Blue Star Juniper

Name: Blue Star Juniper
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 19374E
Price: 33.59 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.5 (12 reviews)

Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star'

Stunning Steel-Blue Foliage with Silvery Bands Creates Year-Round Garden Sparkle
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4 - 8
Grows 2-3 ft Tall, 3-4 ft Wide
Evergreen Year-Round Color and Privacy
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Pollution Tolerant

$33⁵⁹

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In Stock

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Plant Size

#1 Container #2 Container #3 Container

Product variants

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Evergreen, Drought resistant, Attracts pollinators
Hardiness Zone	4a to 8b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	2-3 ft
Width	3-4 ft
Watering Needs	Low
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Compact
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Green
Foliage Color	Blue green, Green
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Juniper
Botanical Name	Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star'
Species	squamata
Cultivar	Blue Star
Class	Pinopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, CA, HI, ID, MT, PR

Cool blue and celestial, the showy Blue Star Juniper (Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star') is a uniquely-needled evergreen shrub with superior coloring! The blue needles sparkle in the sun and are arranged in a unique whirled pattern around their stems.

This highly ornamental shrub is a showy and densely growing specimen, forming a mounded, sculpted form over time. The year-round glittering steel-blue foliage shines in the garden and stands out among chartreuse leaves, dark foliage gardens, and shrubs with purple foliage.

Blue Star Juniper is a dwarf evergreen with a natural, mounded habit. One would expect that a one-of-a-kind evergreen like Blue Star would require special care, but nothing could be further from the truth.

The Dwarf Blue Star Juniper shrubs display a rich steel-blue foliage color that is a stand-out in almost any setting. This evergreen maintains consistent silver-blue foliage that shines amid the more typical colors of the landscape and does so year-round. It's simply a must-have for its uniquely elegant color and form.

Landscape Application:

These would work well as a groundcover, or as a foundation facer planting in your yard! These ornamental shrubs show off in grand form and are gorgeous landscape specimens and container thrillers that shine in the sun!

Blue Star would also be exceptional as a background planting for your flower garden or in a Rock garden. Rugged enough to be a silvery blue to gray-green xeriscaping shrub or a brilliant garden filler and groundcover!

Showy as en masse and long-lived plantings, create a unique pathway garden, or hillside that was once a hard-to-mow slope, or attract attention with a low hedge separating your front yard from the sidewalk and turn heads at the same time!

Brilliant Blue Star can even make an outstanding topiary for a small space where you need an eye-catching plant. Have some fun and begin training these shrubs into unique Bonsai specimens!

Unique Blue-Hued Evergreen
Dwarf Shrub With Dense Growth
One of a Kind Groundcover or Specimen
Great In Containers, As Bonsai & Topiary
Showy Foundation Plantings, Hedges, Accents & Mass Plantings

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Hardy and rugged, Junipers love full sun and some afternoon shade, especially when grown in hotter USDA growing zones 4 to 8. Blue Star Juniper shrubs are very adaptable and tolerant of a variety of soil and conditions but do need very good soil drainage to thrive. Moderate to low moisture needs, they become very drought-tolerant, resistant to pollution and urban conditions, and even deer rarely present a problem to the Blue Star Juniper!

This Juniper will maintain its own pleasing, symmetrical shape with no help from you, but doesn't mind pruning if you prefer to fuss with it. It's quite simply one of the easiest decorative evergreens you can grow.

Full Sun & Some Part Shade
Well-Drained Soil Of All Kinds
Moderate to Low Moisture Needs - Xeric Once Established
Prune Early Spring - But Rarely Needed
Deer Seldom Eat Juniper

Unique silvery blue color and compact form, the one-of-a-kind Blue Star Juniper shrub is going to be your newest shining star! Order yours today at NatureHills.com!

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Gold Lace Juniper Bush
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Some of the reviews shown are from related products the merchant grouped with this one.

Color

The Blue Star juniper is in my landscape for one main reason: The Color!

Hi Alice,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts about your Blue Star Juniper! We absolutely agree—the vibrant blue hue truly makes this juniper a stellar choice for brightening any landscape. It’s wonderful to hear that the color was the standout feature that brought it into your garden.

If you haven’t already, be sure to plant it in a spot with full sun to help maintain that striking blue tone. Also, while Blue Star Junipers are low-maintenance, regular watering during establishment and occasional pruning to maintain its shape will keep it looking fresh and radiant year-round.

