Juniperus scopulorum Skyrocket

Juniperus scopulorum 'Skyrocket' is an elegant conifer derived from the Rocky Mountain juniper, also known as the Virginia juniper. It has a medium size and grows in a narrow column, adorned with fine, dense foliage with beautiful grey-blue accents. Slow growing, compact, and possessing genuine graphic qualities, 'Skyrocket' will be perfect in borders, as a standalone specimen in a rocky landscape, as a backdrop in a large rock garden, or even planted in groups of three to mark an entrance, a pathway, or the surroundings of a pool.

Juniperus scopulorum is an evergreen conifer belonging to the Cupressaceae family, which includes related species such as cypresses and Chamaecyparis. It is native to North America, in a vast area ranging from Alberta to Texas, where it grows at altitudes above 1500m (4921ft 4in). It is therefore a robust and very hardy mountain species, but it is sensitive to wind, excessively humid climates and soils, as well as excessively dry and hot atmospheres. In its natural environment, it resembles a cypress. This species prefers well-drained, even rocky soils and is not afraid of the presence of limestone in the soil.

The 'Skyrocket' juniper forms a beautiful bush with a particularly narrow and tapered columnar habit after 10 years. It grows slowly when young, at a rate of 10 cm (3.9in) in height and 5cm (2in) in width per year. Its growth accelerates slightly as it ages. An adult specimen will measure about 5m (16ft 5in) in height and 50-60cm (19.7-23.6in) in diameter. Its foliage consists of non-prickly, tightly packed scales that emit a resinous and aromatic scent when touched. The colour is a grey-blue-green. The fruits are borne by the female plants. They are scaly berries called galbuli, which are blue-black and rich in therapeutic essential oil. The reddish-brown bark hides a red-brown wood that 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 'Skyrocket' juniper is a hardy and elegant conifer widely planted in gardens for many years. It is a versatile choice for any garden due to  its perfect habit and density. It thrives everywhere, except in excessively arid or humid conditions. Its slow growth makes it ideal as a standalone specimen, on a slope, in a large rock garden, or planted in groups of 3 alongside lower, round or bushy conifers. It also grows very well in pots. This conifer naturally fits into the design of a contemporary garden, which favors the aesthetics of shapes, silhouettes, and textures over the dance of flowers. These plants, with their reassuring permanence, durably structure a border, mark pathways, border terraces, easily substituting for the strong presence of trimmed boxwood or holly. They also pair well with Mahonias, shrubby or non-shrubby heathers, or tousled grasses with complementary temperaments. They can also be associated with shade-tolerant, dry-loving perennials such as periwinkles, Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Purpurea', Epimediums, or Trachystemon orientalis. The key is to play with volumes and colours.