Groundcover – Spreading – Blue Star Juniper

Blue Star Juniper 

Botanical name: juniperus squamata ‘blue star’ 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: 2-3 ft in height with a spread of 3-4 ft 

Hardy zone:  zones 4-8

Foliage color:  green/blue 

Growth rate:  grows less than 1 ft per year 

Pruning instructions: prune in the late winter/early spring before new growth emerges to main health and desired shape and size

Propagation methods:  propagate with cuttings in the late summer/early fall 

Landscape use:  low border, groundcover, mass planting 

Light needs:  6 hours of sun per day

Special features: deer resistant, benefits wildlife, dramatic foliage 

Watering instructions: allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions :  use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a year in the early spring before new growth emerges 

Best time to plant:  spring or fall

Best type of soil: can adapt to all kinds of soil 

Companion plants: coneflower, sedums, lavender, barberries

Toxicity level: mildly toxic for humans and pets if ingested 

Invasive species: no