If you ever have questions about care or want suggestions for companion plants that enhance that beautiful color contrast, we’d love to assist!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Color

The Blue Star juniper is in my landscape for one main reason: The Color!

Dear Alice,

Thank you so much for sharing your enthusiasm for the Blue Star Juniper! We completely agree—the vibrant, silvery-blue color is truly a standout feature that can bring incredible visual interest to any landscape. It’s wonderful to hear that the color is the main attraction for you, as this juniper’s unique hue is often a favorite among our customers.

If you’re interested in maintaining that gorgeous color throughout the seasons, be sure to plant your Blue Star Juniper in a spot with full sun, as insufficient light can cause the foliage to fade. Also, avoid overwatering and ensure good drainage to keep your plant healthy and vibrant. If you ever have any questions about care or exploring plants with complementary colors or textures, feel free to reach out. We are always happy to support your garden’s journey!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

one of the better horizontal blues

I use this when ever I need a reliable low growing groundcover evergreen

Low growing plant

I needed a plant to put on a tiered wall that is holding back soil from my driveway. I put a row of the blue stars in one of the tiers and they are very showy with the bluish foliage.

Hi Jackie,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Blue Star Juniper! We're delighted to hear that these low-growing plants are not only functioning well to help secure your tiered wall but also adding a beautiful touch with their lovely bluish foliage. They truly are a fantastic choice for erosion control and aesthetics on slopes or raised beds.

If you’re interested, make sure to provide them with good drainage and occasional deep watering especially during dry periods to help maintain their vibrant color and compact growth. Also, feel free to explore companion plants that offer contrasting textures and colors to create even more visual interest on your tiered wall.

Thanks again for your thoughtful review—we love hearing about how your garden is coming together!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Low growing plant

I needed a plant to put on a tiered wall that is holding back soil from my driveway. I put a row of the blue stars in one of the tiers and they are very showy with the bluish foliage.

Hello Jackie,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with the Blue Star Juniper! We’re thrilled to hear that they are thriving on your tiered retaining wall and adding that beautiful bluish touch you were seeking. Their low-growing, spreading habit indeed makes them perfect for stabilizing soil on slopes and terraces like yours.

If you’re ever looking to complement them, consider pairing them with some ground covers or flowering perennials that enjoy similar growing conditions for added interest through the seasons. Also, making sure the soil has good drainage will continue to keep your junipers happy and healthy as they grow.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any tips on long-term care or ideas for enhancing your garden layout—we’re always here to help your garden flourish!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Juniper growth

I like the way the Blue Star Juniper stays neat and well formed. So many of the junipers I have seen get unruly and misshapen when they get old.

Hi Devin,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts on the Blue Star Juniper! We’re delighted to hear that you appreciate how well it maintains its neat and attractive shape—its naturally compact and dense growth habit really makes it a standout for low-maintenance landscapes.

You’re absolutely right that many junipers can become unruly as they age, so your gardening experience with the Blue Star Juniper speaks to its wonderful adaptability and charm. To help keep it looking its best, regular pruning during the growing season can encourage continued healthy growth and help maintain that tidy form. Also, placing it in well-drained soil and ensuring it gets plenty of sunlight will go a long way toward supporting its vigor.

If you ever need pruning tips or have additional questions about your Blue Star Juniper or any other plant, feel free to reach out. We love helping gardeners nurture their favorites!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Juniper growth

I like the way the Blue Star Juniper stays neat and well formed. So many of the junipers I have seen get unruly and misshapen when they get old.

Hello Devin,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Blue Star Juniper! We’re delighted to hear how much you appreciate its neat, well-formed growth — it truly is one of those evergreens that offers both structure and beauty without becoming unruly over time. Your observation about other junipers getting misshapen is so true, which makes the Blue Star Juniper a wonderful choice for a tidy, low-maintenance landscape feature.

If you ever want to keep it looking its best, a light pruning in early spring can help maintain that classic shape and encourage denser growth. Also, ensuring it receives good air circulation and is planted in well-draining soil will help prevent common juniper concerns like browning or pests.

We appreciate you choosing Nature Hills for your plants and taking the time to review. If you ever have any questions on juniper care or want expert tips for other plants, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

easy to grow

I like the color of blue star but I like the ease of care even more. I have not touched my blue star junipers for years. They do fine without any help from me.

Hi Ben,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with your Blue Star Junipers! We’re thrilled to hear that not only do you love their stunning blue hue, but also how easy they are to care for—even thriving on their own for years is a true testament to their hardy nature. If you ever decide to give them a little extra attention, a light pruning in early spring can help maintain their shape and encourage even better growth, but it sounds like you’ve found the perfect low-maintenance companion.

