Shore juniper (Juniperus conferta 'Blue Pacific')
Juniperus conferta 'Blue Pacific', or Shore juniper, is a hardy, low-spreading needled evergreen valued for its blue-green foliage and low maintenance.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Juniperus conferta ‘Blue Pacific’, commonly known as Shore juniper, is a superb, dense, low-spreading needled evergreen that provides excellent year-round texture in the landscape. Valued for its striking, aromatic, blue-green, awl-shaped needles, this cultivar stays exceptionally low to the ground, making it a superior choice for ground cover applications where height restriction is key. It originates from coastal areas of Japan, translating to a tough constitution ready to handle difficult growing sites.
This trailing cultivar of Shore juniper is specifically bred to offer denser foliage, a better ground-covering habit, and superior resistance to winter damage compared to the species form. Growing only up to one foot tall but spreading aggressively between four and six feet wide, Juniperus conferta ‘Blue Pacific’ creates a vibrant, low carpet of color that requires minimal intervention once established. Its robustness makes it a practical and attractive foundation plant.
For gardeners seeking dependable, evergreen color on slopes, in dry locations, or along coastal properties, the Shore juniper delivers dependable performance. The shrub’s formality is broken up by fleshy, blackish, berry-like seed cones that develop a desirable silvery bloom at maturity, adding visual interest throughout the year alongside its signature blue-green foliage.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Cupressaceae
- Plant Type: Needled evergreen
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.5-1 ft
- Spread: 4-6 ft
- Bloom Time: Non-flowering
- Bloom Description: Non-flowering
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting Shore juniper is best achieved during the fall or early spring, allowing the roots to establish before experiencing the stresses of peak summer heat or deep winter cold. Choose a location receiving full sun, as insufficient light will lead to sparse, weakened growth in this sun-loving juniper. While adaptable, Juniperus conferta ‘Blue Pacific’ performs best in well-drained soils, though it tolerates sandy environments extremely well, reflecting its coastal heritage.
Once established, the medium water needs of this ground cover become apparent; water deeply when the top few inches of soil begin to dry out, but avoid persistent wetness, which invites root rot. Fertilizing is rarely necessary for low-maintenance Juniperus conferta ‘Blue Pacific’, but a slow-release, balanced fertilizer applied in early spring can encourage vigorous new growth if the soil is poor. Pruning is minimal; typically, only removing dead or damaged tips is required to maintain its naturally dense, sprawling form.
Be proactive regarding potential seasonal issues. During unusually wet springs, monitor carefully for signs of fungal blights, such as Phomopsis twig blight, by promptly removing and destroying affected stem tips. In winter, protect plants from harsh, drying winds and heavy road salt exposure, which can exacerbate winter injury, a known weakness for junipers in the coldest parts of its range.
Landscape Uses
The Shore juniper excels in roles designed to cover large, open areas, acting as a versatile, sprawling ground cover that tolerates hot, dry locations in full sun. Its dense mat-forming habit makes Juniperus conferta ‘Blue Pacific’ highly effective for stabilizing slopes and preventing soil erosion, an essential function given its inclusion in tolerance lists. It is an ideal component for rock gardens, spilling gracefully over stone outcroppings.
Use this needled evergreen for softening the harsh lines of foundations or cascading dramatically over the edges of retaining walls, providing year-round structure where flowering perennials might struggle. When utilized in mass plantings, mass plantings, the uniform texture and color of Juniperus conferta ‘Blue Pacific’ create a cohesive, impactful sweep of blue-green across the landscape.
Companion planting should focus on species that share its love for sun and excellent drainage. Pair it with drought-tolerant perennials, ornamental grasses, or other low-growing conifers that offer contrasting textures or colors to enhance the visual appeal of the sprawling Shore juniper.
Standout Features
Fruit Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Juniperus conferta, commonly called shore juniper, is a decumbent evergreen shrub that is native to certain sandy coastal areas of Japan and Sakhalin Island (Russia). It is noted for its attractive, aromatic, awl-shaped, blue-green foliage featuring spiny-pointed blue-green needles (to 5/8” long) in groups of three. The cultivar ‘Blue Pacific’ is distinct due to its better blue foliage color, denser branching, and improved winter hardiness compared to the standard species.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Drought
- Erosion
- Air Pollution
Potential Problems
This juniper generally exhibits low susceptibility to major insect or disease issues, contributing to its low maintenance rating. However, gardeners must watch for blights, especially Phomopsis twig blight, which causes dieback of stem tips, particularly following wet spring seasons. Junipers are also hosts for cedar-apple and related rust diseases, so ensure good air circulation and avoid planting near susceptible apple or hawthorn trees. Root rot remains a risk if the plant is placed in poorly drained, perpetually wet soils. Control occasional pests like scale or spider mites immediately upon detection, and be mindful that foliage dieback in the center is common on older specimens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Shore juniper suitable for?
Juniperus conferta ‘Blue Pacific’ is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 9.
How large does Shore juniper grow?
This cultivar typically reaches a low height between 0.5 and 1 foot, but it spreads quite widely, reaching a spread of 4 to 6 feet.
What sun exposure does Juniperus conferta ‘Blue Pacific’ need?
The Shore juniper requires full sun exposure to maintain its dense growth habit and vibrant blue-green foliage color.
When does Shore juniper bloom?
This plant is classified as non-flowering, although it does produce visible, small, berry-like seed cones.
Conclusion
The Juniperus conferta ‘Blue Pacific’ remains an exceptional, low-commitment choice for hard-to-manage landscape areas requiring dependable evergreen coverage. Its superior blue coloration and dense, spreading shape define its value as a premier ground cover that thrives in dryness and sun. Before planting, confirm your local site conditions fall within USDA Zones 6-9 and ensure the spot receives full, uninterrupted daylight.
Companion Planting
When planning garden beds around your Shore juniper, look for partners that thrive in full sun and appreciate well-drained soil, mimicking the natural habitat of the best ground cover. Consider pairing the low profile of Juniperus conferta ‘Blue Pacific’ with taller, upright grasses like Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) to create striking vertical contrast against the spreading blue mat. Succulents or alpine plants that demand sharp drainage also make excellent companions, reinforcing the drought-tolerant theme of the planting scheme.
Design Ideas
Utilize the cascading nature of Juniperus conferta ‘Blue Pacific’ when designing tiered retaining walls or large rockery landscapes. For contemporary designs, plant in bold drifts along pathways or driveways where its texture can contrast sharply against paving materials like gravel or flagstone. In xeriscaping, the Shore juniper forms the crucial stabilizing green layer that requires minimal supplemental irrigation once established, anchoring the entire drought-tolerant composition.
