Juniper Wichita Blue: Beautiful Blue-Gray Color Year-Round

Wichita Blue Juniper hedges are Rocky Mountain Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) varieties that are exceptionally blue junipers and make excellent low hedges or borders, especially in more arid climates. Although the Wichita Blue Juniper can grow in a variety of soil types, it prefers dry, sandy soils with good drainage. This juniper hedge tree is indigenous to the Rocky Mountain region, where it grows in mountainous regions from British Columbia to the Southwest as well as from Alberta all the way down to Texas.

The Juniper stands out all year round because it is evergreen, durable, and deer resistant.

Without any of the typical winter bronzing, the silvery blue foliage shines. Additionally, the Wichita Blue is a perennial fixture of the landscape because it typically lives for 70 years or longer. Even though deer aren't drawn to it, many birds will graze on the silvery blue berries in the late summer and early winter, creating a graceful display of wildlife.

Juniper Wichita Blue option if you're looking for trees that won't require additional water after the first year or two in hot, sandy, and dry conditions. The pest-free Juniper Wichita Blue can withstand extreme cold in northern states or at higher elevations of up to 8,500 feet. As long as it is not in moist soil or shade, it is free of pests and will be disease-free.

1. Pruning

If you prefer, you can clip it into a hedge or give it a rounded shape as opposed to a point. This tree can be trimmed at any time of year, but the best time is in the early fall to avoid winter damage to a recently-trimmed tree. As this tree cannot be cut back to branches that have no leaves on them because they will not re-sprout, it is best to trim it frequently, at least once a year. To ensure that a hedge stays green all the way to the ground and to prevent snow from piling up on the top, which could potentially cause it to break, make sure to keep the top narrower than the bottom.

2. Hardiness and Climate

With the exception of the Deep South, Florida, and coastal California, Juniper Wichita Blue will grow throughout the cooler regions of America in zones 3 to 7, where it is hardy. Even the driest, sandy soils will support its growth, but it will be content in all soil types save for those that are frequently wet. This tree is a great choice as a specimen or as a hedge plant if you have a dry garden, detest watering, or have sandy soil that dries out quickly. Compared to most other hedge evergreens, it can withstand much drier conditions.

3. Sun Exposure and Soil Conditions

Sunny environments are best for Juniper Wichita Blue. The foliage will become thinning and open from too much shade. Even though this tree is extremely hardy and dislikes damp soil, shady areas are frequently damp. Your tree is either receiving too much water, too much shade, or both if you notice sporadic brown branches on it, especially in the spring. Find a spot in your garden that gets more sun for it because even big trees can be moved.