Juniper Being Stubborn on Layering & Possible ID

[Fishy]

Hello,
I have identified a Chinese? Juniper with fairly good traits that I have been attempting to air layer for the past two years. The previous summer, I managed to strike roots on 1/5 of my attempts, but it had already begun to brown off and has since died. This fall, I attempted ~10 additional layers, and each has either begun to brown, or has failed due to regrowth of the bark (this was actually cool, because it came back as a blood red color [see attached photos]). Perhaps the species is just difficult to layer? After some research, I am certain that it resembles a Kishu Juniper with a more blue-ish tint. The foliage certainly seems on-par with it. I will let you guys debate what you think it is.

FYI: Its not one of those arctic common junipers.

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

Is it in a yard or in the wild? What country is it in? What state and region?

Could be that you've found some awesome scopulorum.
Unlikely to be kishu as that variety is quite new everywhere in the world (as in: less than 20 years).

If airlayers fail, I stop cutting the bark and just girdle it instead. That seems to be effective in some cases, without dropping any branches.

 

[ShimpakuBonsai]

I start with airlayers of Junipers in early spring and most are rooted after 3-4 months.