Overview
Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star' is a bushy conifers in the genus Juniperus, part of the Cupressaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 10-20 years. Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is drought resistant and low maintenance. Suggested uses include architectural, wildlife gardens and low maintenance. It is native to Himalayas and China.
About
Juniperus squamata, the flaky juniper, or Himalayan juniper is a species of coniferous shrub in the cypress family Cupressaceae, native to the Himalayas and China.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Juniperus squamata
About the genus
Junipers are coniferous trees and shrubs in the genus Juniperus of the cypress family Cupressaceae. Depending on the taxonomy, between 50 and 67 species of junipers are widely distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere as far south as tropical Africa, as far north as the Arctic, and parts of Asia and Central America. The highest-known juniper forest occurs at an altitude of 4,900 metres (16,100 ft) in southeastern Tibet and the northern Himalayas, creating one of the highest tree lines on earth.
Wikipedia contributors, "Juniper", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Juniper
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Juniperus
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conifers, Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Wildlife gardens, Low Maintenance
- Native to
- Himalayas, China
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Pruning
- Light pruning to maintain shape is best done in late winter or early spring; avoid heavy pruning into old wood.
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Juniper scale, Caterpillars
- Disease resistance
- Phytophthora, Canker, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star'?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star'?
Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star' need?
Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star'?
Light pruning to maintain shape is best done in late winter or early spring; avoid heavy pruning into old wood.
How big does Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star' grow?
Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star' reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 10-20 years to reach full size.
Is Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star' hardy in the UK?
Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star'?
Semi-hardwood cuttings.
More in the Juniperus genus
- Juniperus recurva 'Embley Park'Himalayan Juniper
- Juniperus sabina 'Musgrave'Savin Juniper
- Juniperus scopulorum 'Blue Arrow'Rocky Mountain juniper 'Blue Arrow'
