Blue Pacific Juniper

Location

Plant your Blue Pacific Juniper in a sunny spot or somewhere with partial shade. It needs at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.

Watering

Water your juniper deeply after planting to help it settle. Once established, it won’t need much water – only soak it during long dry spells.

Soil

Well-drained, slightly acidic soil is ideal. If your soil is heavy, add sand or small stones to help water flow through better.

Mulching

Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.

Pruning

Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to maintain shape. Remove dead or damaged branches to keep your juniper healthy.

Fertilizing

Feed your juniper once a year in spring with a slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreens.

Monitoring

Keep an eye out for signs of stress like brown leaves or stunted growth, which could indicate watering or soil issues. Watch for pests and diseases, although this juniper is generally resistant.

When It Arrives

Give your juniper a good soak after planting to settle the soil around the roots and eliminate air pockets. This helps ensure good contact between roots and soil.

During the First Year

Water your juniper weekly during its first year to establish a strong root system. Aim to soak the soil 6-8 inches deep to encourage deep root growth. Increase watering frequency if it’s very hot or dry, but reduce watering during periods of heavy rain to avoid waterlogging.

After the First Year

Once established, your juniper is drought-tolerant. Water only during extended dry spells. Check the top inch of soil; if dry, water deeply to encourage deep root growth for continued drought tolerance.

When It Arrives

Hold off on fertilizer when you first plant your juniper. New plants need time to adjust to their new environment, and fertilizer can be stressful.

During the First Year

Wait until the following spring after planting to begin feeding your juniper. Use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer formulated for evergreens or junipers, like 10-10-10 or 16-4-8. Follow the package instructions for application amount. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the base of the plant, reaching out as far as the branches extend. Water thoroughly to move the fertilizer into the soil.

After the First Year

Continue feeding your juniper annually in early spring. This provides nutrients during its main growth period. If your juniper looks healthy, you can reduce fertilizing to every other year. Remember, more isn’t always better – over-fertilizing can harm the plant and the environment.

Tools You’ll Need

Get sharp cutting shears and gloves to keep your hands safe.

When to Prune

Prune your juniper in late winter or early spring, just before new growth appears. This allows the plant to heal quickly and resume growth.

Pruning Steps

Inspect your juniper for any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. These should be the first to go. Prune these branches back to where healthy growth begins, making clean cuts just above a side branch or bud. Removing diseased parts helps prevent the spread of illness. Consider cleaning your shears after dealing with diseased sections to avoid transmitting diseases to healthy parts of the plant.

Instead of simply shortening branches, aim to thin out the juniper to allow for better light and air circulation throughout the plant. This promotes healthy growth and prevents overcrowding. If needed, remove some of the thicker inner branches to open up the center of the plant.

After Pruning Care

Once you’ve finished pruning, clean up any fallen debris around the base of the plant. This helps prevent the spread of diseases and pests. Your juniper shouldn’t require any special feeding after pruning. However, if you notice signs of stress after pruning, you can provide a light application of fertilizer formulated for evergreens to promote healthy new growth.

How much sun does the Blue Pacific Juniper need?

Your Blue Pacific Juniper will thrive in a location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It tolerates some partial shade, but may not develop its best blue coloration.

How often should I water my Blue Pacific Juniper?

Water your juniper deeply after planting to help it establish. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant and only needs occasional watering during extended dry spells. Aim to soak the soil deeply to encourage deep root growth.

What type of soil does the Blue Pacific Juniper prefer?

Well-drained, slightly acidic soil is ideal. If your soil is heavy clay, consider amending it with sand or small stones to improve drainage.

Does the Blue Pacific Juniper need fertilizer?

Yes, but not very often. Fertilize lightly once a year in early spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer formulated for evergreens.

How do I prune my Blue Pacific Juniper?

Minimal pruning is required. Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches. You can also thin out the juniper to improve air circulation and light penetration. Avoid removing more than a third of the plant’s growth at one time.

Is the Blue Pacific Juniper fast-growing?

No, the Blue Pacific Juniper is a slow-growing shrub, typically reaching its mature height of 1 foot within several years.

Is the Blue Pacific Juniper deer resistant?

Yes, deer tend to avoid Blue Pacific Junipers due to their prickly foliage.

Is the Blue Pacific Juniper suitable for planting near the coast?

Absolutely. This juniper is known for its salt tolerance and thrives in coastal conditions, making it a great choice for seaside landscapes.