Juniperus horizontalis Icee Blue

Juniperus horizontalis Icee Blue ('Monber'), also known as creeping juniper or horizontal juniper, forms over time a beautiful mat of scale-like branches, covered with magnificent intense silver-blue foliage, which takes on a purplish hue in winter cold. This vigorous and extremely hardy conifer is an excellent ground cover to adorn a large slope, a rockery, or a container. It is perfectly adapted to difficult conditions and grows quite fast. It appreciates full sun and well-drained soil, even poor, occasionally dry and limestone soil.

Juniperus horizontalis is an evergreen and prostrate conifer belonging to the Cupressaceae family. It is native to the northern regions of North America, which explains its excellent hardiness. In its natural environment, it has a prostrate, very spreading habit, reaching a thickness of 45 cm (17.7 in) and a span of 2 m to 4 m (6.6 ft to 13.1 ft). This species appreciates cool climates, poor, sandy and/or limestone soils, and is not afraid of arid conditions.

Icee Blue was discovered at the Bergman nursery in the state of Illinois, United States, in 1978. It is said to be derived from Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii'. After 10 years, it forms a prostrate bush, with a very spreading habit, measuring 15 cm (5.9 in) in height and over 2 m (6.6 ft) in span. It grows quite slowly when young, then its growth accelerates as it ages. The spreading branches can root, so a single plant can eventually cover a large area. Its 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. The foliage is intensely silver-blue, with the tips of mature branches taking on a lovely purplish hue. This variety does not bear fruit. Junipers have a shallow root system that makes them fragile when it comes to transplantation, strong winds, and difficult to associate with perennials.

Icee Blue is an extraordinary conifer, of great frugality, that conquers space in the most difficult areas of the garden as long as they are sunny. It will be wholeheartedly adopted in a dry garden, on a large slope, among rocks, above a wall, or near a swimming pool, as it blends well with geometric lines and masonry structures. It can also be installed near a water feature, overlooking a rocky scree. It also adapts very well to container gardening. The structural qualities of conifers naturally shine in a contemporary garden, which prefers the aesthetics of forms, silhouettes, and textures over the fleeting appearance of flowers. These plants have a reassuring permanence that provides lasting structure to a flower bed. They can be used to mark pathways and border terraces, easily replacing trimmed boxwood or holly. They associate well with mahonias or tousled grasses with a very complementary temperament. The key is to play with volumes and colours.