Singleseed juniper (Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star') joo-NIP-er-us skwam-AY-tah Genus:  Juniperus 'Blue Star' jumiper is a slow-growing, compact, evergreen shrub with a mounding shape. Its silver blue foliage is attractive in all seasons, and its blue, berry-like, female cones each contain one seed, hence its common name. Noteworthy Characteristics:  Adapted to a wide variety of soil types and even some drought, although it will not stand the heat and humidity of the deep South. Care:  Average, well-drained soil in full sun. No pruning is necessary. Propagation:  Junipers in general are difficult to propagate from seed, so take ripe cuttings in late fall through winter and root in a humid cold frame. Alternatively, take softwood cuttings in summer and place under mist with bottom heat. Problems:  Leaf miners, bark beetles, scale insects, aphids, mites, and caterpillars (especially bagworms) are common, while Phomopsis twig blight, Gymnosporangium rust, dieback and canker, lesion nematodes, brown felt blight, and a variety of heart and wood rots are very common in Junipers in general.

Overview

Height 1 ft. to 3 ft. Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft. Growth Habit Clumps Growth Pace Slow Grower Light Full Sun Only Moisture Adaptable Maintenance Low Characteristics Showy Foliage, Showy Fruit Foliage Color Colorful/Burgundy Foliage Uses Ground Covers, Specimen Plant/Focal Point Style Rock Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Tolerance Drought Tolerant Type Shrubs