Blue Star Juniper / Flaky Juniper
Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star'
A slow-growing, dwarf evergreen conifer known for its dense, mounding habit and sparkling silver-blue needle-like foliage that grows in awl-shaped triplets.
- Light
- Full sun (6+ hours per day). It can tolerate some light shade but will lose its vibrant blue color and become leggy.
- Water
- Low to medium. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant. Overwatering is the most common cause of death.
- Growth
- Perennial evergreen shrub with a slow-growing, mounding, or globose habit. Mature size is usually 2-3 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide.
Care instructions
This plant requires very little maintenance once established. It needs full sun and extremely well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Avoid overwatering and provide a slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun (6+ hours per day). It can tolerate some light shade but will lose its vibrant blue color and become leggy.
Watering
Low to medium. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant. Overwatering is the most common cause of death.
Soil
Well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils. It tolerates a wide range of pH (5.0 to 8.0) but cannot stand 'wet feet' or heavy clay.
Hardiness zone
4 to 8
Growth habit
Perennial evergreen shrub with a slow-growing, mounding, or globose habit. Mature size is usually 2-3 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide.
Bloom season
Non-flowering; it is a gymnosperm that produces small, berry-like cones rather than flowers.
Propagation
Propagated via semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or autumn. Seed propagation is difficult and will not result in 'True to type' cultivars.
Common pests & issues
Root rot from poor drainage, spider mites in hot/dry weather, and Phomopsis blight. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Similar species
Juniperus procumbens 'Nana' (Green Mound Juniper), which is more prostrate and green, or Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Chip', which is a low-growing groundcover.