Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star': Singleseed Juniper with Silver-Blue Foliage

Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star' 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 the 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 necessary.

Propagation

Junipers are difficult to propagate from seed; 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, caterpillars (especially bagworms) are common. 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.

Overview

• Height: 1–3 ft.
• Spread: 1–3 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