Blue Star Juniper (Juniperus squamata) is a member of the family Cupressaceae and originated in China. It was introduced to the US in 1910.
This plant has a beautifully rich blue foliage with compact size and dense growth formation. It's a slow grower and reach 1-3 feet in its height at maturity an ideal specimen for bonsai growing.
Although its name is Blue Star, this plant is classified as needled evergreen shrub with a silvery-blue foliage and is considered as a conifers.
Growing requirements for Blue Star Juniper
Soil and sun requirements. This plant prefers in any kind of soil, either acidic or alkaline, provided the location is well-drained during its growing period. It tolerates well in direct full sunlight as well as partially shaded location and elevated portion with well-drained soil location.
Planting procedures. In your designated area, dig a hole wide and deep enough twice the size of the root ball. Fill the hole with your soil mix bought in store or your prepared soil medium, a composition of rich garden soil and compost or dried animal manures.
Remove the plant from the pot container separating the roots gently enough not to destroy them. Insert on the holes filled with your soil mix finally finish it filling the remaining hole with enough soil until totally filled. Put some mulch on the base of the newly planted shrub and water properly.
Plant nutrition. Blue Star Juniper being considered a hardy plant does not need fertilizer all the time. However, to maintain the plant's vigorous growth, apply fertilizer once a year.
Pest and disease control. The most common pests that attacks Blue Star Juniper are; spider mites, aphids, and twig borers. These can easily be controlled by applying the specific insecticides intended for the specific insect pests.
You can also used this homemade insecticides, to wit: For every gallon of water, mix 2 tablespoon vegetable oil, 2 tablespoon baking soda, and 2 tablespoon powdered soap. Mix the solution well and spray directly to affected plant parts. Continue spraying until all the insects are totally eradicated.
The only disease of Blue Star Juniper is the root rot. This prevalent in waterlogged soils. To control this disease, plant them in a well-drained soil away from wet land portion of the garden.
Happy gardening!
