Juniperus procumbens

Native to western and southern Korea and southern Japan, this low-growing evergreen conifer forms a spreading mat of dense branches. It usually stays under two feet tall but can spread ten to fifteen feet wide. Its blue-green, needle-like leaves grow in groups of three and retain their color through winter. It is cultivated as ground cover, in rock gardens and along retaining walls, where its branches can cascade over the edges. Established plants tolerate drought, heat and poor soil, but need good drainage. Photographed in Bogotá, Colombia.