Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star' - Ienupar tarator albastru

Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star' , also known as the "blue creeping juniper", is a dwarf evergreen conifer cultivar of the Cupressaceae family, native to Asia (Himalayas and China). It is valued for its compact, brilliant silver-blue foliage and globular shape, making it a popular choice for small gardens, rockeries, borders or containers. Its slow growth and decorative appearance make it ideal for modern landscapes and confined spaces.

Appearance of leaves, flowers and fruits

• Leaves : The foliage consists of short, prickly needles arranged in dense spirals, of a deep silver-blue color with a metallic sheen, especially in winter. The needles are soft to the touch when young, becoming stiffer with maturity. The color remains consistent throughout the year, providing a vibrant contrast in landscapes.
• Flowers : The flowers are insignificant, monoecious or dioecious, appearing in spring in the form of small cones, yellow (male) or green (female). They have no ornamental value.
• Fruits : Cones are small, round, 4-8 mm, blue-black with a waxy bloom, maturing in 1-2 years. They are rare and do not contribute significantly to the decorative appearance.

Growth characteristics

• Height and width : Grows to 30-50 cm tall and 1-1.5 meters wide at maturity (after 10-20 years), forming a compact, slightly flattened, globular bush. Maximum diameter is reached in 15-20 years.
• Vigor : Slow growth, at a rate of 3-5 cm/year, which makes it ideal for spaces where a tidy appearance without frequent maintenance is desired.
• Type : Evergreen conifer with short, dense branches that spread horizontally.

Growing conditions

• Exposure : Prefers full sun (6+ hours/day) to maintain intense silver-blue color. Tolerates partial shade , but foliage may become greener in low light.
• Soil : Grows in well-drained , sandy to clayey soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (5.5-7.5). Tolerates poor, rocky soils, but does not tolerate waterlogged soils.
• Watering : Water moderately , especially in the first few years, keeping the soil slightly moist. Once established, it is drought tolerant and requires occasional watering, only during long periods of drought.
• Temperature : Hardy in zones 4-8 (down to -29°C), suitable for temperate climates, including Romania. It tolerates cold and cold winds well.

Care and resistance

• Resistance : Very resistant to cold, drought, urban pollution and poor soils. Tolerates wind and salt, making it suitable for coastal areas. Not resistant to deer, which can eat the foliage.
• Fertilization : Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (e.g. 10-10-10) in the spring, once every 2-3 years, to stimulate growth. Does not require frequent fertilization.
• Pruning : Does not require extensive pruning due to slow growth. Remove dead or damaged branches in spring to maintain the globular shape. Pruning for shaping is infrequent and should be done carefully to avoid an unnatural appearance.
• Pests and Diseases : Resistant to most diseases but may be affected by rust (Phragmidium) or mites in dry conditions. Inspect regularly and use fungicides or insecticidal soap as needed. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
• Fauna : The cones attract small birds, and the dense foliage provides shelter for wildlife.

Use

Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star' is ideal for rock gardens , borders , ground covers , containers or modern landscapes . Its silvery blue colour contrasts beautifully with plants such as lavender, sage, hosta or green conifers. It is used in Japanese gardens, low borders or as an accent in ornamental arrangements. Due to its dwarf stature, it is perfect for small spaces, terraces or balconies. It has received the RHS Award of Merit for its ornamental value.

Origin

Juniperus squamata is native to the Himalayas and China , and the cultivar 'Blue Star' was selected in the Netherlands in the 1950s from a mutation of the variety 'Meyeri'. It was introduced into horticulture for its unique foliage and compact form, becoming one of the most popular dwarf junipers.

Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star' is a dwarf, evergreen conifer with silvery-blue foliage and a compact globular shape, ideal for small gardens, rockeries or containers. Easy to grow – with sun, well-drained soil and minimal maintenance – it is resistant to cold, drought and pollution. Decorative all year round, this juniper adds colour and texture, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who want a long-lasting, ornamental shrub with maximum visual impact.

Height with pot included: approx. 25 cm
Pot diameter: 17 cm