Blue Star Juniper | Steel Blue Spiky Evergreen Shrub

Blue Star Singleseed Juniper

1 Gallon

$22.90

1/4

Blue Star Singleseed Juniper

Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star'

A slow-growing, dwarf conifer with stunning steel-blue foliage, perfect for rock gardens and containers.

$22.90

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

The Blue Star Juniper is a beloved, award-winning dwarf evergreen shrub prized for its striking, steel-blue foliage and distinctive, mounded, star-like form. A slow-growing cultivar of the Himalayan singleseed juniper, it develops into a dense, compact, irregular globe of awl-shaped needles that maintain their intense blue-gray color year-round . Its unique, prickly texture and low, spreading habit make it a superb choice for adding a splash of cool color and fine texture to rock gardens, slopes, foundations, and container plantings. Exceptionally hardy, drought-tolerant, and low-maintenance, it is one of the most popular dwarf conifers for gardens across a wide range of climates .

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage & Flowers: Short, awl-shaped (needle-like), intensely blue-gray to steel-blue leaves, densely packed on short, radiating branches; small, inconspicuous, blue-black berry-like cones .
Mature Height: 1-3 ft (30-90 cm)
Mature Spread: 3-4 ft (0.9-1.2 m)
Growth Rate: Very slow (2-4 inches per year)
Hardiness Zones: USDA 4-9 ; Sunset 1-24
Light Requirement: Full sun (essential for best blue color)
Core Benefits: Striking steel-blue foliage, slow-growing and compact, extremely cold and drought tolerant, low maintenance, versatile, resistant to deer and pests
Best Uses: Rock gardens, Japanese gardens, slope and bank stabilization, foundation plantings, mass plantings, borders, container specimens, bonsai, trough gardens

Q: Why is my Blue Star Juniper turning green?
A: The most common cause of 'Blue Star' losing its intense blue color is insufficient sunlight. This juniper requires full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sun daily) to produce and maintain its characteristic steel-blue hue . In partial shade, the foliage will fade to a duller green or blue-green.

Q: How large does Blue Star Juniper get?
A: It is a very slow-growing plant. After 10 years, it typically reaches 1-3 feet in height and 3-4 feet in spread . Its mature size can be influenced by growing conditions, with plants in ideal locations reaching the higher end of the range.

Q: How fast does it grow?
A: 'Blue Star' has a very slow growth rate, typically adding only 2-4 inches of new growth per year. This slow growth is one of its key ornamental features, as it allows it to be used in small spaces and containers for many years without needing to be pruned or replaced.

Q: How should I plant and care for it?
A: Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. It is adaptable to a range of soil types, including sandy and rocky soils, but will not tolerate wet, poorly drained conditions. Water regularly during its first year to establish a deep root system. After establishment, it is very drought-tolerant. No fertilizer is typically needed.

Q: Is it a good plant for a rock garden?
A: Yes, it is one of the best conifers for a rock garden. Its slow growth, compact size, striking color, and tolerance for poor, rocky soils make it an ideal specimen for tucking into crevices, cascading over rocks, or massing as a textural ground cover in alpine and rock garden settings .

Q: Can it be used for bonsai?
A: Yes, Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star' is a popular choice for bonsai due to its naturally small, scale-like foliage, slow growth, and the ability to develop interesting trunk and branch character over time . Its intense blue color also makes it a highly desirable specimen.

Q: Is it deer resistant?
A: Yes, junipers are generally resistant to deer browsing due to the prickly texture of their foliage and their strong scent. This makes 'Blue Star' an excellent choice for gardens where deer pressure is a concern .