Blue Arrow Juniper
Juniperus scopulorum 'Blue Arrow'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
144 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low
Humidity
Tolerates low humidity
Lifespan
50+ years
Native To
Western North America
Toxicity
Berries are mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities
The Story
Plant Bio
Juniperus scopulorum, or Rocky Mountain Juniper, is a tough, drought-tolerant evergreen conifer native to western North America. It is known for its adaptability to a wide range of soils and climates. 'Blue Arrow' is prized for its extremely narrow, columnar, arrow-like habit and intense, bright blue foliage. It is an excellent choice for tight spaces where a strong vertical accent is needed, serving as a living exclamation point in the garden.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a location that receives full sun all day.
- Ensure the soil is well-drained; junipers hate wet feet.
- Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
- Gently place the plant in the hole, keeping it vertical.
- Backfill with soil, tamping lightly to remove air pockets.
- Water thoroughly after planting and weekly for the first year.
Pro Tip
Plant in a location with good air circulation to help prevent common juniper fungal diseases like Phomopsis twig blight.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Water deeply but infrequently once established.
- Plant in well-drained soil; amend clay if necessary.
- Give it space, even though it's narrow, for air circulation.
Don't
- Do not plant in shade; it will become thin and lose color.
- Avoid planting in soggy, poorly drained locations.
- Don't overwater; it is highly drought-tolerant.
- Avoid planting near apple or crabapple trees to prevent cedar-apple rust.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Blue Arrow Juniper questions
What zones can Blue Arrow Juniper grow in?
Blue Arrow Juniper is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Blue Arrow Juniper deer resistant?
Yes — Blue Arrow Juniper is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Blue Arrow Juniper bloom?
Blue Arrow Juniper typically blooms in mid-spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Blue Arrow Juniper need full sun?
Blue Arrow Juniper does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Blue Arrow Juniper drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Blue Arrow Juniper handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Juniperus to compare
Blue Point Juniper
Juniperus chinensis 'Blue Point'
Skyrocket Juniper
Juniperus horizontalis 'Skyrocket'
Blue Star Juniper
Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star'
Hollywood Juniper
Juniperus chinensis 'Kaizuka'
Foemina Chinese Juniper
Juniperus chinensis 'Foemina'
Blue Rug Juniper
Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii'
Keep exploring
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Grow Blue Arrow Juniper with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
