Wichita Blue Rocky Mountain Juniper

Wichita Blue Rocky Mountain Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum 'Wichita Blue')

Wichita Blue Rocky Mountain Juniper, Juniperus scopulorum 'Wichita Blue', also known as Wichita Blue Juniper, is a medium sized evergreen conifer prized for its vivid silver blue foliage, upright pyramidal form, and reliable performance in sunny, well drained landscapes. Dense sprays of steel blue needles cloak the branches from top to bottom, giving the plant the presence of a small, architectural tree rather than a typical shrub. Its strong color and naturally structured outline make it an easy way to add year round contrast, vertical emphasis, and a clear focal point along property lines, foundations, and open beds.

Distinctive Features

Wichita Blue Rocky Mountain Juniper typically matures about 10 to 15 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide, forming a compact, pyramidal to narrowly conical outline that stays well filled from the base upward. Bright blue to silver blue foliage holds its color through all four seasons, so even in winter the plant reads as a bold column of cool tone against snow, stone, and brick. Branching is dense and balanced, creating a naturally tidy silhouette that rarely needs more than light touch up pruning. Over time, the plant develops enough height and presence to act as a small evergreen tree in modest sized gardens while remaining manageable in scale.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Prefers full sun for best blue color, dense foliage, and strong pyramidal form; shade can lead to greener color and looser growth.
• Soil: Thrives in average, well drained soils and adapts to sandy, rocky, or slightly alkaline ground; avoid sites with standing water or chronically wet conditions.
• Water: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish deep roots, then provide only occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.
• Hardiness: Well suited to cold winter climates in typical Rocky Mountain juniper regions when planted in full sun and good drainage.
• Size: Generally reaches about 10 to 15 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide at maturity, depending on site and climate.
• Growth Rate: Moderate grower that builds height and density steadily without quickly outgrowing its footprint.

Ideal Uses

• Specimen and Focal Point: Plant as a stand alone accent in lawns, near entries, or at patio edges where its blue foliage and pyramidal form create a strong vertical focal point.
• Privacy Screens and Windbreaks: Space in a row or staggered pattern to form a medium height evergreen screen that provides year round coverage along property lines and roads.
• Foundation and Corner Accents: Use at building corners, beside garage doors, or along tall walls to break up long horizontal lines and add height and structure.
• Mixed Evergreen Borders: Combine with rounded green shrubs, golden junipers, and flowering perennials to build layered structure, using Wichita Blue as the cool toned vertical anchor.
• Street and Driveway Plantings: Well suited to sunny, exposed spots along drives or sidewalks where a durable, upright evergreen is needed for color and definition.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: After establishment, water deeply but infrequently, allowing the top of the soil to dry slightly between waterings to encourage deep, drought tolerant roots.
• Pruning: Requires minimal pruning; lightly tip prune in late winter or early spring only as needed to maintain a clean outline and remove damaged or wayward branches.
• Fertilizing: In average garden soils, apply a light dose of a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring if growth appears thin; avoid heavy fertilizing, which can cause overly soft growth.
• Mulching: Apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch around the root zone, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk, to conserve moisture, moderate soil temperature, and suppress weeds while maintaining good drainage.
• Protection: Choose a sunny, open site with good air circulation and avoid low spots where water or ice may collect around the roots.

Why Choose Wichita Blue Rocky Mountain Juniper?

• Striking Blue Foliage: Bright silver blue needles provide bold, four season color that stands out against typical green shrubs and trees.
• Compact Pyramidal Form: Naturally upright, pyramidal habit offers strong structure and height in a footprint that fits many residential and commercial beds.
• Four Season Presence: Evergreen foliage and steady form keep landscapes looking finished even in the depth of winter.
• Durable and Adaptable: Handles full sun, lean soils, and periods of drought once established, with relatively low ongoing maintenance needs.
• Design Versatility: Works as a specimen, in screening rows, or as part of mixed evergreen plantings wherever you need a reliable, medium sized blue conifer to anchor the design.

With its vivid blue foliage, compact pyramidal shape, and tough, easy care nature, Wichita Blue Rocky Mountain Juniper is an excellent choice when you want a medium sized evergreen that delivers structure, screening, and a memorable focal point in sunny, well drained gardens.