Juniperus rigida subsp. conferta Blue Pacific

Juniperus 'Blue Pacific' is a shoreline juniper with a prostrate and spreading habit. Over time, it forms a beautiful carpet of scale-like and flexible branches, covered with a superb spring foliage that is green apple in colour and turns bluish under the effect of winter cold. This slow-growing conifer is very hardy in well-drained soil. It is an excellent ground cover to adorn a large slope, a rockery, or a container by the sea, as it is perfectly adapted to soil salinity and sea spray. However, it adapts very well to many climates, far from the shores. It appreciates full sun and light, not too chalky soil, even poor soil.

Juniperus conferta, also called "shore juniper", is an evergreen and prostrate conifer belonging to the cypress family, which includes related species such as cypresses and Chamaecyparis. It is native to certain dune regions of Japan and Sakhalin Island in Russia. In its natural environment, it is a dense plant, 25 to 45cm (9.8 to 17.7in) tall, spreading by creeping, with its ramified stems slowly spreading to form a low bush with a wingspan of 2.20m (7ft 2in). This species appreciates coastal climates, poor, light, sandy and/or slightly acidic soils but "loses its feathers" in arid conditions.

The 'Blue Pacific' juniper, derived from this species, is undoubtedly the most well-known and widely used cultivar in gardens thanks to its exceptional adaptability. It forms a prostrate shrub, with a very spreading habit, measuring 30cm (11.8in) in height with a wingspan of 1.5m (4ft 11in) in 10 years. It grows slowly when young, then its growth accelerates slightly as it ages. The spreading branches are initially erect, then arched, giving the foliage a very flexible appearance. They easily root upon contact with the ground, allowing it to cover large areas over time. Its feathery foliage consists of two types of leaves; the juveniles have a scale-like appearance while the adult leaves are needles. Its small, tightly packed juvenile leaves emit a resinous and aromatic scent when rubbed. In spring, the young water-green to green apple shoots emerge from bluish green foliage. Junipers have a shallow root system that makes them fragile when it comes to transplantation, strong winds, and difficult to associate with perennials.

The creeping juniper 'Blue Pacific' is an extraordinary conifer, very undemanding, which conquers space in challenging areas as long as they are sunny. While it is particularly suitable for a seaside garden, it can be adopted without reservation in any light soil, on a large slope, among rocks, above a wall or a low wall, or near a swimming pool, as it blends well with geometric lines and masonry works. It can also be planted near a water feature, cascading down a rocky slope. It also adapts very well to container cultivation. The true graphic qualities of conifers naturally impose themselves in the design of a contemporary garden, which prefers the aesthetics of shapes, silhouettes, and textures over the dance of blooms. These plants with their reassuring permanence structurally enhance flower beds, mark pathways, border terraces, easily replacing the strong presence of trimmed boxwood or holly. They also pair well with tousled grasses such as marram grass and Stipa, with highly complementary temperaments. The key is to play with volumes and colours.