Juniperus Horizontalis Blue Rug #1-Deer Resistant

Blue Rug Juniper -- nature’s carpet and your new best friend.

This is a staple here at Mitchell's because it is essentially "living mulch." It hugs the ground tighter than just about any other evergreen, creating a dense, silver-blue mat that trails beautifully over retaining walls and locks down soil on tricky slopes.

For homeowners in Mount Airy, King, and Winston-Salem, the Blue Rug Juniper is the ultimate low-maintenance solution. It thrives in the heat, laughs at droughts once established, and provides year-round color without ever needing to prune it back.

Why we recommend them for NC Piedmont Triad yards:

• Slope Saver: This is the best plant for erosion control. Its root system anchors the soil, making it perfect for steep banks where grass just won't grow (or is too dangerous to mow).

• Deer Proof: If the local deer treat your garden like a buffet, you’ll love this. They generally turn their noses up at the texture and scent of juniper, leaving your landscape intact.

• Winter Interest: While it stays silver-blue all summer, the foliage takes on a handsome purplish-bronze tint during our NC winters, adding color when everything else is brown and dormant.

Best Used For: Steep embankments, rock gardens, cascading over retaining walls, and replacing turf in hard-to-water areas.

The Blue Rug Juniper stays incredibly low (only 4–6 inches tall) but spreads wide (6–8 feet). It demands full sun and absolutely requires well-draining soil—it doesn't like "wet feet." For detailed info on disease resistance and planting tips, check out the NC State Extension Plant Toolbox [Blue Rug Juniper] or chat with our team at the nursery.