Species Rocky Mountain Juniper
A tree with a tiny gray-brown trunk, gray-brown stems and a huge growth of green leaves.

Rocky Mountain Juniper

Juniperus scopulorum

Also Known As - Colorado Redcedar
Rocky Mountain Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) is an amazing evergreen coniferous shrub. Native to rocky, mountainous regions of western North America, it is an extremely hardy, low- maintenance plant. Its branches form a dense canopy of slender, steel-blue-green needle-like leaves and small, berry-like cones. Rocky Mountain Juniper can easily survive in windswept areas and tolerate drought, requiring little care once established. Its unique, attractive blue foliage is an eye-catching feature for any garden and this juniper's slow growth rate means it can be kept very small in containers, allowing for flexible placement. Whether you prefer it for its ornamental beauty or its low maintenance, Rocky Mountain Juniper is a great choice for any outdoor space.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Air Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3

Sun:

Full sun

Soil:

Sandy Loamy Clay Rocky

Cones:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Rocky Mountain Juniper should be watered once a week in the spring and summer, and once every 2 weeks in the fall and winter. It should be watered deeply each time to encourage the plant to develop a strong, well-anchored root system. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot. During the growing season (spring and summer), water your Rocky Mountain juniper deeply, but allow the top inch or 2 of the soil to dry out between waterings. You can adjust the frequency depending on the weather or the soil type. Junipers prefer to stay on the dry side!

sunlight

Rocky Mountain Juniper enjoys full sun, meaning at least 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. In the summer months, the tree receives more direct sunlight due to the elevated angle of the sun. Additionally, its location on a mountainside also helps to protect the plant species from extreme temperatures. During the cooler months of fall and winter, the angle of the sun in relation to the tree's location alters in such a way that it receives indirect sunlight. As long as Rocky Mountain Juniper continues to receive the 8 hours of direct sunlight required for optimal growth, it will flourish.

pruning

Rocky Mountain Juniper should be pruned in the late winter or early spring before the new growth begins. To ensure healthy growth and prevent disease, only prune away dead, dying, or diseased branches, and no more than 10-20% of the tree's foliage. Because junipers are a slow-growing species, it is important to not over prune them. To maintain the desired shape of the tree, selectively prune broken or crossing branches and excess canopy. Make sure to use a sharp, sterilized pair of pruning shears or loppers when trimming the juniper to ensure clean healthy cuts.

Hardiness Map