'Bar Harbor' was selected along the rocky coast of Maine, and that origin tells you most of what you need to know about its constitution. It handles salt spray, poor sandy soils, and drought without complaint, spreads to a relaxed 6 to 8 feet while staying barely a foot tall, and tolerates hard pruning without sulking. The foliage runs gray-green to blue-green through the growing season, then turns a rich reddish-purple once temperatures drop, making it a plant with a genuine second season of interest rather than one that simply goes quiet in winter.

Because its canopy is relatively open compared with some of the denser cultivars, 'Bar Harbor' layers well with other low-growing plants and works particularly well along walkways and patios where a little visual lightness is welcome. It is typically male, so it will not set cones, keeping the focus entirely on the foliage. Plant it in full sun, space generously, and let the branches find their own gentle rhythm across the ground.