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Juniperus scopulorum

Rocky Mountain juniper

A pyramid-shaped evergreen conifer to a height of 15m with green-blue, scale-like leaves from which many garden cultivars have been bred. The bark is red-brown and the fruit is blue-black

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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral, Alkaline, Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Blue
Summer Green Blue
Autumn Green Blue Blue Black
Winter Blue Black
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Cupressaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten/skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus

Juniperus can be prostrate or erect, evergreen shrubs or trees with aromatic, scale-like or sharply pointed awl-shaped leaves, and small globose fruits

Name status

Correct

Plant range
W. Canada to N Mexico

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained soil. Junipers need little if any pruning. Useful in hot sunny sites

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, juniper scale and caterpillars

Diseases

May be susceptible to phytophthora, canker and honey fungus. See also Conifers: brown patches

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