Virginia Juniper - Juniperus scopulorum Blue Arrow

The  Juniperus scopulorum 'Blue Arrow' is a beautiful development of the 'Skyrocket' Rocky Mountain juniper, also known as Virginia juniper, whose foliage is even bluer. of medium size, it rises in a narrow column, adorned with fine, dense foliage of a bright grey-blue. Slow-growing, unobtrusive, and with real architectural qualities, 'Blue Arrow' will be perfect in a border, as a specimen, in the background of a large rockery, planted in groups of three to mark an entrance or path, or the surroundings of a swimming pool.

Juniperus scopulorum is an evergreen conifer belonging to the cypress family, which includes similar species such as cypresses and chamaecyparis. It is native to North America, from a vast area ranging from Alberta to Texas, where it grows at altitudes above 1500m (4921.3ft). It is therefore a robust and very hardy mountain species but it dislikes wind or climates and soils that are too wet, 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 tolerant of the presence of lime in the soil.

'Blue Arrow' juniper forms a beautiful bush with a particularly compact, 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. Growth accelerates a little as it ages. A mature specimen will measure approximately 5m (16.4ft) in height and 50-60cm (19.7 - 23.6in) in diameter. Its foliage consists of non-prickly, very tight scales, which emit a resinous and aromatic odour when rubbed. Their colour is a distinct bluish-gray. The fruits are carried by the female plants. They are scaly berries called galbulus, blue-black and rich in essential oil with therapeutic properties. Its reddish-brown bark peels off over time. Junipers have a shallow root system that makes them fragile in the face of strong winds and difficult to associate with perennials. Juniperus scopulorum tolerates transplantation well.

'Blue Arrow' juniper is  a hardy, bright, and elegant conifer widely planted in gardens for a few years. It easily fit in the garden with its perfect habit and density. It is happy everywhere, except in excessively arid or humid situations. Due to its slow growth, it will look good when isolated, on a slope, in a large rockery, or planted in groups of 3 specimens in a border, accompanied by lower conifers with a rounded or bushy habit. It also grows very well in pots. This conifer naturally sits in the design of a contemporary garden, which prefers the aesthetics of shapes, silhouettes, and textures over flowers. Its reassuring permanence structurally defines a border, marks the paths or borders the terrace, replacing the strong presence of trimmed boxwood or holly. It goes well with mahonias, shrubby or non-shrubby heathers and airy grasses. Conifers can also be associated with shade-tolerant, low-maintenance perennials such as periwinkles, Euphorbia amygdaloides purpurea, epimediums, or Trachystemon orientalis. The key is to play with volumes and colours.