Blue Star Juniper

Size

Blue Star Juniper is a slow-growing perennial that introduces color and texture to a bed or landscape. The densely packed, awl-shaped needles are silvery-blue and grow along spreading branches. Also known as Juniperus squamata, this conifer shrub is a member of the cypress family, and as an evergreen, you can count on year-round color with minimal effort. This Juniper is compact and will grow about 2 to 3 feet tall, but the reaching branches will spread about 3 to 4 feet, making this evergreen an excellent ground cover. Feature this plant on uneven ground or embankments, use it to conceal a foundation wall, or provide contrast in a rock garden. Plant this beauty in a container to add color and texture to a patio or balcony. This plant is a perennial in USDA zones 4 through 8. Blue Star Juniper Care Part of the appeal of this Juniper is that it thrives with very little care. The most important aspect of caring for this plant is selecting a good location. Blue Star Juniper needs full sun and well-drained soil with 5.0 to 8.0 pH. Water consistently until the plant is established, but it will only need a drink during a dry period once it is acclimated. Fertilize in late winter or early spring using a balanced plant food during the first growing season. Established plants do not need to be fed, but top-dressing the soil with organic compost can give the roots a boost of nutrients. Prune the Juniper as necessary to maintain the shape or help it fit into a space. Blue Star Juniper Spacing The spreading Blue Star Juniper will get 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet across. Create a dense carpet of silvery-blue foliage by spacing plants 30 to 36 inches apart. One Juniper plant can grow in a 12-inch container.