Overview
Juniperus scopulorum 'Blue Arrow' is a columnar upright conifers in the genus Juniperus, part of the Cupressaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 20-50 years. Juniperus scopulorum 'Blue Arrow' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is drought resistant and low maintenance. Suggested uses include specimen plants, rock gardens, ground cover, coastal gardens, cottage and informal gardens, wildlife gardens and low maintenance gardens. It is native to Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.
About
Juniperus scopulorum 'Blue Arrow' is a columnar upright evergreen conifer that maintains a very narrow 0.1–0.5 metre spread while reaching 1.5–2.5 metres. It has a slow to moderate growth rate, taking around 20–50 years to reach its mature height. The cultivar is drought resistant and suited to both exposed and sheltered sites. It provides year-round structure in winter.
About the genus
Junipers are coniferous trees and shrubs in the genus Juniperus of the cypress family Cupressaceae. Depending on the taxonomy, between 50 and 67 species of junipers are widely distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere as far south as tropical Africa, as far north as the Arctic, and parts of Asia and Central America. The highest-known juniper forest occurs at an altitude of 4,900 metres (16,100 ft) in southeastern Tibet and the northern Himalayas, creating one of the highest tree lines on earth.
Wikipedia contributors, "Juniper", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Juniper
In the garden
Juniperus scopulorum 'Blue Arrow' is a narrow, columnar cultivar of Rocky Mountain juniper originating from parts of western Canada: Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan. Its upright habit and limited lateral spread make it a distinct vertical accent compared with broader junipers. Expect a mature height of 1.5–2.5 metres reached over two to five decades. Plant 'Blue Arrow' in full sun or light afternoon shade on well-drained soil; it tolerates chalk, clay, loam and sand and will grow across acid, neutral and alkaline pH. The cultivar stands up to exposed positions as well as sheltered spots and is rated fully hardy (H7) for UK conditions. It is drought resistant and low maintenance once established, so routine feeding or frequent watering is not necessary on most sites. Use it as a single specimen, in a narrow border, as a vertical element in a rock garden or for informal screening where width is restricted. It suits coastal and wildlife gardens as well as low-maintenance schemes. With a narrow 0.1–0.5 metre spread combined with a winter-persistent structure, 'Blue Arrow' works where vertical form must be retained without occupying much ground area.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Juniperus
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Juniperus scopulorum 'Blue Arrow' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conifers, Trees
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- Specimen plants, Rock gardens, Ground cover, Coastal gardens, Cottage and informal gardens, Wildlife gardens, Low maintenance gardens
- Native to
- Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Juniperus scopulorum 'Blue Arrow'
- Propagation
- Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings in early autumn
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Juniper scale, Caterpillars
- Disease resistance
- Phytophthora, Canker, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Juniperus scopulorum 'Blue Arrow'?
Juniperus scopulorum 'Blue Arrow' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Juniperus scopulorum 'Blue Arrow' need?
Juniperus scopulorum 'Blue Arrow' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Juniperus scopulorum 'Blue Arrow' grow?
Juniperus scopulorum 'Blue Arrow' reaches a height of 1.5-2.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 20-50 years to reach full size.
Is Juniperus scopulorum 'Blue Arrow' hardy in the UK?
Juniperus scopulorum 'Blue Arrow' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Juniperus scopulorum 'Blue Arrow'?
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings in early autumn.
