
Moonglow Juniper
Juniperus scopulorum 'Moonglow'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
240 inches
Width
72 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7
Water
Low
Humidity
Low to moderate
Lifespan
Long-lived evergreen
Native To
Western North America
Toxicity
Mildly toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Juniperus scopulorum, or Rocky Mountain Juniper, is a coniferous evergreen native to western North America, known for its tolerance of dry, rocky soils and its aromatic foliage. 'Moonglow' is a popular male cultivar selected for its dense, compact, broadly pyramidal form and its exceptionally bright, silvery-blue foliage that retains its color year-round.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a location receiving at least six hours of direct sun daily.
- Dig a hole two to three times the width of the root ball.
- Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill with native soil, gently tamping to remove air pockets.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
- Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.
Pro Tip
Ensure excellent drainage and avoid planting in wet areas, as root rot is a primary concern for this drought-tolerant species.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide full sun for best color and density.
- Water deeply but infrequently once established.
- Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- Provide good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Don't
- Do not plant in shade or waterlogged soil.
- Avoid heavy pruning into old wood, as it will not regrow.
- Do not over-fertilize; junipers thrive in lean soil.
- Don't allow mulch to touch the base of the plant.
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
Moonglow Juniper questions
What zones can Moonglow Juniper grow in?
Moonglow Juniper is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Moonglow Juniper deer resistant?
Yes — Moonglow Juniper is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Moonglow Juniper bloom?
Moonglow Juniper typically blooms in early spring through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Moonglow Juniper need full sun?
Moonglow Juniper does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Moonglow Juniper drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Moonglow Juniper handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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