Skyrocket Juniper Guide: How to Grow a Skyrocket Juniper Tree

The Skyrocket juniper (Juniperus scopulorum 'Skyrocket) is a narrow, columnar evergreen tree with a fast growth rate. This juniper cultivar has aromatic foliage with a bluish-green foliage color and scale-like texture. Also known as the Rocky Mountain Juniper, Skyrocket juniper trees look similar to the ‘Blue point’ and ‘Blue Arrow’ juniper cultivars but have a faster growth rate, growing roughly two feet every year. While not a true juniper—this cultivar derives from Eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana)—Skyrocket juniper shares many characteristics common within the Juniperus genus of trees and shrubs.

With proper care, Skyrocket junipers can reach a mature height of thirty feet and a mature width of eight feet, making Skyrocket juniper the narrowest juniper botanists have identified. These evergreen trees are drought-tolerant and grow well in USDA hardiness zones three through nine. In addition to the attractive blue foliage, the Skyrocket juniper also bears bluish cones that look like berries. Be aware, however, that these cones are not edible and may be toxic to pets and children.

Considered a hardy alternative to Italian cypress, the Skyrocket juniper is easily transplanted into different growing zones and climates. Skyrocket junipers make great foundation plantings. When planted in a row, Skyrocket junipers can serve as a privacy screen or windbreak for your backyard. Many growers plant the Skyrocket juniper next to conifers, which thrive in similar conditions. Junipers and conifers can make a striking combination of trees in your garden.

Planting your Skyrocket juniper requires a few steps.

1. 1. Choose a sunny location. Full or partial sun is ideal for your Skyrocket juniper. Avoid heavily shaded areas, which make junipers more susceptible to disease.
2. 2. Give your tree plenty of space. Be sure to choose a well-draining location in an open setting to give your evergreen tree space to grow.
3. 3. Use slightly acidic soil. Skyrocket junipers can thrive in many soil conditions, including soils that contain sand, clay, and loam. Ideally, plant your Skyrocket juniper in soil with a slightly acidic pH level. The soil should always be semi-moist rather than wet.
4. 4. Space your Skyrocket junipers appropriately. Crowded Skyrocket juniper trees cause foliage overgrowth and poor air circulation. Give your junipers ample room to grow by spacing them a few feet apart. When you’re ready to plant, remove the juniper plant from its container and loosen up the root mass with your hands. Plant your juniper tree just deep enough to cover the root ball.
5. 5. Water your new plants. Water your freshly planted Skyrocket juniper right away and then twice a week for the first month after planting. As the plant becomes established, you can reduce the watering frequency to once a week, though you may need to occasionally water your plants more during excessively dry summer months.

Consider these general tips for growing and caring for a Skyrocket juniper.

1. 1. Light: These privacy trees thrive in full sun and partial shade. Avoid growing these trees in thickly shaded areas.
2. 2. Temperature: The Skyrocket juniper does well in a variety of temperatures but is sensitive to humidity.
3. 3. Watering: Your new plant will need consistent watering, but you may reduce the frequency as the Skyrocket juniper matures. Avoid overwatering your plant, which may cause decay and powdery mildew.
4. 4. Fertilizing: Fertilize your Skyrocket junipers every few years after they have established a root system.
5. 5. Pruning: Aside from pruning to remove deadwood, you likely won’t need to prune your Skyrocket juniper. When removing dead branches, use gardening gloves to protect your hands from the potentially irritating tree sap. Early spring is an ideal time to prune your Skyrocket juniper.
6. 6. Pests and diseases: The Skyrocket juniper is prone to juniper blight, cedar-apple rust, and canker. To prevent rust diseases, avoid growing Skyrocket junipers near apple, crabapple, or hawthorn trees. Remove any infested branches or foliage to treat a pest problem. Use a hose to spray your Skyrocket junipers, using a strong spray of water to clear away spider mites.

Grow your own garden with Ron Finley, the self-described "Gangster Gardener." Get the MasterClass Annual Membership and learn how to cultivate fresh herbs and vegetables, keep your house plants alive, and use compost to make your community—and the world—a better place.