Enjoy this juniper's blue-green foliage year-round. It is a faster grower than the Blue Point and Blue Arrow junipers. The bark is gray or reddish-brown and peels away from the trunk. Use a pencil, chopstick or your finger to poke a 5-inch deep hole in the center of the medium. Lets take a look at a few. Dig a hole that is roughly three times the width of the container your Spartan juniper arrived in. Nearly all varieties do best in full sun, though some benefit from afternoon shade in hotter climates. The symmetrical pyramidal structure adds a formal element. Established Junipers benefit from a complete fertilizer, such as NPK 12-4-8 or 16-4-8, applied at a rate of half a pound for every 100 square feet. There should be a 1-inch gap. Then there is Savin Juniper, known for its deep green leaves and stunted growth. Sign up for our newsletter. Growth rate, and foliage density will both suffer slightly when planted in shady locations. Its branching is mostly fastigiate and foliage is silvery blue in color. Looks stunning in a big pot - and can even be topiarised. Use a sharp knife to lightly scrape the bark, on two sides, of the bottom inch of the Skyrocket juniper cutting. They have a distinct growth habit, staying just three or four feet wide but stretching up to 20 feet tall. Make a small hole in the mixture and add a seed, covering it lightly with the mixture. But, if you expect rapid growth from the plant, reach out for a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, but use it only in the spring months. Fertilize your juniper regularly with a high-quality fertilizer made for evergreens. Use as an attractive focal point, or plant in a row as a lush hedge or screen for privacy. Make sure the stem is at the same depth as it was in the pot, and firm backfill the hole with soil. The foliage is dense and upright, with a green-blue hue. Edge a pathway with a low-growing variety for year-round living color. To improve your soil, you need to add 15-20% good quality compost to the planting hole. With Blue Arrow, there is no such problem. Popular in Zen gardens. Just like other juniper trees, the skyrocket juniper (Juniperus scopulorum 'Skyrocket') requires full sun to grow and prosper. The fruit is a blue berry that is about the size of a pea. Dig a hole roughly 1.5 times the width and the same depth as the pot. Skyrocket juniper is an evergreen shrub or small tree that is native to North America. Like most junipers, it develops tiny, rounded, bluish gray cones that resemble berries. Use a protective cover to prevent branches from snapping under the weight of the ice. It will start to expand and become 3-4 and even 5 feet wide, closer to ten years old. Some cultivars of Skyrocket Junipers can reach 30-40 feet tall. Both of these junipers are about the same height. 1. But, we have, broadly, tried to give you a gist of junipers growth rate, its care instructions and how to make it grow quicker and healthier. Transplant to a permanent location in the spring. New growth is bright golden, mellowing slightly in summer and fall before fading to subtle blue-green in winter. Since the shape is conical, plant Skyrocket Junipers at least 24-36 inches apart to have a dense privacy screen. Here are some garden-worthy varieties suitable for urban lots and other common residential landscapes. Moonglow Juniper Care - The #1 Best Guide If a shorter tree is desired, select one of the cultivars that do not grow so tall. Skyrocket juniper (Juniperus scopulorum Skyrocket) is a cultivar of a protected species. If planted in a well-chosen location, Skyrocket juniper has no serious threats from diseases or insectpests. Part of the appeal of creeping jupiter is the fact that it's so adaptable. Alternatively, you can use liquid fertilizer and add it every week you water the plant. The Blue Arrow Juniper has bluer needles, while the Skyrocket Junipers needles are more silvery green. There are just a few exceptions listed below that grow up to a foot or more on average annually. Male and female cones are both present on some varieties, making them self-pollinating, while others occur as separate male and female plants, which require a partner plant in order to achieve pollination. Nothing like that happens to Blue Arrow. Monam is an extremely popular option and it couldnt possibly look more different from the original plant. In 4-8 weeks, the cutting should take root and new growth should appear. So it would be best if you reproduced the same conditions. You mentioned above Each cone contains one to three seeds, and it can take plants 10 years or more to start producing these. Im not sure if you are referring to the cones or seeds. Once there, your job is to keep young plants watered until they become established. The fruit can be considered a moderate litter nuisance, but foliage does not