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Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star'
blue star juniper
Species native to the Himalayas, Afghanistan, and mountains of China and Taiwan; cultivar introduced from the Netherlands in the 1950s
Overview
Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star' is Blue Star juniper, a compact mounding evergreen coniferous shrub growing 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) tall and 3-4 feet (90-120 cm) wide over 10-15 years. Intensely silver-blue to steel-blue needle-like foliage in whorls of three, radiating from stem tips in star-like clusters. In Cupressaceae spp.. Introduced from the Netherlands in the 1950s as a sport of 'Meyeri'. The compact globose mounding form requires no pruning for decades — grows only 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) per year. Color most vivid in cool weather and full sun. Needle-like foliage (not scale-like) — all J. squamata retain juvenile needles. Spider mites are the primary pest. Dead brown needles accumulate in the interior — brush out periodically. Distinguished from 'Blue Carpet' (prostrate) and 'Meyeri' (upright). Toxic to pets. Deer-resistant. Zones 4-8. Full sun. Growth rate is very slow.
Native Range
Species native to the Himalayas, Afghanistan, and mountains of China and Taiwan at 5,000-16,000 feet (1,500-4,900 m). Cultivar introduced from the Netherlands in the 1950s.Suggested Uses
Grown as a compact blue specimen, rock garden accent, and in containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L), spaced 3-4 feet (90-120 cm). No pruning needed. Very slow growing. Toxic to pets. Zones 4-8.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread3' - 4'
Reaches mature size in approximately 12 years
Bloom Information
Not applicable — conifer. Produces small dark blue-black berry-like cones 0.25 inch (6 mm), rarely seen on this compact cultivar.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Intensely silver-blue to steel-blue, needle-like (awl-shaped), 0.25-0.4 inch (6-10 mm), in whorls of three, sharply pointed, densely packed and radiating from stem tips in star-like clusters (the 'star' pattern is the cultivar's namesake); slight bronze or plum tint in coldest winter weather; the blue intensity is among the highest of any commonly grown dwarf coniferGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun (6-12 hours). Well-drained soil pH 5.5-7.5. Drought-tolerant once established. Spider mites are the primary pest. Brush out dead brown interior needles periodically. No pruning needed for decades. Toxic to pets. Deer-resistant. Zones 4-8.Pruning
No pruning needed — the compact globose form maintains itself for decades at 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of annual growth. If shaping is needed, trim in early spring. Do not cut into bare wood — junipers do not regenerate from leafless stems.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons