Juniperus scopulorum ‘Blue Arrow’ Seeds | Blue Arrow Juniper

LATIN NAME: Juniperus scopulorum ‘Blue arrow’

COMMON NAME: Blue Arrow Juniper

Plant Profile

Blue Arrow Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum ‘Blue arrow’) is a distinctive species. Through the flowering season it keeps visiting bees well supplied. For the gardener, the sum of these traits is a plant that is easy to live with.

Science & Biotechnology

Within the Juniperus group, Juniperus scopulorum ‘Blue arrow’ is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. Its silvery-blue foliage colour has also been studied alongside other blue-toned juniper cultivars for specific wax compounds responsible for this distinctive colouration. Nothing exotic is required: standard seed-sowing practice, done carefully, is enough.

Uses & Benefits

Beyond its ornamental appeal, Blue Arrow Juniper has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. Its striking silvery-blue colour also adds year-round visual interest quite different from duller green typical of many common screening conifers. Once it has its roots down, it more or less looks after itself.

Juniper berries flavor gin and game and are a classical European diuretic for urinary teas, official in several herbals; the wood’s fragrant oils scent pencils, chests and incense.

Growing from Seed

Blue Arrow Juniper grows readily from seed. A period of cold, moist stratification helps seed germinate evenly, after which it should be sown into a loose, well-drained mix. Full sun suits this hardy conifer well, and while seed-grown plants may show some natural variation compared with named cutting-grown selections, careful selection of narrowest, most upright seedlings can still yield an attractive columnar specimen over time. Sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly into a loose, well-drained seed compost, water in gently, and keep the sowing in full sun with steady moisture. Prick the seedlings out once they are large enough to handle, grow them on in bright light, and plant out when conditions allow.

Our Take

Its long record of traditional use, described above, gives the plant a story beyond ornament. Blue Arrow Juniper is the kind of plant that rewards a permanent spot. Given full sun and free drainage, it asks for little routine attention.

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