Blue Spreader Juniper
Juniperus squamata 'Blue Spreader'
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Groundcover
Height
18 inches
Width
72 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low once established
Humidity
Prefers low to average humidity
Lifespan
Long-lived (30+ years)
Native To
Himalayas, China
Toxicity
Mildly toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Juniperus squamata, commonly known as flaky juniper, is a variable evergreen conifer native to the Himalayas and China. It features densely-packed, awl-shaped, gray-green to blue-green needles and produces small, berry-like cones. A popular groundcover, 'Blue Spreader' is noted for its low, wide-spreading form and striking silvery-blue, needle-like foliage that retains its color year-round. It is a dense shrub ideal for erosion control on slopes and in rock gardens.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or cuttings into well-draining soil
- Water thoroughly after planting and keep soil moist for 2 weeks
- Place in full sun for optimal growth
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Prune lightly in early spring to shape
- Monitor for pests and diseases regularly
Pro Tip
Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot and promote healthy spreading
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water during prolonged dry spells 🌱
- Prune to maintain shape and remove dead branches
- Mulch annually to conserve moisture
Don't
- Avoid overwatering ❌
- Don’t fertilize excessively, too much nitrogen can harm
- Do not prune in late fall or winter
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Blue Spreader Juniper questions
What zones can Blue Spreader Juniper grow in?
Blue Spreader Juniper is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Blue Spreader Juniper deer resistant?
Yes — Blue Spreader Juniper is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Blue Spreader Juniper bloom?
Blue Spreader Juniper typically blooms in early summer through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Blue Spreader Juniper need full sun?
Blue Spreader Juniper does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Blue Spreader Juniper drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Blue Spreader Juniper handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Juniperus to compare
Blue Point Juniper
Juniperus chinensis 'Blue Point'
Skyrocket Juniper
Juniperus horizontalis 'Skyrocket'
Blue Star Juniper
Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star'
Hollywood Juniper
Juniperus chinensis 'Kaizuka'
Foemina Chinese Juniper
Juniperus chinensis 'Foemina'
Blue Rug Juniper
Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Grow Blue Spreader Juniper with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
