Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants

Juniperus sabina 'Rockery Gem'

A slow-growing, compact, dwarf, evergreen conifer with dense blue-grey needle-like foliage. Ideal for ground cover in rockeries

Join the RHS

Become an RHS Member today and save 25% on your first year

Join now
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Grey Silver
Summer Blue Grey Silver
Autumn Blue Grey Silver
Winter Blue Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Cupressaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy, Spreading branched
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten/skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus

Juniperus can be prostrate or erect, evergreen shrubs or trees with aromatic, scale-like or sharply pointed awl-shaped leaves, and small globose fruits

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained soil. Useful in hot sunny sites. Good ground cover

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, juniper scale and caterpillars

Diseases

May be susceptible to phytophthora, canker and honey fungus. See also Conifers: brown patches

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.