Juniperus sabina Rockery Gem

Juniperus sabina 'Rockery Gem', also called the savin juniper 'Rockery Gem' is an evergreen shrub with a branching, spreading, creeping habit, whose very dense, curly-looking foliage is not prickly. Its foliage is in a lovely glaucous silver-green colour with bluish tones which last all year round. This exceptional variety cascades down slopes, works well in rockeries, and enhances a planting bed in a small garden. It is a slow-growing conifer, but also an extremely hardy plant, perfectly adapted to wind, drought and altitude. It appreciates full sun and well-drained soil, even when poor, dry and chalky.

Also called Savin, Juniperus sabina is a alpine species native to the cold regions of Europe (Andalusia, Turkey, Alps, Balkans), North Africa (Algeria and Morocco) and Asia. It is found between 1400 and 2750 meters (4593 feet to 9022 feet) altitude, but can also be seen in many parks and gardens where it has acclimatized. It is a perfectly hardy conifer belonging to the cypress family ,up to -40°C (-40 °F).

'Rockery Gem' forms a beautiful shrub after a few years with a dense, prostrate and spreading habit, measuring 70 cm (27.6 in) in height with a span of 2 m (6 ft 7 in). It grows slowly when it is young, then grows more quickly as it matures. Its overlapping branches are covered with small, very tight scale-like leaves which are paired on the upright branchlets.  These give off a pleasant, strong and aromatic smell when crushed. The fruits that form are flat and spherical false berries called galbulus; they are bluish black and frosted at ripeness, and rich in essential oil. Its reddish bark peels with age. Junipers have a shallow root system that sometimes makes them difficult to mix with perennials.

Juniper 'Rockery Gem' is an extraordinary little conifer, very undemanding, which works well in the most difficult areas of the garden as long as they are sunny. It can work well on a large slope, in a rockery, overhanging or against walls or near a swimming pool, because it contrasts well with geometric lines.  It is easily grown in pots and is well suited to the art of bonsai. It can also be planted near or overhanging water or cascading from a rockery. The geometric qualities of conifers naturally allow them to work successfully in the design of a contemporary garden, which prefers the aesthetics of shapes, silhouettes and textures to a mix of flowers. These plants can structurally enhance a planting bed, delineate pathways, border a terrace, or easily substitute pruned boxwood.  They mix well with tousled grasses and heathers which like similar planting conditions. The best results are achieved by playing with volume and colour.