Feel free to reach out if you’d like tips on adding other easy-care plants to your garden or have any questions—we’re always happy to help!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

easy to grow

I like the color of blue star but I like the ease of care even more. I have not touched my blue star junipers for years. They do fine without any help from me.

Hi Ben,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Blue Star Junipers! We're really glad to hear that their beautiful color has been a standout for you and that their low-maintenance nature fits so seamlessly into your lifestyle. They truly are hardy and reliable plants that reward patience and time.

If you ever want to give your junipers a little extra boost or explore other easy-care varieties that might thrive just as well, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to provide tips or suggest companion plants for a beautiful, effortless garden.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Deer reistant

Deer do not bother my Blue star juniper and the blue needles stand out in the landscape.

Hello Jello,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Blue Star Juniper! We’re delighted to hear that the deer steer clear and that the striking blue needles add such a lovely contrast to your landscape. It’s always rewarding to know our plants are flourishing and enhancing your outdoor space.

If you’re interested in ensuring ongoing vibrant growth, be sure to plant it in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Blue Star Junipers are quite low-maintenance but occasional pruning will help maintain that eye-catching shape you’re enjoying. For any future gardening needs or questions about complementary deer-resistant plants, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Deer reistant

Deer do not bother my Blue star juniper and the blue needles stand out in the landscape.

Hello Jello,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with the Blue Star Juniper! We're delighted to hear that the deer are leaving your plant alone and that its striking blue needles are making a beautiful standout in your landscape. The Blue Star Juniper is truly a great choice for those seeking both elegance and natural deer resistance.

If you ever want to enhance your landscape further, consider pairing your juniper with other deer-resistant plants such as lavender or ornamental grasses to create layers of texture and color. Additionally, regular mulching around your plants helps retain moisture and can improve soil health — great tips for keeping your landscape thriving.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or if we can assist with recommendations for your garden’s next additions.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature size of Blue Star Juniper (height and width)?

Blue Star Juniper reaches 2-3 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide at maturity, forming a natural mounded shape. This dwarf evergreen grows slowly, taking 10-15 years to reach full size. Plan for adequate spacing since its dense, spreading habit makes it an excellent groundcover or foundation plant.

Is Blue Star Juniper deer resistant?

Blue Star Juniper is generally deer resistant due to its aromatic evergreen foliage and needle-like texture that deer typically avoid. The dense, mounded growth habit also makes it less appealing to browsing wildlife. For best results in deer-prone areas, plant alongside other deer-resistant evergreens available at naturehills.com.

What are the soil requirements for planting Blue Star Juniper?

Blue Star Juniper thrives in well-draining soil and tolerates poor, rocky conditions exceptionally well. This adaptable evergreen performs best in slightly acidic to neutral pH but isn't fussy about soil quality. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged areas, as good drainage is essential for healthy root development.

How much sun does Blue Star Juniper need?

Blue Star Juniper thrives in full sun to partial shade, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best color development. The steel-blue foliage color intensifies and sparkles most brilliantly in full sun conditions. Plant in a sunny location for the most vibrant blue coloration.

How often should I water Blue Star Juniper after planting?

Water newly planted Blue Star Juniper deeply once or twice weekly for the first month, then reduce to weekly watering. This drought-tolerant evergreen establishes quickly with consistent moisture initially. Once established, it rarely needs supplemental watering except during extended dry periods.

Why is my Blue Star Juniper turning brown?

Blue Star Juniper browning typically indicates overwatering, poor drainage, or fungal issues in humid conditions. This drought-tolerant evergreen thrives in well-draining soil and full sun exposure. Check soil moisture and ensure proper drainage around the root zone.

What is the shipping schedule for Blue Star Juniper based on my zone?

Blue Star Juniper ships based on your hardiness zone's optimal planting window to ensure successful establishment. Spring and fall are typically the best shipping seasons for most zones. Check your specific zone's shipping calendar at checkout for exact dates when this evergreen will ship to your area.

What if my Blue Star Juniper arrives damaged during shipping?

Nature Hills stands behind their plants with a satisfaction guarantee. If your Blue Star Juniper arrives damaged, contact customer service immediately with photos of the damaged plant and packaging. They'll work with you to replace the plant or provide a refund to ensure you get a healthy specimen for your landscape.

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
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$199+	FREE

Blue Star Juniper