Juniperus scopulorum ‘Blue Heaven’ (Rocky Mountain Juniper)

Juniperus scopulorum ‘Blue Heaven’ is an excellent choice for adding structure and color to landscapes. Its silvery-blue foliage and upright form make it a standout addition to various garden styles.

Juniperus scopulorum ‘Blue Heaven’: An In-depth Look

Juniperus scopulorum ‘Blue Heaven’ is a cultivar of Rocky Mountain Juniper prized for its striking silvery-blue foliage and a compact, upright growth habit.

Native: The species Juniperus scopulorum, commonly known as Rocky Mountain Juniper, is native to western North America, from southwest Canada to the Great Plains of the United States.

Plant Type and Habit: This is an evergreen conifer with a columnar to conical form. Its dense branching contributes to a neat, upright appearance.

Size: ‘Blue Heaven’ typically grows to about 10-20 feet in height (3-6 meters) and 5-10 feet in spread (1.5-3 meters), making it a medium-sized shrub suitable for various landscape uses.

Flowers: Like most junipers, it has inconspicuous flowers, with male plants producing pollen cones and female plants bearing small, berry-like cones, which are actually modified seed cones, adding interest, particularly in winter. This cultivar is noted for it heavy crop of cones.

Foliage: The foliage consists of fine, needle-like leaves in a beautiful silvery-blue color, providing year-round visual interest.

Bark: The bark is typically a gray-brown color, becoming more textured with age.

Uses: Ideal for vertical accents in landscapes, privacy screens, hedges, and as a specimen plant. Its color and form make it a popular choice for ornamental gardens. Perfect for city gardens since Rocky Mountain Juniper is tolerant of pollution.

Award: Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.

Hardiness: It is hardy in USDA zones 5-9, adaptable to a range of environmental conditions. It does not perform well in high humidity, or high night temperatures. It is also intolerant to ice.

Wildlife: Provides limited attraction for wildlife, though birds may feed on the cones.

Toxicity: Junipers are generally not toxic, but the cones can cause mild stomach upset if ingested in large quantities. Foliage may cause skin irritation. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.

Deer and Rabbit: Relatively resistant to deer and rabbits, which makes it suitable for areas where these animals are a concern.

Drought: Once established, it has a good tolerance for drought conditions, making it a good choice for water-efficient landscapes.

Salt: Exhibits moderate salt tolerance, making it suitable for planting in coastal areas or landscapes where saline soil or salt spray may be present.

Invasiveness: This Juniper is not considered invasive. It grows in a controlled manner, maintaining its narrow form.

Benefits: Offers year-round color and texture with minimal maintenance. Its upright form is useful for adding vertical elements in garden designs.

Rocky Mountain Juniper Growing Tips

Light: Prefers full sun for optimal growth and health. Can tolerate light shade but may have reduced foliage density.

Soil: Thrives in well-drained soil. Adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. Tolerates dry, rocky soils and does not perform well in wet soils.

Water: Requires moderate watering, especially when young. Established plants are relatively drought-tolerant. Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot. Overwatering should be avoided.

Fertilizer: Light fertilization can be done in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm the plant.

Pruning: Minimal pruning is required, mostly for shaping or size control. Best pruned in late winter or early spring.

Propagation: Propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings, typically in summer.

Pests and Diseases: Junipers are often prone to twig blight and needle blight. They also act as hosts for cedar-apple rust and similar rust diseases during part of their lifecycle. In wet, poorly drained soils, root rot can be a problem. Additionally, they may occasionally suffer from insect pests like aphids, bagworms, webworms, spider mites and scale insects.