How to Grow Boulevard
Wikimedia Commons
Boulevard
Juniperus scopulorum 'Boulevard'
shrubBoulevard is a compact, columnar cultivar of Rocky Mountain juniper known for its attractive silvery-blue foliage and narrow, upright growth habit. It serves as an excellent ornamental shrub for landscapes, offering year-round color and structure with minimal maintenance requirements. The fine, feathery foliage provides a soft texture that contrasts beautifully with other garden plants.
When should you plant Boulevard in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Boulevard timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Boulevard
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Boulevard
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Boulevard dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-7, extremely cold-hardy and drought-tolerant once established
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Get my Boulevard timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment (Year 1)
12 monthsYoung plant with thin, silvery-blue foliage; narrow columnar form beginning to develop
Water regularly to establish deep root system. Mulch around base but keep away from stem. Avoid transplanting or moving.
Early Growth (Year 2-3)
12-24 monthsFoliage becomes denser and more feathery; silvery-blue color intensifies; columnar shape becomes more pronounced
Reduce watering frequency as drought tolerance increases. Minimal pruning needed; remove any dead branches.
Maturation (Year 4-5)
12+ monthsReaches typical mature height of 15-20 feet with narrow columnar form; full silvery-blue coloration established
No supplemental watering needed except during severe drought. Prune lightly only to maintain shape if desired.
Mature/Ornamental
Indefinite (10+ years)Full-sized columnar specimen with dense, fine-textured foliage; maintains silvery-blue color year-round including winter
Minimal maintenance required. Selective pruning to shape or remove diseased branches. Very hardy to cold, wind, and poor soils.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water or miticide in hot, dry conditions; increase humidity
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Hand-pick bags in fall/winter; apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) in early summer
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Dormant oil spray in early spring; insecticidal soap for light infestations
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Improve air circulation; remove affected foliage; apply fungicide if severe
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Prune infected branches; improve drainage and air circulation; apply fungicide preventatively in spring
Uses
Landscape focal point and screening
OrnamentalBoulevard's narrow columnar form and silvery-blue foliage make it ideal for vertical accents, specimen plantings, and creating living screens or windbreaks without excessive width. The compact size allows use in smaller landscapes while maintaining strong visual presence. [source]
Fresh and dried arrangements
HouseholdThe feathery foliage and silvery-blue color make Boulevard branches excellent for fresh floral arrangements and decorative displays. Dried branches retain their color and structure for long-lasting indoor and dried arrangements. [source]
Wildlife shelter and food
WildlifeBoulevard provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and small mammals. The berries (modified cones) are food sources for various bird species, particularly cedar waxwings and junipers. [source]
Juniper berry seasoning
CulinaryRocky Mountain juniper produces berries that can be used for flavoring and traditional culinary applications, though Boulevard cultivars are primarily ornamental rather than productive. The berries have been traditionally used in gin production and game meat seasoning. [source]
Traditional herbal remedy
MedicinalJuniper species have been used traditionally in folk medicine for various applications. Boulevard contains volatile oils and compounds found in juniper species, though ornamental cultivars are not typically harvested for medicinal use. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Boulevard is an ornamental shrub, not harvested for yield. However, branches may be cut for fresh evergreen arrangements and winter floral displays. Cut in late fall or winter when foliage color is most vibrant.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Boulevard is one of the most popular cultivars of Rocky Mountain juniper, prized by landscape designers for its tolerance of extreme cold, drought, and poor soil conditions—making it ideal for difficult garden sites.
- 🌱 The silvery-blue foliage of Boulevard becomes more pronounced and colorful in cold weather, often displaying deeper blue tones during winter months, providing year-round garden interest.
- 🌱 Despite its narrow columnar form, Boulevard can reach 15-20 feet tall but typically remains only 3-4 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for confined spaces and narrow garden areas where vertical emphasis is desired.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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