Juniperus scopulorum ‘Wichita Blue’

• Wildlife: The dense foliage provides excellent cover for small birds and wildlife. Birds may also feed on the small, berry-like cones produced by female plants.
• Pollinators: Junipers are wind-pollinated and do not attract significant pollinator activity.

• Seasonality: Evergreen, providing year-round color with its brilliant blue foliage.
• Blooming Season: Junipers are coniferous plants and produce small, inconspicuous flowers. They are mainly grown for their foliage rather than their flowers.
• Winter Interest: The silvery-blue foliage retains its color even during the coldest months, adding contrast and texture to winter landscapes.

– Privacy screens and windbreaks – Its dense, upright, pyramidal shape and tall growth (up to 10–15 ft) make it excellent for creating year-round visual and wind barriers.

– Specimen planting – The striking silvery-blue foliage stands out beautifully in mixed borders or as a focal point in the landscape.

– Hedges or living fences – Can be planted in rows and lightly pruned to form a uniform evergreen hedge.

– Foundation planting – Provides structure and winter color near buildings when planted with adequate space.

– Low-maintenance landscapes – Drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal care, making it ideal for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.

– Wildlife-friendly gardens – Offers shelter and nesting sites for birds.

• The foliage is made up of soft, scale-like needles in a striking silvery-blue color.
• This foliage maintains its vibrant blue hue year-round, with no bronzing in winter, making ‘Wichita Blue’ particularly desirable for all-season color.

• Juniperus scopulorum produces small, insignificant flowers in late spring. Male flowers are yellowish, and female flowers are green and develop into small, berry-like cones.
• The flowers are not showy and do not contribute to the plant’s overall appeal.

How & When to Plant:

• Plant ‘Wichita Blue’ in early spring or fall, giving it time to establish before extreme heat or cold.
• Choose well-drained soil for planting, as junipers are intolerant of soggy or poorly drained areas. They thrive in poor, rocky, or sandy soils, making them suitable for a wide range of conditions.
• Space plants 4 to 6 feet apart if using as a hedge or screen to allow for mature spread.

Minimal pruning is needed. If shaping is required, prune lightly in early spring before new growth begins. Avoid heavy pruning into old wood, as junipers do not regenerate well from mature wood.

• Once established, ‘Wichita Blue’ is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
• Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish a strong root system. After that, water sparingly, only during prolonged dry periods.

• Full sun is essential for maintaining the bright blue color of ‘Wichita Blue’.
• It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive. In too much shade, the plant may lose its dense form and vibrant color.

The branches of ‘Wichita Blue’ are often used in wreaths and decorative arrangements due to their striking color and texture.

Junipers are not heavy feeders, but applying a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring will promote healthy growth. Alternatively, compost can be added to the base of the plant.

• Pests & Diseases: ‘Wichita Blue’ is generally resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it may occasionally experience juniper blight or rust, especially in overly wet conditions. Ensure proper spacing and avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal issues.
• Deer Resistance: This juniper variety is highly deer-resistant, making it an excellent choice for landscapes where deer browsing is common.
• Cold & Drought Tolerance: ‘Wichita Blue’ is extremely hardy and tolerant of both cold and drought, making it suitable for challenging growing conditions.

Junipers are wind-pollinated, and the flowers are not significant for ornamental purposes. Female plants will produce small, berry-like cones if pollinated by a nearby male.

– Rudbeckia or Echinacea (Coneflowers) – Bright blooms contrast beautifully with the silvery-blue needles and attract pollinators.

– Lavandula (Lavender) – Offers aromatic foliage and purple blooms; pairs well in dry, sunny sites.

– Salvia or Nepeta (Catmint) – Low-growing, drought-tolerant perennials that enhance texture and color contrast.

– Sedum (Stonecrop) – Ground-hugging and succulent, ideal around the base to provide a layered, textural effect.

– Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass) – Adds vertical movement and soft texture to contrast the dense, conical form of the juniper.

– Artemisia – Silvery foliage creates a cool-toned harmony with the blue of 'Wichita Blue'.

– Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) – Tall, wispy blue-lavender blooms pair beautifully with the evergreen needles.

– Heuchera (Coral Bells) – Offers colorful foliage at the base in shaded or part-sun spots nearby.

– Ornamental grasses – Such as Festuca glauca or Pennisetum, to soften the edges and add movement.

– Rock garden plants – Like creeping thyme or creeping phlox, which fill in gaps and provide seasonal bloom at ground level.