Juniperus squamata Blue Star, commonly known as Blue Star Juniper, is a compact, slow-growing evergreen shrub prized for its dense, mounded shape and striking silvery-blue foliage. Typically reaching 1 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide, this dwarf conifer adds vivid year-round color and fine texture to rock gardens, borders, and foundation plantings. Its bright, star-like needles maintain their color throughout winter, and its low, spreading habit makes it especially useful for small spaces or low-maintenance designs. Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’ thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.

Why choose Juniperus squamata Blue Star

Brilliant blue foliage: Eye-catching color lasts all year

Compact and tidy: Ideal for small spaces and detailed plantings

Low-maintenance evergreen: Drought-tolerant and deer-resistant

Cultivating tips

Sun exposure: Full sun for best color and density

Soil needs: Well-drained soil; tolerates poor and sandy soils

Maintenance: Very low—requires no pruning to maintain form

Designs for your garden

Rock gardens: Perfect companion for stones, gravel, and alpine plants

Borders and edges: Adds contrast and texture in mixed beds

Containers and foundation beds: Slow growth suits small-space accents

Ecological benefits

Drought-tolerant: Once established, thrives with minimal water

Wildlife shelter: Dense foliage offers cover for small creatures

Low input plant: Requires little care and no supplemental fertilizer

Similar native alternatives

Looking for a native option? Here are three native plants that offer similar seasonal interest and landscape value:

– Juniperus virginiana Grey Owl – Grey Owl Juniper

–Ilex glabra Gembox® – Gembox Inkberry

–Pinus thunbergii – Black Pine