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' (Rocky Mountain juniper 'Blue Arrow') is a columnar upright evergreen conifer growing to 1.5-2.5 metres tall with a narrow spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It thrives in full sun or partial shade on any well-drained soil type, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, and is hardy to UK zone H6. This low-maintenance cultivar is drought resistant and requires little to no pruning. Its aromatic foliage provides winter interest, making it suitable for architectural uses. Caution is advised as the plant is harmful if eaten and can cause skin allergies.
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.
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.
More in the Juniperus genus
- Juniperus asheiAshe juniper
- Juniperus cedrusCanary Island cedar
- Juniperus chinensis 'Keteleeri'
- Juniperus chinensis 'Plumosa Aureovariegata' (v)
- Juniperus chinensis var. chinensis
- Juniperus durangensisdurango juniper
- Juniperus horizontalis 'Glauca'
- Juniperus indicablack juniper
