Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star'
Blue Star Juniper
- Family
- Cupressaceae
- Height
- 1 to 2 feet
- Width
- 2 to 3 feet
- Flower color
- Non-flowering; produces small cones
- Foliage color
- Silvery blue, dense, and needle-like
- Bloom time
- N/A
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Low
- Maintenance
- Low; minimal pruning required, primarily for shape if necessary
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 4 to 8
- Wildlife
- Birds (shelter and occasional cone use)
About this plant
Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star' is a compact, slow-growing evergreen shrub admired for its dense, mounded form and vibrant, steel-blue foliage. The needle-like leaves retain their intense color throughout the year, adding year-round interest to gardens and landscapes. Although it does not produce showy flowers, its unique texture and shimmering foliage make it a standout element in gardens.
Native to the mountainous regions of Asia, including the Himalayas and parts of China, Juniperus squamata is well adapted to cold climates and rocky terrains. 'Blue Star,' a popular cultivar, was selected for its refined growth habit and dazzling foliage, making it a cherished choice for rock gardens, borders, and container planting.
Works well in
Waterwise Gardens · Rock Gardens · Slopes & Banks · Deer Prone Areas
Companion plants
Yarrow · Oregon grape · Coreopsis · Blanket flower · Phlox · Bulgarian honey garlic
Design tip
Use ‘Blue Star’ as a compact color accent where its silvery steel-blue foliage can contrast with surrounding greens. Its dense, mounded form and intense year-round color make it especially effective among rocks, along border edges, or as a distinctive container specimen.
