About
Juniperus scopulorum, the Rocky Mountain juniper, is a pyramidal, evergreen conifer to 15 m tall with blue-green, scale-like, aromatic foliage, reddish-brown bark and small, blue-black, waxy fruits. A handsome and drought-tolerant specimen tree for a sunny, open, well-drained garden, and the parent of several popular bluish cultivars.
About the genus
Juniperus, the junipers, are evergreen shrubs and trees ranging from prostrate ground-covers to tall, columnar or broadly spreading trees. They have aromatic foliage in juvenile awl-shaped or adult scale-like forms and produce small, fleshy, berry-like cones. Among the most garden-worthy and widely adaptable of all conifers.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHNeutral, Alkaline, Acid
Soil moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeConifers, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Wildlife gardens
Native toW. Canada to N Mexico
FragranceFoliage
ToxicityHarmful if eaten/skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well-drained soil. Junipers need little if any pruning. Useful in hot sunny sites
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, juniper scale and caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to phytophthora, canker and honey fungus. See also Conifers: brown patches