produce much mess. Typically,the growth speed of junipers is almost steady for all the varieties. But I dont love junipers that have been sheared within an inch of their lives or trimmed back to naked wood to try and force them into a spot where they dont belong. Skyrocket Juniper Trees for Sale | BrighterBlooms.com Blue Arrow Juniper vs Skyrocket Juniper: What's the difference between Easy to care for is Rocky Mountain junipers middle name. How fast does the Skyrocket Juniper Tree grow? Proper care, nourishment, and offering the plant the necessary growing prerequisites can help the plant thrive at a fast pace. In fact, too much fertilizer will result in weak and leggy growth. A durable fast-growing tree that is especially valuable when planted in a row as a windbreak, privacy screen, or hedge. Product photos via Arbico Organics, Fast Growing Trees, Florida Foliage, and Home Depot. If planting a hedge, place the plants 3-4 feet apart and they'll grow together to make a dense privacy screen. If it gets too high, the leaves will start to turn yellow and fall off. Avocado Tree Transplant Shock (How To Reduce Damage). Botanists suggest that some specific types live between hundreds to thousands of years. At the same time, the Blue Arrow will have a slender shape throughout its life. This juniper has another famous name, Blue Arrow Eastern Red Cedar. Annual growth is 16-18 inches. Choose a sunny site with well-draining soil. Ingestion is rarely if ever fatal, but can cause stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, and (in extreme cases) kidney problems. This cultivar reaches 15 feet tall and six feet wide at maturity. Juniper Skyrocket. They are more likely to suffer from overwatering and resulting diseases than they are from underwatering. Allow adequate spacing to ensure good air circulation, which will make plants less susceptible to fungal diseases. The first (Blue Arrow) was selected from many seedlings in a nursery in Pennsylvania in the late 1940s. Juniper trees belong to the Cypress family and are native to Asia, Europe, North America, and Africa. You can add the fertilizer in late summer or early spring. Common Poisonous Plants for Dogs and Cats, Best Evergreen Trees for Residential Gardens. Garden Guides | How to Plant Skyrocket Juniper Trees Grab a tree in a gallon-size pot on Amazon if youre looking for something that brings a unique element to the yard. This should be done in the morning so the plant can dry in the sun. Photo by: Bertrand Dumont / Millette Photomedia, Tollesons Blue Weeping, Rocky Mountain JuniperJuniperus scopulorum, Upright weeping habit, 15 to 20 feet tall and 8 to 12 feet wide. If I wasnt clear about it already, I love junipers. Get daily tips & tricks to help make your best home. 4-9 Your climate might be too cold for this plant: Change Location Find In Store Add To Wishlist OVERVIEW DETAILS STYLE CARE HISTORY This Plant's Growing Zones: 4-9 Your USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: Your climate may be too cold for this plant Change Location Be Inspired Artistry in the Garden Webinar Fall Garden Refresh Webinar Buy Online $5.65. Read our. It will reach heights of up to 12 feet tall and get can get as wide as 6-8 feet. Propagation is the process of creating new plants from a parent plant. The reason why these junipers have this unusual color is the wax coating on the needles. But, given the severalvarieties of Juniper trees, they are found in every corner of the world. It follows that you should plant junipers just above 0.5-1 inch of garden surface. For the most part, this is a low maintenance, easy-care plant with a host of landscape applications and years of regal beauty in the garden. Water thoroughly until water starts to drain from the holes in the bottom of the container. It grows best in full sun in well-draining, dry soils. Blue Arrow, on the other hand, rarely grows more than 10 inches annually. No doubt thats why they make a beautiful focal point, privacy screen, or container specimen. Water the seedlings (but don't keep the soil soggy) and leave them in a cool, shady spot until multiple leaves appear. Spruce spider mites (Oligonychus ununguis) are the most common. In commercial settings, juniper Skyrocket is propagated with semi-hardwood cuttings. Remove your Spartan juniper from the container and gently tease apart the root mass. Soil may be any pH, clay, sand, loam, or even chalky. It will keep its tall, narrow shape as it matures without the need for trimming or pruning. Frame entryways or line driveways or walkways. Here is more about what we do. You can also use well-rotted compost, which has the added benefit of providing nutrients. Make sure to provide adequate drainage for your juniper by planting it in a raised bed or on a slope. It can tolerate periods of drought, salt spray, and