6 Best & 4 Worst Blue Point Juniper Companion Plants

Discovering the right blue point juniper companion plants can transform your garden into a stunning display of color and texture. The blue point juniper, with its striking blue-green foliage and classic pyramidal shape, serves as a magnificent centerpiece in any landscape design. However, the secret to enhancing its beauty and ensuring a healthy garden lies in selecting compatible plants that complement its growth habits and aesthetic appeal. In this guide, we’ll explore six plants that thrive alongside the blue point juniper and four plants to avoid, ensuring your garden remains vibrant and thriving.

Good Companion Plants for Blue Point Juniper

Nasturtium

Nasturtiums are an excellent companion for the blue point juniper because their bright flowers bring a splash of color to the garden, contrasting beautifully with the juniper’s blue-green foliage. They’re also known for their ability to deter garden pests, which can benefit the overall health of your garden. Planting nasturtiums around your blue point juniper can create a lively and dynamic landscape.

• Step-by-Step Planting Guide:
  1. Choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade.
  2. Ensure the soil is well-drained, as nasturtiums prefer slightly drier conditions.
  3. Sow nasturtium seeds directly into the ground, around 12 inches away from the blue point juniper, to allow enough space for growth.
  4. Water the seeds gently after planting and keep the soil moist until germination occurs.
  5. Once established, nasturtiums require minimal care, making them a low-maintenance addition to your garden.

Discover more about nasturtium companion plants and their benefits by exploring our detailed article here.

Lavender

Lavender, with its fragrant flowers and silvery foliage, makes an excellent companion for blue point juniper. The contrasting colors and textures between lavender and juniper can create a visually appealing garden space. Moreover, lavender attracts beneficial pollinators while deterring deer and rabbits, which can help protect your juniper.

• Step-by-Step Planting Guide:
  1. Select a sunny spot with well-draining soil, as lavender thrives in dry conditions.
  2. Plant lavender 18-24 inches apart from the blue point juniper to ensure adequate air circulation.
  3. Dig a hole twice the size of the lavender’s root ball, place the plant in, and fill the hole with soil.
  4. Water deeply after planting, then allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions.
  5. Prune lavender annually to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth.

Check out our article on lavender companion plants to learn more about partnering lavender with other garden favorites here.

Catnip

Catnip can be a surprising but effective companion for the blue point juniper. Its aromatic leaves not only attract beneficial insects but also repel pests like aphids and flea beetles. The soft, green foliage of catnip alongside the structured form of the juniper creates an interesting textural contrast in the garden.

• Step-by-Step Planting Guide:
  1. Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
  2. Space catnip plants approximately 20 inches apart from the blue point juniper to give both plants room to spread.
  3. Plant catnip in the spring after the last frost date to ensure a healthy growth period.
  4. Water regularly after planting until the catnip is well-established.
  5. Trim catnip plants back after flowering to encourage a second bloom and prevent excessive spreading.

Learn about the advantages of growing catnip and its perfect companions by visiting our guide here.

Marigold

Marigolds are not only visually striking but also serve as a protective companion for blue point juniper by repelling pests. Their bright orange and yellow blooms add a cheerful burst of color, creating a stunning contrast against the juniper’s muted tones.

• Step-by-Step Planting Guide:
  1. Find a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
  2. Plant marigold seeds or seedlings about 15 inches away from the blue point juniper to avoid overcrowding.
  3. Water the marigolds at the base to prevent wet foliage, which can lead to disease.
  4. Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly for the best bloom production.
  5. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage more flowers.

For more insights into marigold companion planting, check our comprehensive article here.

Sedum

Sedum, or stonecrop, offers a low-maintenance ground cover option that complements the vertical height of blue point juniper. Its succulent leaves and star-shaped blooms in late summer and fall bring an extra layer of interest to the garden.

• Step-by-Step Planting Guide:
  1. Opt for a sunny spot with well-drained, poor to average soil.
  2. Space sedum plants about 12-18 inches apart from the juniper to accommodate their spread.
  3. Plant sedum in the spring to establish before the hot summer months.
  4. Water sparingly, as sedum prefers drier conditions.
  5. Cut back in early spring to promote vigorous new growth.

Russian Sage

Russian sage pairs beautifully with blue point juniper, offering a striking display of lavender-blue flowers atop silvery foliage. This drought-tolerant plant adds height and color contrast, enhancing the visual appeal of your garden.

• Step-by-Step Planting Guide:
  1. Choose a location with full sun and well-draining soil.
  2. Plant Russian sage 24 inches apart from the blue point juniper to allow for its wide spread.
  3. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide, then place the plant in and fill the hole with soil.
  4. Water thoroughly after planting, then only when the soil is completely dry.
  5. Prune in early spring to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.

Plants to Avoid Near Blue Point Juniper

Water-Loving Plants

Water-loving plants, such as willows or irises, can be detrimental when planted near blue point junipers. The juniper thrives in well-drained soil and may suffer in the constantly moist conditions these water-loving species require. The excessive moisture can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases in junipers, compromising their health and aesthetics.

These plants naturally gravitate towards wetter environments, making them unsuitable companions for the drought-tolerant blue point juniper. Their need for frequent watering conflicts with the juniper’s preference for drier conditions, leading to a challenging gardening endeavor.

For those interested in water-loving plants, explore their ideal companions to create a thriving, water-rich garden space. Discover more about iris companion plants and how to pair them for a beautifully hydrated garden here.

Heavy Feeders

Plants that are heavy feeders, like roses or tomatoes, can significantly deplete the soil of nutrients, leaving little behind for your blue point juniper. These plants demand a lot of nitrogen and other nutrients for their growth, potentially starving the juniper and hindering its development.

Roses and tomatoes, with their intensive nutritional needs, may also encourage the use of more fertilizers. This practice can lead to nutrient imbalances in the soil, negatively affecting the juniper’s health.

If you’re drawn to the beauty and utility of heavy feeders, consider learning about their best companion plants to ensure a balanced and nutrient-rich garden environment. For more information on pairing, check out the guide on tomato companion plants here.

Tall Shade-Casting Plants

Tall plants that cast significant shade, such as sunflowers or large deciduous trees, can be problematic near blue point junipers. The juniper requires full sun to thrive and develop its characteristic dense foliage and vibrant color. Shade from taller plants can stunt its growth and lead to a sparse, leggy appearance.

These towering companions can also compete with the juniper for sunlight, leading to an uneven distribution of this vital resource. The result can be a garden where the juniper struggles while its taller neighbors dominate.

For enthusiasts of sun-loving plants, understanding how to strategically place them in your garden to avoid shading out neighbors is key. Learn more about creating harmonious arrangements with sunflower companion plants here.

Invasive Species

Invasive species like bamboo or mint pose a significant threat to blue point junipers due to their aggressive growth patterns. These plants can quickly overtake a garden, monopolizing resources such as light, water, and nutrients, and encroaching on the space intended for your juniper.

Their robust root systems can also interfere with the juniper’s roots, potentially damaging them and further compromising the health of your juniper. Managing invasive species requires constant vigilance and can detract from the enjoyment of your garden.

For those interested in adding mint to their garden without risking invasion, consider the best practices for containing its spread. Find valuable insights on mint companion plants and containment strategies here.