Juniperus scopulorum

Cupressaceae

This plant is an upright shrub or a groundcover depending on cultivar. Upright forms may reach 30 ft. in height and with a narrow spread.  This plant produces inconspicuous flowers with a blue-green fruit that is raisin like and has a 1/8 in. diameter. This plants most noticeable characteristic is it’s foliage. This plant is propagated by grafting a cutting onto an oriental arborvitae rootstock. This plant has a hard time rooting. It is available to the consumer in B&B and container stock.

This shrub is hardy all the way to zone 4 and is extremely tough.

This shrub is susceptible to bagworms, mites, juniper blight (in humid locations), and root rot in soggy soils. The best prevention is to fertilize your plant regularly and do not over water the plant.

When planting, pick a spot that receives full sun and has good drainage. This plant is very durable and should be able to handle most climates.

Cultivars:

            ‘Blue Heaven’-moderately compact, blue foliage, and pyramid form.

            ‘Gray Gleam’-more compact and bluish gray foliage.

            ‘Columnaris’- strict upright growth, up to 20 ft.

            ‘Pendula’-pyramid form with weeping new branches.

            ‘Tabletop Blue’-silver blue color with an oval growth habit.