erosion. If yours is growing in a container, you can go ahead and feed it once every two years though you wont need to provide fertilizer at all if you repot or change out the soil periodically. on How to Grow Skyrocket Juniper from a Hardwood Cutting. Add some compost to the soil and replace the soil up to the base of the plant. These problems are usually caused by too much moisture and not enough light. Skyrockets fast growth rate takes a toll on the strength of the annual branches. The diminutive stature makes this a stunning container accent and a popular choice for Asian-style landscapes. If it hasnt rained in 7-10 days, water your juniper with 1-2 gallons of water, or more if its large. In heavy snowfall, a lot of snow is accumulated on the juniper, and the branches bend. You can pick up some Bonide liquid copper fungicide at Arbico Organics in 32-ounce ready-to-use spray, 16- or 32-ounce hose end bottles, or 16-ounce concentrate. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Exceptionally hardy and thrives in a wide range of conditions, including coastal areas and high deserts. They also used the needles as medicine and burned the needles and wood during ceremonies. or arborvitae, which are plants in the Thuja genus that we often call cedars. Grey Owl, Red CedarJuniperus virginiana, Open spreading habit, 2 to 3 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide, Silver-grey, with hints of purple during winter in colder climates; silver-blue berries. How to Choose, Plant and Grow Junipers | HGTV The natural growth pattern is part of the plant's charm, and its ease of care adds to the allure. Blue Rug (syn. A mild, balanced fertilizer is all you need. silicicola. Best Ground-Hugging and Columnar Junipers Varieties Regular and proper pruning not only helps with adding to the plants aesthetic appeal, it also quickens juniper trees growth. Surprisingly, some other Juniper varieties live even longer than that. Scientific name: Juniperus scopulorum 'Skyrocket'. They prefer dry roots. The graceful weeping habit makes this a good choice as a background specimen in a mixed border, a focal point in the landscape or foundation planting between windows. Some of these links may be affiliate in nature, meaning we earn small commissions if items are purchased. Usually, the plant growth rate during the spring and summer. He founded and runs Urban Loggers, LLC, a company offering residential tree services in the Midwest and Connecticut. Blue Arrow Juniper Growth Rate It is a beautiful Juniper variety with bright blue, tight foliage, and an upright, narrow form. How to Grow and Care for Taylor Juniper - The Spruce It stands out from the rest of the greenery in the yard and offers up year-round interest in Zones 3 to 9. Since Junipers are drought tolerant, they tend to conserve water and use it as the need arises. There are no special requirements for overwintering Skyrocket junipers unless a heavy ice storm is predicted. Uncredited photos: Shutterstock. Female cones are aromatic and used as a spice and for medicinal purposes, but are most often used to flavor gin. Pruning juniper plants is an important part of maintaining their health and preventing them from becoming overgrown. These are the columnar J. scopulorum var. Junipers are for those who dont want to fuss with frequent or intense trimming, though some cultivars are suited to use as topiary. 1 Add to cart Product Details Growing Zones 4-9 Looking for something taller and blue? Medora has a lovely columnar shape naturally, but if youre looking for a dreamy topiary, this is an excellent option. Native Indigenous populations made good use of J. scopulorum. Underwatering can result in wilting while overwatering can cause root rots. Some cultivars can only be propagated by rooting cuttings or planting nursery starts because they dont produce cones, or the seeds are sterile. The cultivar is widely available and makes a lovely focal point in the landscape. Place the juniper into the hole and fill it back up with the soil and compost mix. The flowers are small and yellow and appear in the spring. Everything you need to know about Juniper Skyrocketshttps://www.FastGrowingTrees.com/products/juniperskyrocketIdeal for areas where you need no-hassle height. The Cheyenne burned the leaves to cure a fear of thunder and made an infusion out of the cones and boughs to treat colds and coughs. Keep at it for a few weeks or until symptoms begin to resolve. Juniper demands a commercially available soil mix to achieve good results. Ans. Junipers are one of the most popular landscape plants, and why should they not be? A better question here is what cant you use Rocky Mountain junipers for?! This evergreen tree can reach up to 40 feet in height, with a slim, columnar shape that makes it a popular choice for landscaping. Skyrocket, in