{"product_id":"blue-star-juniper","title":"Blue Star Juniper","description":"\u003cp\u003eBlue Star Juniper is a tidy, mounded dwarf juniper with intense silver-blue star-shaped foliage — perfect for rock gardens, foundation beds, and pathway edges in Plymouth, Maple Grove, and Wayzata.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout Blue Star Juniper\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;max-width:600px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;width:40%;\"\u003eBotanical Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eJuniperus squamata 'Blue Star'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eMature Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e1-2ft tall × 2-3ft wide\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eBloom \/ Foliage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eEvergreen blue juniper; no flowers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eSun Requirements\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eFull sun (6+ hrs).\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eWater Needs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eLow. Highly drought-tolerant.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eSoil\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eTolerates Minnesota clay-loam, sandy soils. Excellent drainage required.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eHardiness Zones\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e3-9 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a). Reliable to -40°F.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eDeer Resistance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eRarely browsed — one of the most deer-resistant evergreens\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eFoliage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eEvergreen — needle\/scale foliage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eModerate — 12-18 inches per year\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy You'll Love Blue Star Juniper\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDeer-resistant evergreen\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eJunipers handle the worst Minnesota conditions — sun, dry soils, deer, road salt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePrivacy + foundation\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eUpright forms for screens; spreading forms for foundations and slopes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWinter interest\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYear-round color and structure against snow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDwarf silver-blue mounding juniper\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrightest silver-blue of any dwarf juniper. That's why Blue Star Juniper has earned a spot in our Minnesota launch catalog — it's a juniper we're confident will thrive in your Twin Cities landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting Blue Star Juniper in the Twin Cities\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest planting window:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spring (mid-April through early June) or early fall (late August through late September). Avoid planting during peak summer heat — Twin Cities heat waves can stress newly installed root balls.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSite selection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun (6+ hrs). Choose a location with the mature size of 1-2ft tall × 2-3ft wide in mind — give Blue Star Juniper room to fill out without crowding fences, sidewalks, or neighboring plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil prep:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tolerates Minnesota clay-loam, sandy soils. Excellent drainage required. If your Twin Cities yard has heavy clay (common in Plymouth, Eden Prairie, and Wayzata), amend the planting hole with 25-30% compost to improve drainage. For sandy soils in parts of Anoka and Washington counties, mix in compost to improve water retention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to plant:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDig a hole 2× the width of the root ball and the same depth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eLoosen the sides of the hole — slick clay walls block root expansion.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSet Blue Star Juniper so the top of the root ball is 1-2\" above grade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBackfill with native soil mixed 25% with compost. Tamp gently.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eWater deeply (5+ gallons) immediately after planting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMulch 2-3\" deep, keeping mulch 2\" away from the stem.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWatering \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFirst year (establishment):\u003c\/strong\u003e Water deeply 1-2× per week from April through October. Blue Star Juniper needs consistent moisture to develop a strong root system for its first Minnesota winter. Check soil moisture 4-6\" deep — water when the top 2-3\" feels dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEstablished (year 2+):\u003c\/strong\u003e Low. Highly drought-tolerant. During typical Twin Cities summers, supplemental water during 2+ week dry spells is enough.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinter prep:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water deeply in late October before ground freeze — this protects Blue Star Juniper through dry winter winds. Apply a fresh 2-3\" layer of mulch in November to insulate the root zone through deep freezes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning:\u003c\/strong\u003e Prune lightly in late spring or early summer. Avoid cutting into bare wood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Blue Star Juniper hardy in Minnesota?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. Blue Star Juniper is rated for zones 3-9 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a) — the Twin Cities metro is zone 4b–5a, well within its hardiness range. Brightest silver-blue of any dwarf juniper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow fast does Blue Star Juniper grow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nModerate — 12-18 inches per year. Expect mature size (1-2ft tall × 2-3ft wide) within 5-8 years depending on site conditions and care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill deer eat Blue Star Juniper?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nRarely browsed — one of the most deer-resistant evergreens. In high-deer-pressure suburbs (Wayzata, Stillwater, Hudson), supplemental fencing or repellents may help young plants establish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I plant Blue Star Juniper in part shade?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nFull sun (6+ hrs).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat size gallon should I buy?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nWe typically offer Blue Star Juniper in #2, #5, #10, and sometimes larger gallon sizes. Smaller sizes establish faster and cost less; larger sizes give instant impact. For most Twin Cities residential landscapes, #5 or #10 gallon is the sweet spot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere We Deliver\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree Timbers Minnesota delivers and installs Blue Star Juniper across the Twin Cities metro — Minneapolis, St. Paul, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Edina, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Wayzata, Bloomington, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Lakeville, Eagan, Roseville, Shoreview, Stillwater, Woodbury, Hudson, Hopkins, St. Louis Park, Chanhassen, Excelsior, Victoria, Chaska, and surrounding communities. Live Blue Star Juniper grown for our climate and delivered fresh from our Waconia, MN nursery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- tt-enriched --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Many Blue Star Juniper Do I Need?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a low foundation band or pathway edge, space Blue Star 2.5 feet on center — each mound matures 2–3 feet wide, so the row knits into a continuous silver-blue ribbon. In rock gardens, use singles or groups of 3 spaced 2–2.5 feet apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eEdge or bed run\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePlants needed (2.5 ft spacing)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBlue Star Juniper Season-by-Season in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpring:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bright new growth intensifies the silver-blue, star-shaped needle clusters that give the plant its name.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSummer:\u003c\/strong\u003e The dense, tidy mound holds its steel-blue color through heat and drought — no shearing required to keep its shape.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFall:\u003c\/strong\u003e Foliage stays unchanged while surrounding perennials die back, anchoring rock gardens and bed edges into the cold.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinter:\u003c\/strong\u003e The silver-blue cushion glows against snow — dependable evergreen color and structure straight through a −40°F winter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Deer-Resistant   ✔ Salt-Tolerant   ✔ Drought-Tolerant   ✔ Evergreen   ✔ Four-Season Interest\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant It With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/goldfinger-potentilla\"\u003eGoldfinger Potentilla\u003c\/a\u003e — golden summer flowers above the steel-blue mound make a classic tough-site pairing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/wilton-blue-rug-juniper\"\u003eWilton Blue Rug Juniper\u003c\/a\u003e — a flat silver-blue carpet flowing out from Blue Star's mounded form.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/green-velvet-boxwood\"\u003eGreen Velvet Boxwood\u003c\/a\u003e — deep green globes that contrast cleanly with the silver-blue in a formal foundation bed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/karl-foerster-feather-reed-grass\"\u003eKarl Foerster Feather Reed Grass\u003c\/a\u003e — vertical golden wands behind the low blue mound for year-round structure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Blue Star Juniper Right for Your Yard?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose Blue Star for full-sun rock gardens, foundation beds, and path edges with good drainage — it delivers the brightest silver-blue of any dwarf juniper, ignores deer, drought, and road salt, and never needs shearing. It's not a fit for shade or poorly drained spots: with less than 6 hours of sun the mound thins and dulls, and wet feet will rot it.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Three Timbers Minnesota","offers":[{"title":"#5 Gallon","offer_id":54169961496881,"sku":"E0950","price":48.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"#2 Gallon","offer_id":54179728916785,"sku":"E0945","price":32.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/0694\/0465\/files\/Blue_star_juniper_5_a0dcf885-296b-40d4-af53-4850bfe48551.jpg?v=1778451984","url":"https:\/\/threetimbersmn.com\/products\/blue-star-juniper","provider":"Three Timbers Minnesota","version":"1.0","type":"link"}