Flaky juniper 'Holger' Juniperus squamata 'Holger'

Water

The Blue Star Juniper should be watered deeply but infrequently, with the soil being allowed to dry out between waterings. Generally, a good rule of thumb is to provide about 1 to 2 gallons of water every two weeks, adjusting for rainfall and temperatures. During the hotter summer months, water needs may increase and it might be necessary to water weekly. In the winter, reduce the frequency to once a month or less, as the plant will require less water during dormancy. Be sure to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage.

Light

The Blue Star Juniper thrives in full sun conditions. It prefers to receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, making an unobstructed south or west-facing location ideal. If the plant does not receive enough light, it might not grow as vigorously or maintain its dense, blue-green foliage.

Temperature

The Blue Star Juniper is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures, tolerating cold down to -30 degrees Fahrenheit and heat up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it thrives in temperatures between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to note that extreme heat may require additional watering, and proper mulching can help the roots stay cool.

Pruning

The Blue Star Juniper should be pruned to maintain its shape and to remove any dead or damaged branches. The best time to prune is in the late winter or early spring before new growth starts. It's generally recommended to prune this plant lightly and not too often, possibly once a year, to maintain its natural form and dense foliage.

Cleaning

Not needed

Soil

The Flaky Juniper 'Holger' thrives in well-draining soil, a mix of sand, clay, and organic matter like peat moss being ideal. Aim for a soil pH between 5.5 to 7.0 for optimal growth.

Repotting

Flaky Juniper 'Holger' typically needs repotting every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and encourage growth, but less frequently as it matures.

Humidity & Misting

Flaky Juniper 'Holger' prefers a low to moderate humidity environment, typical of outdoor conditions, not requiring high humidity levels.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, cool temps, and good airflow for Flaky Juniper.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, well-draining soil; tolerate cold, drought.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

Juniperus squamata 'Holger', commonly known as Holger Juniper, begins its life cycle as a seed, typically requiring stratification to break dormancy and germinate. Upon germination, it develops into a seedling with juvenile foliage, marked by a blue-green color. As the plant matures, its characteristic scale-like adult foliage emerges, often accompanied by a striking creamy-yellow new growth at the tips, giving it a distinctive appearance. Holger Juniper reaches reproductive maturity after several years, producing small, blue berry-like cones that contain the seeds for the next generation. This slow-growing conifer continues to increase in size and spread, often reaching a mature height of 1-1.5 meters and a spread of 1.5-2 meters. The Holger Juniper is long-lived, with a life span that can exceed multiple decades under suitable growing conditions.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Juniperus squamata 'Holger', commonly known as Holger Juniper, is most commonly propagated through softwood cuttings. This technique involves taking cuttings from new growth in late spring or early summer when the wood is still green and flexible. Typically, cuttings about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long are snipped just below a node. The lower needles are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then placed in a well-draining rooting medium, such as a mix of peat and perlite. The cuttings are kept under high humidity and indirect light until roots have developed, which can take several weeks to a few months. After rooting, the cuttings can be potted up individually and eventually planted out.