Juniperus Scopulorum Blue Arrow Rocky Mountain Juniper

Juniperus Scopulorum Blue Arrow, also known as the Rocky Mountain Juniper Blue Arrow or Juniper Blue Arrow, is a striking upright conifer valued for its strong architectural form and blue foliage. Awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit, this selection is synonymous with Juniperus Virginiana Blue Arrow and is one of the finest columnar junipers for gardens and landscapes.

This narrow, upright conifer forms an elegant column of dense, scale-like foliage in a distinctive deep blue-green shade. Its shape remains slim and uniform without much pruning, making it an excellent choice for tight spaces, avenues, or formal plantings. Blue Arrow is similar to Juniperus Scopulorum Skyrocket but its growth habit is more compact and its foliage colour is deeper. 

Native to the Rocky Mountain region of North America, Juniperus Scopulorum thrives in dry, exposed sites, often on rocky ridges. Its adaptability and resilience make it an ideal low-maintenance feature tree in a wide range of UK gardens.

Height and Width of Juniperus Scopulorum Blue Arrow:

In 10 years, Juniperus Scopulorum Blue Arrow will typically reach around 2.5 metres in height with a width of only 0.5 metres, creating a strong vertical accent. Over time it may grow taller, but it always maintains its slim, columnar silhouette.

How hardy is Juniperus Scopulorum Blue Arrow?

Blue Arrow is fully hardy in the UK, tolerating cold winters, wind, and drought once established. It prefers well-drained soils and is particularly well suited to poor, sandy, or stony ground, reflecting its origins in the western regions of North America. It thrives in full sun and is resistant to most common pests and diseases.

Uses in Garden and/or Landscape

• As a vertical accent or focal point in mixed borders
• Planted in rows for formal avenues or screening
• Ideal for narrow spaces where height is desired without bulk
• Excellent for Mediterranean-style, gravel, and contemporary gardens
• Works well in pairs to frame an entrance or pathway

Care Tips

Plant Juniperus Scopulorum Blue Arrow in full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid waterlogged conditions. Minimal pruning is required, though any wayward shoots can be trimmed in late spring. Once established, this conifer is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Mulch around the base in spring to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Space adequately if planting as an avenue to allow each tree to show its narrow yet striking profile.

Distinctive features & origins: The Rocky Mountain Junipers are native to western North America, where they grow on dry, rocky ridges. Blue Arrow was introduced by Pine Grove Nursery Canada in 1987. It combines natural resilience with ornamental appeal, offering a hardy, colourful columnar conifer for modern contemporary gardens.