue ground cover from small pieces of an existing plant.

Blue rug juniper cuttings

Knife

Jar

Water

Pot

Potting soil

Take hardwood cuttings in the late fall and early winter from an existing blue rug juniper plant. Cut the cutting at a joint with a sharp knife, and place it in a glass of water. Place the glass in a sunny window, and allow the roots to grow half an inch to an inch in length.

Fill a small pot three quarters of the way with potting soil. Place the cutting in the potting soil with the roots flat against the bottom. Fill the pot the rest of the way with potting soil.

Give the newly potted plant a good soaking. Keep the roots moist, but not soaking wet, until they have established themselves.

Transplant the new plant in early spring after the last frost dates. Choose a spot in full sun with well-drained soil of any kind. Wet, soggy soil will only encourage root rot and stunt the growth of the juniper. Place your plants 42 inches apart to give you a lush look without crowding the plants.

Water the plants until they take root; they should flourish without much care. Only prune if they are overtaking an area where you do not want them.