turn, was found in the Indiana wilderness as a natural mutation. The narrow, tapered shape is reminiscent of a skyrocket. Blackfoot people used the berries to induce vomiting. Check regularly after a few months and when a seedling appears, move to a larger pot containing a similar mixture. One of thirteen junipers native to North America, the Skyrocket Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) is indigenous to the western United States and Canada. See popular varieties like Blue Point, Blue Star, Skyrocket and more. These can take up to two years to fully mature. Fast growth without constant watering Once the Skyrocket Juniper is well-established, it's extremely drought-tolerant - it will grow . If you live in an area with deer, make sure to protect your juniper from them by fencing it in or spraying it with a deer-repellent product. We have not been given free products or anything else by Amazon or any other company when we mention them or their products on the site. Regarding fertilizer, this family of plant does not require much. Clusters of needles resemble stars on this slow-growing shrub, one of the best varieties for blue color. GARDENER'S PATH IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. After ten years of growth, they will reach 13-15 feet but will end up about 20 feet tall. These junipers figured out how to thrive even when the environmental conditions got tough. Phomopsis twig blight may occur as well as Cedar-apple rust and other rust diseases. If you want to do it right, though, dig a hole twice as wide as the nursery pot and remove the plant from the pot. Your best bet is to take hardwood cuttings when the outdoor air temperature is 35 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. If you aim to make it into a hedge, you will not achieve a beautiful result despite the amount of work you will have to do. Let's have a look at how to care for a Moonglow Juniper. These versatile evergreen shrubs provide garden structure and year-round color. The pleasing chartreuse-green coloring makes this a compelling focal point. After 8 to 10 weeks, you can transplant the cutting into a larger pot filled with a loam and sand mix. . When the roots have filled the pots, transplant the young trees into one-gallon pots, taking care not to disturb the roots too much. Common juniper seeds require stratification in order to germinate and must be kept in an airtight container at 20 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 120 days prior to planting. Many J. scopulorum species are difficult to root from cuttings and most commercial growers graft the trees. Spruce mites are too small to see with the naked eye, so watch for yellowing or yellow speckling on the needles. They love the outdoors, and you will cut short its life by planting them indoors. Upright medium-sized forms can be planted in rows to break the landscape into individual garden rooms. Junipers are mostly drought-tolerant, but you need to water them if you want quick results (such as a hedge). Cutting branches past live growth into dead zones can result in permanent bare gaps. When the roots have filled the larger pots, dig a hole in a sunny spot big enough to accommodate the root ball in well-draining soil. How to Manage Winter Damage in Evergreen Shrubs. How fast does Skyrocket juniper grow? In the first few years, Skyrocket is narrow and columnar. For tall, thin cultivars, you might want to wrap the tree in burlap or use twine to keep the branches safe during heavy snowstorms. Water it judiciously, and do not underwater or overwater the plant. How close can you plant skyrocket junipers? Depending on the cultivar, these plants can grow up to 40 feet tall and 15 feet wide. The natural growth pattern is part of the plants charm, and its ease of care adds to the allure. The plant is tolerant of both full and partial sun locations. Older plants need less water. How to Propagate Grape Hyacinth Bulbs and Seeds, How to Propagate Grape Hyacinth Bulbs and Seeds. And, dont give up. Everything You Need to Know About Spartan Juniper Trees You can use them as a windbreak, formal accent, or privacy screen. Skyrocket junipers need well-drained soil and are tolerant of both drought and cold, making them a low-maintenance option for busy homeowners. columnaris, and the mounded shrub known as J. scopulorum var. Typically, adding a slow-release fertilizer in the growing season once a month is ideal for the plant. Birds love it, it can thrive in difficult-to-fill spots, and it adds year-round color and texture to the garden. Backfill with your potting soil around root ball, tamping as you go, until the level of potting soil is even with the top edge of root ball. Tolerant of most soil types, junipers prefer slightly acidic, organically rich soil with good drainage, as roots can rot in standing