Juniperus squamata Tropical Blue

Juniperus squamata 'Tropical Blue' is a variety of scale-leaved juniper with highly decorative steel blue foliage all year round, and even more so in winter when its colour intensifies due to the cold. This conifer naturally forms a low, creeping habit. Well spread out on the ground, with particularly dense branches, it is an excellent ground cover that prevents the growth of unwanted weeds under its canopy. Highly resistant to cold, it thrives in full sun and also grows in partial shade in well-drained, not too dry soil.

The scale-leaved juniper, also known as the Nepalese juniper, gets its name from its old needles that it retains at the base of its branches. It is an evergreen species native to the mountains of the Himalayas and China, at an altitude between 1600 and 4900m (5249ft 4in and 16076ft). It is therefore a conifer with great hardiness (down to -25°C and even lower) and low demands. It belongs to the Cupressaceae family, which includes important coniferous genera in parks and gardens, such as Thuja, Cypress, or Chamaecyparis.
This variety 'Tropical Blue' with its evocative name indeed has persistent foliage with a beautiful steel blue colour, even more pronounced in winter. Its small pointed leaves are closely imbricated on the branches, which are particularly dense, giving it a distinctive bristly appearance. Over the years, this slow-growing conifer forms a carpet about 1.50m (4ft 11in) wide and 40cm (15.7in) high.
The 'Tropical Blue' juniper is an undemanding conifer, easy to grow on a slope or in a rockery, as long as the soil remains sufficiently moist. Once well rooted, it tolerates occasional drought in temperate climates, as it does not like very hot climates, such as Mediterranean ones.

Therefore, it can be planted above a wall or low wall, or near a swimming pool, as it goes well with geometric lines and masonry structures. It is also excellent as a slope cover or in a large rockery, provided it can be watered in the first few years. Junipers have a shallow root system, which can sometimes make it difficult to associate them with perennials.
In a shrub bed, its beautiful colour will combine with golden foliage to create a spectacular scene throughout the season: the Golden Privet, which changes colours depending on the time of year, and is just as robust as our little juniper, will provide a permanent spectacle alongside it. The 'Goldfinger' Choisya with its persistent golden yellow foliage will also be a perfect companion, as well as the 'Golden Rocket' Barberry with its bright yellow small leaves. In a contemporary garden that emphasizes graphic shapes, its spreading habit will contrast beautifully with columnar plants, such as the fastigiate common yew, whose dark green foliage in the background will enhance the blue-green colour of its shoots. And to create surprise, a weeping purple Judas tree will make a truly original scene alongside it.