How to Grow DeGroot's Spire Juniper
Wikimedia Commons
DeGroot's Spire Juniper
Juniperus scopulorum 'DeGroot's Spire'
shrubDeGroot's Spire is a narrow, columnar cultivar of Rocky Mountain juniper, prized for its striking blue-green foliage and distinctive pencil-thin growth habit. This evergreen conifer is extremely hardy and drought-tolerant, making it ideal for landscapes requiring vertical accent plants. It reaches 20-25 feet tall but only 2-3 feet wide at maturity.
When should you plant DeGroot's Spire Juniper 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 DeGroot's Spire Juniper timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant DeGroot's Spire Juniper
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest DeGroot's Spire Juniper
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact DeGroot's Spire Juniper dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8; best performance in zones 4-7
Sign up free to see if DeGroot's Spire Juniper grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my DeGroot's Spire Juniper timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment (Year 1)
12 monthsYoung plant focuses energy on root development; foliage emerges as thin, upright shoots with bright to steel-blue coloring
Water regularly during first growing season to establish deep, extensive root system. Mulch around base (2-3 inches) keeping 6 inches away from trunk. Avoid fertilizing.
Young Growth (Years 2-5)
4 yearsPlant develops its characteristic narrow columnar form with increasingly dense, feathery blue-green foliage. Height increases 12-18 inches annually.
Reduce watering frequency as drought tolerance improves. Light pruning if needed to maintain shape, but allow natural form to develop. Remove dead or damaged branches.
Maturing (Years 6-15)
10 yearsPlant continues vertical growth while maintaining its distinctive narrow profile. Foliage becomes denser and deeper in color. May produce tiny cones (female plants).
Minimal pruning needed. Drought-resistant; only water during severe drought. No fertilization required. Monitor for bagworms and spider mites in stressed plants.
Mature (Year 15+)
IndefiniteFull-size columnar form achieved, 20-25 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. Foliage maintains rich blue-green color year-round. Extremely hardy and low-maintenance.
Essentially maintenance-free once established. Prune only to remove winter damage or dead wood. Excellent long-lived landscape specimen requiring no special care.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Hand-pick bags in winter and early spring before emergence. Spray with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) in early summer. Insecticidal soap for light infestations.
-
Increase humidity by occasional misting in dry climates. Strong water spray to dislodge mites. Insecticidal soap or neem oil if heavy infestation. Stressed plants more susceptible; ensure adequate water during drought.
-
Horticultural oil spray in dormant season. Insecticidal soap in early summer. Maintain plant health to improve resistance.
-
Prune out infected branches; sterilize pruners between cuts. Improve air circulation. Fungicide sprays in spring may help. Avoid overhead watering.
Uses
Architectural Accent Plant
HouseholdDeGroot's Spire provides outstanding vertical emphasis in landscape design, perfect for creating focal points, framing entryways, or defining borders. Its narrow columnar form is ideal for small spaces where full-width shrubs won't fit. [source]
Wildlife Shelter and Food
WildlifeThe dense foliage provides excellent shelter and nesting habitat for birds and small wildlife. Juniperus cones (the fleshy berry-like structures) are an important food source for juncos, robins, and cedar waxwings. [source]
Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
HouseholdExtremely low water requirements once established make it ideal for xeriscaping, dry climates, and low-maintenance landscapes. Perfect for regions with water restrictions or arid growing conditions. [source]
Winter Interest
HouseholdYear-round blue-green foliage provides consistent color in winter landscapes when deciduous plants are dormant. Adds visual structure and color contrast to winter gardens. [source]
Fragrant Wood Source
CraftJuniper wood has been traditionally used for incense, cedar chests, and aromatic applications. The foliage releases a pleasant, distinctive piney aroma when brushed. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not applicable; this is an ornamental evergreen shrub grown for foliage and form. Prune selectively in late winter/early spring if shape correction needed. Avoid heavy pruning as recovery is slow.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 DeGroot's Spire can withstand temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C), making it one of the hardiest columnar evergreens available for northern gardens.
- 🌱 The species Juniperus scopulorum grows naturally in the Rocky Mountains and is more drought-tolerant and slower-growing than the common eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana).
- 🌱 The blue-green color of juniper foliage comes from a waxy coating called a bloom that helps protect the plant from extreme sun exposure and water loss in arid conditions.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized DeGroot's Spire Juniper planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start DeGroot's Spire Juniper seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my DeGroot's Spire Juniper timeline →