Junipers are a diverse group of coniferous plants that are known for their evergreen foliage and attractive shapes. They are popular choices for gardens and landscapes due to their hardiness and versatility. If you live in gardening zone 5b, you have a wide range of junipers to choose from that are well-suited to your climate.

One of the most popular junipers for zone 5b is the 'Blue Arrow' juniper. This upright, columnar plant is known for its striking blue-green needles and vertical habit. It grows to be about 10-15 feet tall and only 3-4 feet wide, making it a perfect choice for narrow spaces or as a formal hedge. The 'Blue Arrow' juniper is also relatively low maintenance, only requiring occasional pruning to maintain its shape.

Another great juniper for zone 5b is the 'Blue Point' juniper. This plant is known for its elegant, pyramidal shape and bright blue-green needles. It grows to be about 10-20 feet tall and 5-10 feet wide, making it a good choice for a medium-sized hedge or as a standalone specimen. The 'Blue Point' juniper is also relatively easy to care for, only needing occasional watering and fertilization to thrive.

If you're looking for a juniper with a more informal, naturalistic look, the 'Green Mound' juniper might be the perfect choice. This low-growing, spreading plant has soft, green needles and a mounding habit that makes it ideal for groundcover or rock gardens. It grows to be about 2-3 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide, making it a great choice for filling in gaps in your garden beds. The 'Green Mound' juniper is also easy to care for, requiring only occasional watering and fertilization to thrive.

For a unique and eye-catching addition to your garden, consider the 'Gold Lace' juniper. This plant has bright yellow-gold foliage that turns a fiery orange-red in the fall. It has a trailing habit, making it perfect for hanging baskets or spilling over the edges of containers. It grows to be about 2-3 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide, making it a great choice for small spaces or as an accent plant. The 'Gold Lace' juniper is also low maintenance, requiring only occasional watering and fertilization to thrive.

No matter what kind of juniper you choose for your garden, be sure to plant it in well-draining soil and give it plenty of sunlight. Junipers are generally hardy plants that can tolerate a wide range of conditions, but they do best when they are planted in a location that meets their specific needs. With a little bit of care and attention, your juniper will thrive and bring beauty and interest to your garden for years to come.