Juniperus scopulorum ‘Wichita Blue’ (Rocky Mountain Juniper)
Rocky Mountain Juniper 'Wichita Blue', Rocky Mountain Red Cedar 'Wichita Blue', Mountain Red Cedar 'Wichita Blue', Colorado Red Cedar 'Wichita Blue', Western Red Cedar 'Wichita Blue', River Juniper 'Wichita Blue', Western Juniper 'Wichita Blue', Cedro Rojo 'Wichita Blue'
Prized for its blue or blue-gray foliage, Juniperus scopulorum (Rocky Mountain Juniper) is a slow-growing, compact, conical evergreen conifer that retains its silver-blue color all year. This male Juniper does not produce berries. ‘Wichita Blue’ is a graceful ornamental that is useful for screens and hedges. Drought, salt spray, erosion, and air pollution tolerant, it does not perform well in wet soils, high humidity, or high night temperatures. It is also intolerant to ice.
- Grows up to 10-15 ft. tall (300-450 cm) and 4-6 ft. wide (120-180 cm).
- Performs best in full sun in any, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Tolerates a wide range of soils including dry, rocky soils.
- Perfect as a specimen plant, privacy screen or for city gardens since Rocky Mountain Juniper is tolerant of pollution.
- Low maintenance, no pruning required.
- No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for aphids, juniper scale, and caterpillars. Deer tolerant.
- Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings.
- Foliage may cause skin irritation. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
- Juniperus scopulorum is native to western North America, from southwest Canada to the Great Plains of the United States.
Requirements
| Hardiness |
3 - 7 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 7 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Conifers, Shrubs, Trees |
| Plant Family | Cupressaceae |
| Genus | Juniperus |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| Height |
10' - 15' (3m - 4m) |
| Spread |
4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm) |
| Spacing |
48" - 72" (120cm - 180cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen |
| Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Salt, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
| Garden Uses | Hedges And Screens |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard |
Alternative Plants to Consider
Recommended Companion Plants
Requirements
| Hardiness |
3 - 7 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 7 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Conifers, Shrubs, Trees |
| Plant Family | Cupressaceae |
| Genus | Juniperus |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| Height |
10' - 15' (3m - 4m) |
| Spread |
4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm) |
| Spacing |
48" - 72" (120cm - 180cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen |
| Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Salt, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
| Garden Uses | Hedges And Screens |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard |
