With striking foliage of a silvery blue-green color, it is no wonder the Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’ is a popular shrub. This shrub or tree is more commonly known as the Blue Point Juniper.
The nickname, other than referencing its scientific one, was allocated due to the tree’s foliage.
Early in the 1970s, the Blue Point Juniper was found. This form of the tree was selected and chosen for its beautiful and uniquely colored foliage. The tree was also appreciated for its strong and upright habit.
Originally the Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’ grew naturally in Mongolia, Japan, and China.
In its natural habitat on hillsides or in rocky places, the Blue Point Juniper would develop into a large tree. It could grow to staggering heights of around 18m (60ft).
Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’ grown nowadays grow rather steadily.
With new growth of roughly 30cm to 38cm (12in to 15in) each year. The ultimate size of the tree will depend on its age. After about ten years the Blue Juniper is known to reach a height of between 3m to 3.7m (10ft to 12ft).
As a conifer, the Blue Point Juniper will continue to grow throughout its life. At a young age, these trees appear to be rather upright and narrow.
As they grow, however, they slowly broaden and take on a more substantial look. The width of the Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’ will continue to stay relative to its height at about two-thirds.
Generally, a mature Blue Point Juniper will reach a spread of about 1.8m to 2.4m (6ft to 8ft). It grows its branches densely and forms a broad pyramid shape.
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Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’ Care
Blue Point Juniper trees are among the easier trees to care for and maintain. They are not bothered about extremely hot or cold temperatures. In fact, they are hardy in temperatures as low as -34°C (-30°F). And, although they would ideally be in a location that gives them access to full sun, they will adapt to being in partial shade. These trees will usually only require an annual session of pruning. However, left alone, they will grow in a naturally beautiful rugged way. Shaping and topiary are also possible to do with the Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’.
The only things you should take note of are that these trees do not tolerate soil that is not well-draining. Younger trees that are not yet established will require frequent watering. Even more so during excessively hot weather. For best results, you should fertilize your Blue Point Juniper annually in the early spring.
Soil
The Blue Point Juniper is super easy-going and adapts well to a variety of different types of soil. The only soil feature that is an absolute no-go for this tree is poor drainage.
Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’ can tolerate its fair share of poor soils. It will even thrive in the most unlikely type of soil. But, it is essential that no matter the soil type, it needs to be well-draining. This tree will not do well if left to stand in water.
Watering
The watering requirements of the Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’ will depend on the phase at which it is at. Younger trees that are not yet established need more water than those that are older. Once the Blue Point Juniper has been established, the frequency of watering will decrease.
During a Blue Point Juniper’s first growing season, it should be watered deeply and regularly. This is needed so that the tree can establish its root system. It is desirable for the Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’ to have an extensive root system.
As a guide, you should water your new tree weekly. This frequency of watering should be maintained for the first year. Although, during extreme heat, your Blue Point Juniper will need to be given a drink more often.
If you are unsure, however, if your Blue Point Juniper is in need of some water, it is quite easy to check.
A simple soil check will help you determine if your tree needs some water. This can be done by sticking your finger into the soil around the base of your tree. If the soil is dry to a depth of about 5cm to 8cm (2in to 3in) it is time to water your Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’.
For trees that are established, they will only need to be watered if it is exceptionally warm out. Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’ trees are drought resistant. They will likely be happy being watered by the rain.
Temperature
The Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’ is an adaptable and low maintenance tree. It is no wonder they are not particularly worried about the temperature. These trees have hardiness to extremely cold temperatures as well as exceptionally hot ones too.
With hardiness down to temperatures as low as -34°C (-30°F), the Blue Point Juniper will thrive no matter where you live!
Location
As a multi-purpose evergreen, the Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’ will be the right tree for just about any of your landscaping needs. Provided it has access to full sun, this tree can be used for a multitude of different things. Ideally, they should get between 6 and 8 hours of sun per day.
Whether your garden style is contemporary, rustic, or even Asian or Zen, the Blue Point Juniper will fit right in. They are a rather popular choice for lawns and are even used to frame an entryway. These trees make for beautiful specimens for the art of topiary.
But, that is not all. With their dense foliage, the Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’ is ideal for windbreaks. Or they can even be used to form a privacy screen. For these jobs, you will need to plant them accordingly. You will need to take their final spread into account.
Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’ is not only a great addition because of its vibrant coloring, but it also has a practical use too. These trees are effective in aiding erosion control. They are also resistant to deer and smog.
