Companion Planting with Blue Rug Juniper: A Guide to Successful Pairings

The Beauty and Benefits of Blue Rug Juniper as a Ground Cover

Are you looking for an attractive and low-maintenance ground cover that can add texture, color, and year-round interest to your garden or landscape? Look no further than the blue rug juniper (Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii'), a hardy evergreen shrub that grows in a low, spreading form, resembling a beautiful blue-green carpet. This plant is ideal for slopes, rock gardens, borders, and mass plantings, as it can tolerate poor soil, drought, heat, and cold, and requires minimal pruning or watering.

But did you know that blue rug juniper can also be a great partner for other plants? Companion planting is an ancient practice that involves growing different species together to enhance their growth, health, yield, and pest control, while minimizing competition, disease, and environmental stress. In this article, we will explore some of the best companion plants for blue rug juniper, based on their compatibility, aesthetics, and ecological benefits.

Section 1: Best Companion Plants for Blue Rug Juniper

1. Sedum spectabile

Sedum spectabile, also known as showy stonecrop or ice plant, is a succulent perennial that blooms in late summer and fall, producing clusters of pink, red, or white flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and can tolerate dry conditions and moderate foot traffic. When planted next to blue rug juniper, sedum creates a striking contrast of colors and textures, as its fleshy leaves and stems provide a soft and rounded counterpoint to the spiky and flat needles of the juniper. Sedum also serves as a living mulch that helps retain moisture and prevent erosion around the base of the juniper, while avoiding overcrowding or shading.

2. Coreopsis verticillata

Coreopsis verticillata, also called threadleaf coreopsis or tickseed, is a native perennial that blooms from early summer to fall, with yellow, orange, or red flowers on wiry stems. It likes full sun and well-drained soil, and can tolerate some drought and heat. When planted next to blue rug juniper, coreopsis adds a bright and cheerful touch of color to the landscape, while creating a sense of movement and height through its tall and slender foliage. Coreopsis also attracts beneficial insects such as bees and ladybugs, which help pollinate and control pests in the garden.

Section 2: Benefits of Companion Planting with Blue Rug Juniper

1. Aesthetic Appeal

Companion planting with blue rug juniper can enhance the visual appeal of your garden or landscape, by creating interesting contrasts and harmonies of colors, shapes, and textures. For example, you can pair blue rug juniper with plants that have complementary or contrasting colors, such as pink, purple, white, or yellow flowers, or that have different leaf shapes and sizes, such as round, spiky, or feathery. You can also use companion planting to create focal points, accents, or borders, that guide the eye and create a sense of depth and perspective.

2. Soil Improvement

Companion planting with blue rug juniper can improve the quality and fertility of your soil, by adding organic matter, fixing nitrogen, or suppressing weeds. For example, you can plant legumes such as clover, beans, or peas, which have symbiotic bacteria in their roots that convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that can be used by plants. You can also plant cover crops such as rye, oats, or buckwheat, which help prevent erosion, reduce compaction, and add biomass to the soil when tilled or mulched.

Section 3: Tips for Successful Companion Planting with Blue Rug Juniper

1. Choose Compatible Plants

When selecting companion plants for blue rug juniper, it is important to consider their growing requirements, habits, and potential interactions. Some plants may prefer different levels of sun, moisture, or nutrients than others, and may compete for resources or attract pests if planted too close or in inappropriate combinations. Therefore, it is recommended to research and experiment with different pairings, and observe their performance over time.

2. Plan for Space and Scale

Companion planting with blue rug juniper requires careful planning and spacing, to avoid overcrowding, shading, or blocking. It is important to choose plants that are proportional to the size and shape of the juniper, and that complement its growth habit and texture. For example, you can use low-growing plants such as sedum, thyme, or creeping phlox, around the edges or under the canopy of the juniper, while using taller plants such as coreopsis, salvia, or yarrow, in the middle or background of the bed.

Section 4: Examples of Companion Planting Designs with Blue Rug Juniper

1. Monochromatic Scheme

A monochromatic scheme involves using different shades and textures of the same color, to create a cohesive and calming effect. For example, you can combine blue rug juniper with other blue, green, or silver plants such as lavender, sage, or artemisia, to create a soothing and elegant landscape. You can also add accents of white or yellow flowers, to create a sense of contrast and vibrancy.

2. Contrasting Scheme

A contrasting scheme involves using opposite or complementary colors, to create a dynamic and dramatic effect. For example, you can pair blue rug juniper with plants that have warm or cool colors, such as red, orange, purple, or yellow, to create a bold and eye-catching display. You can also use plants with different shapes and textures, such as grasses, ferns, or succulents, to create a sense of movement and diversity.

Section 5: Frequently Asked Questions about Companion Planting with Blue Rug Juniper

1. How often should I water blue rug juniper?

Blue rug juniper is a drought-tolerant plant that prefers well-drained soil and infrequent watering. During the first year of planting, it may need occasional deep watering, to establish a strong root system. After that, it can survive on natural rainfall, except in prolonged drought or extreme heat, when it may benefit from occasional deep watering or mulching.

2. How do I prune blue rug juniper?

Blue rug juniper does not require frequent pruning, but may benefit from occasional shaping or trimming, to maintain its form and health. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears. You can remove any dead or diseased branches, or trim back any overgrown or wayward stems, using sharp and clean pruners. Avoid cutting into the woody parts of the shrub, as this may damage the plant.

3. How do I propagate blue rug juniper?

Blue rug juniper can be propagated by stem cuttings, layering, or division. The easiest method is to take 4-6 inch stem cuttings in late summer, dip them in rooting hormone, and plant them in a moist and well-drained soil mix, in a shaded area. Keep the soil evenly moist and warm, and protect the cuttings from direct sun or wind, until they root and form new growth.

4. How do I control pests and diseases on blue rug juniper?

Blue rug juniper is generally resistant to most pests and diseases, but may occasionally suffer from spider mites, scale insects, or fungal infections, especially in hot and humid conditions. To prevent or treat these problems, you can spray the shrub with insecticidal soap or neem oil, or remove any infected or dead branches, and dispose of them properly. You can also avoid overwatering or overcrowding the plant, and maintain good air circulation and sanitation.

5. Can I use blue rug juniper for erosion control?

Yes, blue rug juniper is an excellent plant for erosion control, as it forms a dense and low-growing mat that helps stabilize slopes, banks, or hildes, and prevents soil loss and runoff. To maximize its effectiveness, you can plant blue rug juniper in combination with other erosion-control plants such as creeping phlox, ajuga, or sedum, and add mulch or compost to the soil surface. You can also terrace the slope or create retention walls or berms, to slow down the water flow and distribute it evenly.