Juniperus horizontalis Agnieszka

The Juniperus horizontalis Agnieszka is a variety of horizontal juniper that stands out for its lightly bluish green foliage. Like other varieties, it spreads widely on the ground, without occupying all the space in a small garden. It is therefore a very good ground cover plant to occupy a slope or dress up a rockery. Very hardy, this conifer appreciates a neutral to limestone soil, even poor or sandy, in any case, well-drained. Loving full sun, it also grows in partial shade and proves easy to cultivate.

The Juniperus horizontalis is an evergreen conifer and prostrate, belonging to the Cupressaceae family. This family includes other common species, such as cypresses, arborvitaes, and false cypresses, or lesser-known ones, such as the majestic South American Fitzroya or the Australian Callitris. This horizontal juniper is native to the northern regions of North America, which explains its excellent hardiness (-25 to -30 °C). In its natural environment, it has a prostrate habit, spreading up to 45 cm (17.7 in) thick and 2 to 4 m (6 ft 7 in to 13 ft 1 in) wide. This species appreciates cool climates, poor, sandy and/or limestone soils, and does not fear arid conditions.

The 'Agnieszka' juniper, derived from this species, forms a low bush after 10 years, with a very wide habit, measuring 30 cm (11.8 in) in height and 1.50 m (4 ft 11 in) in width. Its foliage consists of soft and non-prickly needles, with a beautiful bluish green colour. Very hardy, it adapts to many types of soils, as long as they are well-drained. In these conditions, it will adjust to a certain level of humidity while being able to withstand dryness once well established. It is therefore a particularly easy plant to cultivate and highly recommended for beginner gardeners. 

The 'Agnieszka' horizontal juniper is a precious small conifer, of great frugality, which will be perfect for covering a slope, running along the edge of a dry stone wall, or spreading between rocks in a sunny rockery. Its limited growth and relatively slow growth rate also allow it to be cultivated in a container. A graphic plant par excellence, it will find its place in a contemporary garden with geometric lines, in a rockery or a Mediterranean garden.
Developing mainly in a horizontal plane, it can be easily associated with columnar plants (such as the 'Ivory Tower' yew) or globular-shaped shrubs, or even topiaries. Similarly, strong colour contrasts can be created by planting nearby wig trees - which, like it, tolerate limestone and poor soils - with purple foliage (Cotinus coggygria Royal Purple) or golden foliage (Cotinus coggygria Golden Spirit).