As additional interest, the cones are waxy blue and berry-like and are enjoyed by birds and small mammals.
It is drought, salt spray, erosion, dry soil, and air pollution tolerant.
It does not thrive in wet soils, high humidity, or high night temperatures.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Skyrocket Juniper Care
Once established, a Skyrocket juniper requires very little care.
It grows best in full sun in well-draining, dry soils.
Since it is slow-growing, pruning is not required other than removing damaged or broken branches.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
If planted in a well-chosen location, Skyrocket juniper has no serious threats from diseases or insect pests.
If you desire heavy cone production, plant male and female specimens near each other.
Soggy soilswill result in root rot and stunted growth.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
It can tolerate periods of drought, salt spray, and erosion.
The soil pH should be neutral - not too acidic or alkaline.
Water
Once established, the trees seldom require supplemental watering.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
They prefer dry roots.
The trees do not fare well in areas with wet winters and can develop root rot.
Temperature and Humidity
Skyrocket junipers prefer cooler climates and low humidity.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
In rainy areas, they may be susceptible to blights which causes the dieback of the stem tips.
Fertilizer
It is usually unnecessary to fertilize this tree unless you have a soil deficiency.
Fertilizers that are high in nitrogen (16-4-8NPK) will promote lush green growth.
Do not feed late in the growing season.
Types of Skyrocket Juniper
There are numerousJuniperus scopulorumcultivars with slightly different foliage and growth patterns.
If a shorter tree is desired, select one of the cultivars that do not grow so tall.
The only pruning that is required is to remove any broken or storm-damaged limbs.
Carefully ease the plant out of the pot and place it carefully in the hole.
Water deeply for several months until the roots are firmly established.
Overwintering
There are no special requirements for overwintering Skyrocket junipers unless a heavy ice storm is predicted.
Use a protective cover to prevent branches from snapping under the weight of the ice.
In rainy seasons, they may be susceptible to blights which causes the dieback of the stem tips.
Phomopsis twig blight may occur as well as Cedar-apple rust and other rust diseases.
It can take up to 10 years for the tree to reach its mature height.
Some cultivars of Skyrocket Junipers can reach 30-40 feet tall.
Other cultivars produce smaller trees around 10-12 feet.
The roots of Skyrocket Junipers are non-invasive making them perfect for foundation plantings and in narrow spaces along driveways.
Juniperus scopulorum.North Carolina Extension Plant Toolbox
