Wichita Blue Juniper

Pruning Wichita Blue Juniper trees should be done with care to maintain their natural, dense, pyramidal shape. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Start by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, cutting them back to the main trunk or a healthy branch. Use sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts, and avoid cutting into old wood, as junipers do not regrow from bare branches. For light shaping, you can trim back overgrown branches, but be cautious not to over-prune, as this can disrupt the tree’s natural form.

If you need to reduce the size of your Wichita Blue Juniper, prune conservatively to maintain its compact shape and dense foliage. Prune no more than one-third of the tree’s growth in a single season to prevent stressing the plant. Regular, light pruning throughout the growing season will encourage thicker growth and ensure that the tree retains its vibrant silver-blue color and strong structure. By following proper pruning practices, your Wichita Blue Juniper will continue to thrive and remain a focal point in your landscape for years to come.

Wichita Blue Juniper trees prefer full sun and perform best when they receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. While they can tolerate partial shade, their growth may be slower, and the signature silver-blue foliage may not be as vibrant in low-light conditions. When grown in too much shade, Wichita Blue Junipers may become less dense, and their naturally upright form can become stretched or leggy as they reach for light. For the healthiest growth and most striking color, it’s ideal to plant these junipers in a sunny location with good air circulation.

If you’re considering planting Wichita Blue Juniper in an area with partial shade, ensure it still receives adequate light during the day, especially in the morning and early afternoon. While they can adapt to some shade, they thrive in bright, open spaces and may struggle in deep or prolonged shade. In shadier spots, you may also notice slower growth and less resilience to tough conditions like drought. To enjoy the full beauty and low-maintenance benefits of Wichita Blue Juniper, prioritize planting them in areas with plenty of sunlight to support their vibrant color and dense, pyramidal form.

Wichita Blue Juniper trees have a moderate growth rate, typically adding about 6 to 12 inches of height per year. While they are not considered fast-growing, their steady and reliable growth makes them ideal for creating privacy screens, windbreaks, or focal points in the landscape. Over time, they can reach heights of 10 to 15 feet with a width of about 4 to 6 feet, forming a dense, pyramidal shape that offers year-round color and structure. The moderate growth pace also means that these trees require less frequent pruning and maintenance compared to faster-growing species.

Although Wichita Blue Juniper grows at a moderate rate, its silver-blue foliage remains vibrant and attractive throughout the growing process. The tree’s slow, steady growth allows it to develop a strong, healthy root system, making it drought-tolerant and resilient once established. While it may take several years for Wichita Blue Juniper to reach its full height, its consistent growth and minimal care requirements make it a valuable addition to landscapes where durability and beauty are important. With patience, you’ll enjoy the striking vertical presence and bold color this juniper provides as it matures.

To plant a privacy hedge or windbreak with Wichita Blue Juniper trees, begin by selecting a location that offers full sun and well-drained soil, as these trees thrive in bright light and dry conditions. Measure the area where you plan to plant the hedge or windbreak, and space each Wichita Blue Juniper tree 4 to 6 feet apart to allow for their mature width. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball for each tree, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil. After placing the tree in the hole, backfill with soil and water thoroughly to help the roots establish.

To create a dense, effective privacy screen or windbreak, maintain the trees with regular watering during the first growing season to promote strong root growth. Apply mulch around the base of each tree to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot. Over time, Wichita Blue Junipers will grow into a dense, pyramidal form that blocks wind, noise, and provides privacy year-round with their vibrant silver-blue foliage. Once established, these junipers are drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning to maintain their natural shape and function as a stunning, long-lasting barrier.

Yes, Wichita Blue Juniper trees are highly deer-resistant, making them an excellent choice for landscapes in areas prone to deer browsing. The dense, aromatic foliage of the juniper is unappealing to deer, which typically avoid this tree in favor of more palatable plants. This natural deer resistance allows the Wichita Blue Juniper to maintain its vibrant silver-blue foliage and dense pyramidal shape without the risk of frequent deer damage, making it an ideal option for creating privacy screens, windbreaks, or focal points in gardens where deer activity is common.

In addition to being deer-resistant, Wichita Blue Juniper is also highly tolerant of drought and poor soil conditions, making it a resilient and low-maintenance addition to your landscape. Its ability to withstand deer browsing, along with its tough, adaptable nature, ensures that this juniper will thrive even in challenging environments. By planting Wichita Blue Juniper, you can enjoy the benefits of a durable, deer-resistant evergreen that provides year-round color and structure with minimal care.

Yes, you can grow Wichita Blue Juniper trees in containers, making them an excellent option for patios, balconies, and small gardens. When growing Wichita Blue Juniper in containers, select a large pot with good drainage to accommodate their root system. These evergreens are low-maintenance and thrive in full sun, making them perfect for container gardening. Choose a high-quality, well-draining soil mix to help prevent root rot. Although Wichita Blue Junipers are drought-tolerant once established, it’s important to water the container regularly, especially during hot, dry periods.

Container-grown Wichita Blue Junipers also benefit from regular feeding. A slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreens can provide the nutrients they need for healthy growth and vibrant color. To ensure your Wichita Blue Juniper maintains its signature blue-silver hue, position the container in a location that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. These trees are also known for their cold hardiness, making them suitable for containers in various climates. With proper care, Wichita Blue Juniper trees can thrive in containers for many years, providing year-round interest and adding a bold, structural element to your outdoor space.

Wichita Blue Juniper trees are not a native cultivar but rather a selected form of the native Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana), which is indigenous to North America. While Eastern Redcedar is native to a wide range across the United States, Wichita Blue is a cultivated variety known for its striking blue-silver foliage and upright, pyramidal shape. This cultivar was specifically developed for its ornamental appeal, hardiness, and ability to thrive in various landscapes, from urban gardens to rural settings. Though not native in the strictest sense, Wichita Blue Juniper retains many of the resilient characteristics of its parent species.

As a cultivated juniper, Wichita Blue is well-suited for those looking for a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant evergreen that can withstand challenging conditions. While it is not a native species, its adaptation to North American climates makes it a popular choice for homeowners and landscapers. Wichita Blue Juniper is particularly valued for its ability to resist pests and diseases, making it a reliable option for diverse landscapes. By incorporating this hardy, non-native cultivar, gardeners can enjoy its unique color and form while benefiting from the durability of its native lineage.

Our trees and shrub heights are measured from the top of the root ball to the top of the plant. We do not include the root system in our measurements. You can be assured that if we sell a tree at 4 to 5 feet high that after planting the tree will be 4 to 5 feet tall after planting.

You might see our sizes listed as 4 to 5 feet tall. Simply put, trees and shrubs grow. We are always pruning our plants to promote better branching and fuller canopies. This ensures you receive a plant that has been properly pruned to ensure health and vitality. Doing this can often change the height by 6 to 8 inches. By grading trees into 1-foot increments it assures you that you get what you’re paying for. Oftentimes our trees are sold above the height we specify but we never ship a plant that does not make the minimum height we specify.