Star Power® Juniper Tree

Fast-growing blue-green privacy and shelter

Star Power® juniper features small, star-like sprays of juvenile, bluish-green foliage along dense, ascending branches. Its upright form and fast growth make it a practical choice for privacy screens, windbreaks, or evergreen structure in the landscape.

Believed to be a hybrid of common and Chinese junipers, this deer-resistant selection can establish a screen relatively quickly. Selected in 1998 by Michael Yanny at Johnson’s Nursery in Wisconsin, it performs best in full sun and well-drained soil. Exceptional cold hardiness to zone 3 makes it a great choice for northern gardens.

Planting & Care

1. Planting: Plant or repot within 4 weeks of arrival. Choose a full-sun location with well-drained soil and enough space for its upright mature form. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and about twice as wide, then plant with the root flare at soil level. Avoid low areas where water collects, as junipers are prone to root rot in poorly drained soil.  After planting, apply a 3" layer of mulch three feet around the tree, pulling the mulch back several inches from the trunk.

2. Watering: Water deeply after planting and regularly during the first growing season. Once established, it tolerates some dryness, but occasional deep watering during prolonged hot or dry periods will support healthy foliage.

3. Pruning: Little pruning is needed. Remove dead, damaged, or wayward branches in late winter or early spring. Lightly trim new growth if shaping is necessary, but avoid cutting back into old, bare wood.

4. Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreens in early spring if growth is weak or the soil is nutrient-poor. Avoid heavy fertilizing, which can encourage soft, less resilient growth.