Juniperus squamata Blue Swede

Juniperus squamata 'Blue Swede' is a variety of scaly juniper with decorative foliage all year round. In the growing season, it has a beautiful blue-green colour, while as the cold approaches in autumn, it takes on purplish hues. With a spreading habit, this medium-sized conifer is twice as wide as it is tall, generally not exceeding 1m (3ft 4in) in height. This spreading habit is particularly appreciated in rockeries or to cover slopes. Highly cold-resistant, it thrives in full sun and also grows in partial shade in well-drained soil, but not excessively dry.

The scaly juniper, also known as Nepalese juniper, gets its name from its old needles that it keeps at the base of the branches. It is an evergreen species native to the mountains of the Himalayas and China, at an altitude ranging from 1600 to 4900m (5249ft 4in to 16076ft). It is therefore a highly hardy conifer (down to -25°C and even lower) and not demanding. It belongs to the Cupressaceae family, just like its relatives Thuja, Cypress or Chamaecyparis. Not picky when it comes to substrate, this juniper even accepts poor, neutral to calcareous soil, provided it is well-drained, as it does not like excess water in winter. Once well-rooted, it can withstand occasional drought in temperate climates, but does not like Mediterranean climates. Junipers have a shallow root system, which sometimes makes them difficult to associate with perennials.

This 'Blue Swede' variety forms a beautiful bush after 10 years, with a wide and spreading habit, measuring approximately  1m (3ft 4in) in height and 2m (6ft 7in) in width, occasionally more depending on growing conditions. Its branches are adorned with short thorns of a beautiful blue-green colour that turns purplish in cold weather.

The 'Blue Swede' juniper can be planted above a wall or a low wall, or near a swimming pool, as it goes well with geometric lines and masonry structures. It is also excellent for covering slopes or in a large rockery, provided it can be watered in the first few years. In a shrub border, its beautiful colour will combine with golden foliage to create a spectacular scene throughout the season: Cotinus 'Golden Lady' with its changing colours depending on the time of year, will provide a permanent spectacle alongside it. Choisya 'Goldfinger' with its persistent golden yellow foliage will also be a perfect companion, as well as Berberis thunbergii 'Golden Rocket' with its small bright yellow leaves. In a contemporary garden, focusing on graphic forms, its spreading habit will contrast beautifully with plants with columnar habits, such as the fastigiate common yew whose dark green foliage in the background will highlight the blue-green of its shoots.