Juniperus scopulorum Blue Ivory

Juniperus scopulorum Blue Ivory is a beautiful compact and variegated selection of the Rocky Mountain juniper, also known as Virginia juniper. Of modest size, this conifer forms a narrow column, adorned with fine, dense, flexible, blue foliage, which is animated by young and luminous cream-coloured shoots. Slow-growing, not bulky and endowed with real graphic qualities, 'Blue Ivory' will be perfect as a standalone plant in a mineral landscape, in the background of a large rockery or even planted in groups of three to mark an entrance, a pathway, or the surroundings of a swimming pool. It can also be grown in a large container on the terrace.

Juniperus scopulorum Blue Ivory ('Klaverjun') is an evergreen conifer belonging to the cypress family. It is a recent Dutch horticultural selection. The species, the Rocky Mountain juniper, is native to North America and is widespread in a vast area ranging from Alberta to Texas, where it grows at altitudes above 1500m (4921ft). It is therefore a robust and very hardy mountain species, but it fears climates and soils that are too damp as well as excessively dry and hot atmospheres. In its natural environment, it has a cypress-like appearance. This species appreciates well-drained, even rocky soils, and is not afraid of the presence of limestone in the soil.

The Blue Ivory juniper eventually forms a particularly compact columnar plant, narrow and tapered towards the top. It grows slowly when young, at a rate of 10cm (3.9in) in height and 5cm (2in) in width per year. An adult plant will measure approximately 2.50m (8ft 2in) in height and 50cm (19.7in) in diameter. Its foliage consists of non-prickly scales, very tightly packed, releasing a resinous and aromatic scent when rubbed. Their colour is a blue-green grey. This juniper produces new shoots that are almost white, mainly in spring, but also at the beginning of autumn if the summer has been dry. The fruits are carried by the female plants. They are scaled berries called galbulus; they are blue-black and rich in essential oil with therapeutic properties. Its reddish-brown bark hides a red-brown wood, which peels off over time. Junipers have a shallow root system that makes them vulnerable to strong winds and difficult to associate with perennials. Juniperus scopulorum tolerates transplantation well.

The Blue Ivory juniper is a small conifer that is hardy, bright, and elegant, which does not require pruning. It will be adopted without reservation in the garden for its elegant habit and luminosity. It is perfect everywhere, except in excessively arid or humid situations. It can be placed as a standalone plant, on a slope, in a large rockery, or even planted in groups of 3 plants in a bed with lower conifers, with a rounded or bushy habit. It also grows very well in containers. This conifer naturally imposes itself in the design of a contemporary garden. Its reassuring permanence structurally enhances a bed, marks pathways, and borders the terrace. It pairs well with Mahonias, Berberis, but also with tousled grasses with a very complementary temperament. Conifers can also be associated with undemanding ground cover plants such as periwinkles, lamb's ears, snow-in-summer... The key is to play with volumes and colours!