PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; thrives in direct sunlight for most of the day, with slight shade tolerance in hot summer climates
Watering
Water deeply when the top 5–7 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot in poorly drained soil
Temperature
Cold-hardy to subzero temperatures; tolerates heat and drought once fully established
Characteristics
- Foliage: Scale-like, soft blue-green leaves arranged in dense, overlapping clusters
- Cones: Inconspicuous male cones are yellow; female cones mature to small, fleshy blue-black galbuli
- Stem: Thin, woody stems form a tight, mounded canopy
Care Guide
Watering
Water deeply every 7–10 days during dry spells; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal growth
Fertilization
Apply slow-release granular fertilizer once in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive, leggy growth
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on the soil surface in early spring and water in to release nutrients graduallyPruning
- Trim stray or overgrown branches in early spring to maintain the compact mounded shape
- Remove dead or brown foliage to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
- Avoid heavy pruning; only shape lightly to preserve the plant's natural dense habit
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy
Humans: Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation; essential oils may trigger skin irritation in sensitive individuals
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ground cover, rock garden specimen, container ornamental
