Moonglow Rocky Mountain Juniper

Moonglow Rocky Mountain Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum 'Moonglow')

Moonglow Rocky Mountain Juniper, Juniperus scopulorum 'Moonglow', is a narrow, upright evergreen conifer prized for its dense, silvery blue foliage and strong vertical presence. Naturally pyramidal and space saving, it grows into a tall, shimmering column that brings year round color and structure to sunny landscapes. The fine textured sprays of foliage hold tight to the branches from top to bottom, so the plant reads as a solid, luminous spire and an instant focal point in both residential and commercial plantings.

Distinctive Features

Moonglow Rocky Mountain Juniper typically matures as a slim, pyramidal tree, often reaching 15 to 20 feet tall and about 4 to 6 feet wide, depending on climate and site. The foliage is a rich silver blue to blue green that holds its color well through winter, rather than bronzing heavily, which keeps plantings looking fresh in the off season. Dense branching and a strong central leader create a full outline with very little openness or bare wood, even as the plant ages. Its combination of height, narrow footprint, and luminous foliage makes it an ideal choice wherever you want a vertical focal point that also functions as a screen or backdrop.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Prefers full sun for best blue color, dense foliage, and strong pyramidal form; too much shade can lead to thinner growth and a looser outline.
• Soil: Thrives in average, well drained soils and adapts to sandy or rocky ground; avoid locations where water stands or soil stays consistently wet.
• Water: Water regularly during the first few seasons to establish deep roots, then provide only occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.
• Hardiness: Well suited to cold winters and hot summers when planted in full sun and good drainage.
• Size: Narrow, upright habit commonly around 15 to 20 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide at maturity.
• Growth Rate: Moderate grower that steadily builds height and density over a number of years.

Ideal Uses

• Vertical Focal Point: Plant as a single specimen in open lawn, near entries, or at the end of drives where its silvery blue foliage and slim form create a strong focal point.
• Privacy Screens and Windbreaks: Space in a row or staggered pattern to create a tall evergreen screen along property lines, roads, or neighboring views.
• Foundation and Corner Accents: Place at building corners, along tall walls, or at the back of mixed borders to add height, color, and structure.
• Mixed Evergreen Borders: Combine with rounded conifers, golden junipers, and flowering shrubs to build layered structure, using Moonglow as the vertical, cool toned anchor.
• Drive and Entry Framing: Use in pairs to frame walkways, gates, or drive entrances, giving a sense of arrival and year round presence.

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 little pruning; lightly thin or shape in late winter or early spring only as needed to maintain a clean outline and remove damaged or crossing branches.
• Fertilizing: In average garden soils, a light application of a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring is usually sufficient if growth appears thin.
• 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.
• Protection: Choose a sunny, open site with good air circulation and avoid low spots where water may collect around the roots.

Why Choose Moonglow Rocky Mountain Juniper?

• Striking Blue Color: Silvery blue foliage provides cool contrast and four season interest in sunny beds and borders.
• Strong Vertical Structure: Naturally narrow, pyramidal habit adds height and clean lines where broader shrubs and trees will not fit.
• Year Round Appeal: Dense evergreen foliage and a stable outline keep the landscape looking finished in every season.
• Tough and Adaptable: Handles full sun, lean soils, and periods of drought once established, with modest care needs.
• Design Versatility: Works as a single specimen, a repeated architectural element, or a narrow screen wherever you need a reliable evergreen focal point in the landscape.

With its narrow, upright habit, luminous blue foliage, and rugged, easy care nature, Moonglow Rocky Mountain Juniper is a dependable choice when you want a tall evergreen that delivers color, structure, and a strong focal point in sunny, well drained gardens.