water. Tiny inconspicuous yellow or green flowers appear in spring. It has a compact, upright, slightly columnar growth habit, though cultivated varieties can vary in appearance from those with mounded ground-creeping habits to upright weeping types. It can foster strong growth but remember not to add any fertilizer during the winter. Its fast growth rate allows it to grow at least 12 to 18 inches annually. How to Grow and Care for Common Juniper - The Spruce The juniper gets its name from its sharply pointed leaves, which resemble the shape of a rocket. Youll kill a Rocky Mountain juniper faster that way than anything else. Plant a smaller specimen or dwarf type as a stand-alone accent in a container, or combine with other evergreen plants for year-round appeal. Annual growth is 16-18 inches. Pat the ground around the Skyrocket juniper with your hands to remove air pockets in the soil. The tree maintains its narrow structure sans any trimming, making it ideal for use as a narrow and tall screen where the space is tight. How to Grow and Care for Blue Star Juniper Shrubs - The Spruce Read also: 5 Hydroponic Systems For Indoor. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. Watch for signs of pests or disease and take action immediately if any are found. Mites are by far the most likely pest youll run into. Select young, healthy, vigorous, semi-hardwood cuttings in mid to late summer. Allow the new Skyrocket juniper to grow on in indirect sun, indoors, over its first winter. Junipers need little to no pruning so that plants retain their natural form. One of the most important things for the survival of the juniper is to plant it properly. Ideally, the soil mix you use should be well-draining, allowing water and air to travel to the roots. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. Skyrocket juniper can get serve as an alternate host for rust diseases such as cedar-apple rust. In the east it often (inappropriately) called the red cedar. Newly planted trees should be watered deeply once a week or so for several months to establish deep roots and then watered sparingly. It is easy to find and is vastly available at plant stores or garden centers. The Skyrocket Juniper shoots up as a silvery spire in your garden, making a dramatic accent, or framing doorways or drives. Since it is slow-growing, pruning is not required other than removing damaged or broken branches. Youll typically see symptoms on the young, inner leaves at the bottom of the plant first before it spreads up to the older and exterior leaves. Keep young plants well watered. Youll keep that moist until the roots begin to form and then you can put it out in the garden. 2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. Skyrocket Juniper Info - Tips For Growing Juniper 'Skyrocket' In The Garden Place the pot in a shady location outdoors for at least six months and water when the mixture feels completely dry to the touch. Trees of the Juniperus scopulorum 'Moonglow' variety often grow to a heigh . Not only does the Skyrocket juniper adapt well to several types of soil while growing quickly, but it also holds its attractive form without the need for shaping or pruning. It protects the needles from intense sunlight, and the less sunlight there is, the greener the Skyrocket and Blue Arrow will be. In areas with high fire danger, substitute with broadleaf evergreens such as Oregon grape, boxwood, or rhododendrons. Do not feed late in the growing season. Of course, if there is a lot of snow, this variety can also get damaged (like any other plant). Blue Point Juniper | Blue Point Juniper for Sale - PlantingTree For year-round color around your home, place small- to medium-sized varieties along the foundation where they wont become overgrown and obstruct window views. But it is still stronger than its competitor. The growth rate varies widely depending on the cultivar and the species but overall the growth is slow to moderate at 4-8 inches per year. Skyrocket juniper is often used as an ornamental plant. Growing a skyrocket juniper from seed requires time, patience, and multiple steps. Zip on over to Home Depot to grab a live plant in a 2.25-gallon pot, suitable for growing in Zones 3 to 9. It is very drought tolerant once established. Blight is another disease to watch for. It resembles the Blue Point and Blue Arrow Juniper cultivators. Be sure to provide consistent moisture in the absence of rain. Skyrocket juniper is most commonly propagated by rooting stem cuttings. How to Grow and Care for Skyrocket Juniper Tree Cut a 6-inch to 12-inch, pencil-thick stem from the Skyrocket juniper and strip off most of its foliage, leaving a small tuft at the tip. The resinous sap is combustible, making them a poor choice in areas with high fire danger. When planting as a hedge, space the trees at least 24 