Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star'
Common Name(s):
Blue Star Juniper
Singleseed Juniper
Synonym:
Flaky juniper
Flower:
No Flower
Blooms :
to:
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
NO
Family:
Cupressaceae
Med - Lg Shrub (usually >3' and never < 1.5')
Foliage:
Other
Silver-blue leaves awl-shaped, 6-10 mm long, over-lapping, densely arranged, in whorls of 3, steel-blue, conspicuous white stripe.
Fall Color?
NO
Evergreen
Photo by:
Heading 6
This icy-blue evergreen is a good contrast to other evergreens. Needles may have a bronze or purple cast during cold months
Oregon Native?
NO
West State Native?
NO
Origins:
It is native to mountainous areas from Afghanistan to China and Taiwan.
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
4
Water Needs:
VL
Sun Needs:
Full Sun
Deer Resistant?
YES
Firewise?
YES
Height:
3-5'
Spread:
3-5'
Growth Rate:
Slow
Native Habitat:
Species native to Afghanistan, Himalayas, western China. 'Blue Star' originated as a witches' broom on 'Meyeri' in Holland, introduced in 1964.
Soil:
Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Adapts to a wide range of soils, including dry soil. Performs well in dryish, sandy soils with good drainage
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Low
Fertilizer:
Requires no fertilizer
Mulch:
2-3" layer of shredded bark, pine straw,inorganic stone/gravel
Give full sun, open breezy site, well-drained soil, water regularly first year then only during prolonged dry spells, feed lightly in spring, no pruning
Long Term:
Winter:
Give deep watering during dry winter warm spells when temperatures are above 40 degrees and ground is unfrozen
Spring:
Prune in spring before new grown starts When pruning, only cut into healthy wood, trimming back to a branch that is pointing in the direction you want the shrub to grow. You may need to thin "Blue Star," which is a densely growing plant.
Summer:
Full sun, well-drained soil, deep infrequent watering
Fall:
Give deep thorough watering just before freezing if fall is dry, good time for planting, add 1-2" layer of organic mulch, avoid fertilizing, skip heavy pruning
General Care Comments:
Foliage may discolor in winter.
Common Problems
No serious problems
Diseases:
Root rot may occur, particularly in wet, poorly drained soils.
Junipers are generally susceptible to blights (dieback of stem tips), particularly in unusually rainy/wet springs. Phomopsis twig blight is of particular concern. Cedar-apple and related ru
Insects:
Occasional insect pests include aphids, bagworms, twig borers, webworms and scale. Watch for spider mites.
Environmental Problems:
Pests:
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