Easily grown in arid and dry areas as well as cold and snowy ones, you can not go wrong with the Blue Point Juniper.
Pruning
Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’ does not require religious grooming routines. Left to grow and develop naturally, they will be as eye-catching as one that has been pruned. Blue Point Juniper trees are low-maintenance. They will not grow wildly or get out of control. No matter the time of year, these trees will look great.
It is possible to shape these trees and use them for topiary. When shaped, they should be pruned annually. To avoid putting strain on your Blue Point Juniper, there are a few months you should be cautious of. It is best to avoid pruning these trees during the hottest months and the coldest months.
What is likely to happen if you trim your Blue Point Juniper in these months is the burning of the new growth. You should also be sure that your tools are sharp. This minimizes the event of a jagged cut which ends up browning and taking away from the tree’s beauty.
Depending on your preference, Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’ can be trimmed into elegant and dramatic features. Other than for shaping, you may want to prune your Blue Point Juniper of some wayward branches.
By pruning the top ends of the tree’s branches, you will encourage sideways growth. This growth will eventually give your Blue Point Juniper a denser and wider appearance.
Fertilizer
Fertilizing your Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’ is a good idea if the soil it is planted in is of poor quality. As a general rule though, feeding your tree annually will benefit its overall health and hardiness. Fertilizing will also encourage stronger and more rapid growth from your Blue Point Juniper.
Early in the spring is the best time to fertilizer your Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’. During this time, the tree will be entering into its season of growth. Ideally, you should use a slow-release fertilizer and apply it at the base of your tree.
The other option available is to use an organic fertilizer or bone meal. These too should be applied around the roots of your Blue Point Juniper.
No matter what type of fertilizer you opt for, it is always recommended that you water your tree immediately after the application. This is necessary to receive the best results.
Planting the Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’
The first step in your task of planting your Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’ is deciding what its purpose will be. Planting will vary slightly depending on whether you want your Blue Point Juniper as a landscaping feature or if you will be creating a border or privacy screen.
What does not change, however, is the manner in which you should plant this tree. The only variable that will be adjusted accordingly is the spacing you leave between your trees.
To begin, you will need to dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball of your Blue Point Juniper. You should then place your tree into its hole. Next, the soil needs to be backfilled and stamped down to eliminate any air pockets. The last thing to do is water it!
Problems may begin to arise if the spacing of your Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’ is not taken into consideration. You need to plan for the growth and spread of your tree.
Used to create a screen or windbreaker the spacing between each planting site should be between 1.8m and 2.4m (6ft and 8ft). This will eventually grow into a dense screen. If you would rather more of an avenue of trees, you should allow spacing of about 3m to 3.7m (10ft to 12ft).
You should also leave a distance of about 1.2m (4ft) between the Blue Point Juniper and any other type of plant. This is necessary even when you are using the tree in a group planting situation.
Propagation of the Juniperus Blue Point
To propagate the Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’ you will need a cutting from a mature tree’s branch. Cuttings should be taken during the springtime. With proper care, by the following spring, the cutting should have developed some roots.
The size you should aim for when taking a cutting from your Blue Point Juniper is between 20cm and 25cm (8in and 10in). It is recommended that the branch you choose to take the cutting from is healthy.
It should also have a decent amount of needles growing from its tip. Remember to remove the bottom 5cm (2in) of needles around the cut side of the removed bit of branch.
To aid in and encourage root growth you should make slits through the outer laver of the branch. These slits should be about 2.5cm to 5cm (1in to 2in) in length. Making these slits on each side of the bared stem will allow the branch to absorb more water.
Pests and diseases
Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’ is not a very problematic tree. They have a high resistance to animals such as deer. They are also not very appealing to pests. Although, it is also good to check your Blue Point Juniper for spider mite or bagworm infestations.
In the event that your Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’ has been exposed to an excessive amount of water, a few issues may arise. These issues may include root rot, Kabatina blight, or even Phomopsis blights.
These diseases are harmful to your Blue Point Juniper and will not just affect its foliage. In severe cases, your tree may even die.
Frequently asked questions about the Blue Point Juniper
What kind of care does a Spiral Blue Point Juniper require?
Being that this is simply a Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’ that has been shaped, it does need to be cared for any differently. The only thing that will change is the pruning schedule you have for this tree. This will be to maintain its spiraling shape.
Conclusion
It does not matter what your landscaping plans are, this tree will do the trick! It is hardy, versatile, and low-maintenance. You can not go wrong with the Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’!
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.