inches apart to allow for growth while maintaining full privacy coverage. This plant also grows well even with minimal maintenance. It is relatively drought-tolerant once established. On average, they can live for about three centuries. It can withstand freezing temperatures for short periods of time, but prolonged exposure to cold can damage the plant. Depending on the specie, the Junipers can grow from as small as four inches to fifty feet tall with a spread between six to twenty feet. Photo by: Tim Ludwig / Millette Photomedia, Spartan, Chinese JuniperJuniperus chinensis, Upright tapered habit, 15 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide. Add some wood mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture and keep weeds away. Add more potting mix if settling occurs during watering. How to Grow and Care for Rocky Mountain Juniper - Gardener's Path In addition, juniper tree growth ratealso depends on the environmental conditions available where you plant them. However, please know that when the temperature in the winter drop below 10 degrees and you do not offer the plant the required protection, you will kill the plant. These are long-lived trees that have been known to survive for up to 2,000 years. Allow it to remain on the mat for at least six weeks, then increase the temperature of the mat to 70 to 75 degrees. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Junipers can be pruned in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Skyrocket Juniper, one of the narrowest varieties available, is a columnar, evergreen tree. Learn more about this disease in our comprehensive guide. Skyrockets foliage has a pretty, blue cast during the growing season and, in fall, bears ornamental blue berries which are a favorite of birds and other wildlife. Spartan Juniper is a fast-growing, handsome, columnar Chinese Juniper, which develops densely branched and a bushy conifer. Whether you want to cover a slope for erosion control or create a privacy hedge, theres one that fits the bill. Cover the ground around it with a 2-inch layer of mulch, but keep it 4 inches away from the stem. Give your plant water when the top inch of soil has dried out. Depending on the size and form, use as hedging, screening, in a mixed border, as foundation plantings, groundcovers or a stand-alone focal point. More about the newsletter. The fungus Cercospora sequoiae var. Since some juniper shrubs grow up to 15 feet tall and even wider, give them lots of room. Skyrocket juniper is a broad-leaved, evergreen shrub that is native to North America. Close-up of Montana Moss foliage. It is a cold-hardy plant that adds a dramatic effect to any landscape as it grows to its height of about thirty feet with a small spread between three and five feet. The skyrocket juniper is slow-growing and does not require pruning unless you wish to keep the trees short. Gin Fizz, Chinese Juniper Buy now from Proven WinnersJuniperus chinensis, Upright tapered habit, 10 to 18 feet tall and 7 to 10 feet wide at the base. Blue Arrow, on the other hand, rarely grows more than 10 inches annually. It's very important to water the tree on a regular . Really, the only reason to break out the pruners is to remove dead or diseased wood, or if a branch breaks or sticks out at a funny angle. This shrub is well suited for use as a groundcover or edging plant. Moreover, they also self-prune by pausing the nutrient supply to a branch to maintain the trees survival. * Required | We will never sell or distribute your email to any other parties or organizations. Prune infected branches. Skyrocket Juniper For Sale Online | The Tree Center They do not like to be too wet or too dry. This is especially important during periods of drought when the plant is not yet established. How to Grow Skyrocket Juniper - Plant Care & Tips Prune your juniper annually to keep it looking its best. Try a boxwood or a laurel. These trees have shallow roots they evolved to grow in rocky areas where their roots cant penetrate deeply. Foliage, which softens with age, comes in varying hues of green, as well as blue, silver, and gold, some acquiring bronze or other tones in winter. Evergreen Shrubs for All-Season Interest The narrow and slender form attracted breeders attention, and the juniper was distributed very widely around the world. They are also useful as specimen plants and their non-invasive roots mean they can even be used as foundation plantings. Water well. Weeping and groundcover forms are suitable to Asian-style landscapes, while columnar types evoke a formal or Mediterranean feel. Pruning Propagating Growing From Seed Overwintering Pests and Diseases Common Problems FAQs Back to Top One of thirteen junipers native to North America, the Skyrocket Juniper ( Juniperus scopulorum) is indigenous to the western United States and Canada.