WHICHITA BLUE JUNIPER
If you crush a juniper berry between your fingers you may notice a familiar aroma… gin! These little blue berries are what’s used to give gin its flavour and smell. Junipers are hardy, desert-adapted plants that thrive in full sunlight and tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. Unlike arborvitae, which can struggle in Alberta’s harsh winters, junipers are remarkably resistant to winter damage. Their vibrant blue-green foliage provides year-round beauty, while their uniform shape and drought tolerance make them incredibly low-maintenance.
What You Need To Know:
- Botanical Name: Juniperus scopulorum ‘Wichita Blue’
- Type: Evergreen conifer
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-9
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun
- Soil: Tolerant of a wide range of well-drained soils
- Mature Size: 10-15 feet tall, 4-6 feet wide
- Growth Rate: 1-2 feet per year after establishment
- Lifespan: With proper care, Wichita Blue Junipers can have a long lifespan of many decades. 9Some of the longest-lived trees in the world are junipers, including a Utah Juniper estimated to be over 3,000 years old.
- Wildlife Haven: Juniper trees provide food and shelter for a variety of birds and other animals, making them valuable parts of the ecosystem.
Interesting Facts
- A Rocky Mountain Native: This juniper cultivar originates from the Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum), a species native to western North America. Breeders selected the Wichita Blue for its particularly vibrant blue foliage.
- Perfect for Mass Planting: Due to its compact size and dense growth habit, the Wichita Blue Juniper is ideal for mass plantings. It can be used to create privacy screens, hedges, or borders, adding a uniform touch of blue beauty to your landscape.
- Silvery Berries: While not particularly showy, the Wichita Blue Juniper produces silver-blue berries in late spring that persist into late winter. These can add a subtle winter texture and provide a food source for birds.
- Deer Resistant: A welcome benefit for gardeners! Deer tend to avoid browsing on juniper foliage, allowing you to enjoy the vibrant blue hues without worry.
Interested In Adding This Unique Tree To Your Property?
Contact Edmonton Arborist and our expert tree planting team will bring and install your very own Blue Juniper!
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Consumer choice award for Northern Alberta tree services 2022 and 2023!
