Species

Juniperus scopulorumRocky Mountain Juniper

3 other cultivars

shrubN. America Native

Medora Juniper

Juniperus scopulorum 'Medora'

The Story

Plant Bio

Juniperus scopulorum, or Rocky Mountain Juniper, is a tough, drought-tolerant, and adaptable North American native conifer. It is valued for its evergreen foliage and tolerance of difficult growing conditions.

'Medora' is a distinctive cultivar prized for its very narrow, columnar form and dense, blue-green foliage. It maintains its tight shape without pruning, making it an excellent vertical accent.

Uses & Benefits:

Its striking, narrow columnar form and blue-green foliage provide strong year-round vertical interest in the landscape. It's perfect for formal gardens, entryways, or as a dramatic focal point.

Due to its slender habit, 'Medora' is an excellent choice for creating privacy screens in narrow side yards or other tight spaces where a traditional hedge would be too wide.

Like other junipers, it provides shelter and nesting sites for birds. The female plants produce berry-like cones that are a food source for various bird species, including the Cedar Waxwing.

SpeciesJuniperus scopulorumRocky Mountain Juniper

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

144 inches

Width

48 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

Berries are mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities.

Bloom period

Late spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location receiving at least six hours of direct sun daily.
Dig a hole two times wider than the root ball, but just as deep.
Position the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill with the native soil, gently firming it around the roots.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage and avoid planting in heavy clay soils to prevent root rot, its primary vulnerability.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for best growth and color.
Water deeply but infrequently once established.
Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained or consistently wet soil.
Avoid heavy shearing, which can ruin its natural form.
Don't overwater, as this is a primary cause of failure.
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

Striking vertical accent for tight spacesFormal privacy screen or hedgeDrought-tolerant rock garden specimen

Companion Plants

Sedum 'Autumn Joy'Echinacea purpurea Yucca filamentosa Perovskia atriplicifolia Panicum virgatum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Medora Juniper questions

What zones can Medora Juniper grow in?

Medora 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 Medora Juniper deer resistant?

Yes — Medora Juniper is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Medora Juniper bloom?

Medora Juniper typically blooms in late spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Medora Juniper need full sun?

Medora Juniper does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Medora Juniper drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Medora Juniper handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.