The popular ‘Swane’s Golden’ is a fabulous conifer for use in narrow areas, but until recently there hasn’t been a good alternative for people wanting a pencil-shaped conifer with blue foliage. In our segment Don looked at ‘Blue Arrow’, a juniper with beautiful, silvery blue foliage and a natural, pole shape.
Plant details
Common name: Blue Arrow
Botanic name: Juniperus scopulorum ‘Blue Arrow’
Description: At about 5m (15′) tall ‘Blue Arrow’ is smaller than a pencil pine. It has silvery blue foliage and a neat, natural pole shape.
Best climate: Sydney to Perth and areas south, and mountains.
Uses:
planting in narrow areas
silver theme garden
conifer garden
structural plantings
Good points:
hardy
beautiful silvery blue foliage
natural pole shape
low maintenance – clipping is not required to keep the plant in shape
Downside:
No downside really – Don thinks this juniper will become very popular for narrow areas.
Also shown in our segment:
Swane’s Golden (Cupressus sempervirens ‘Swane’s Golden’) was produced by Swane’s Nursery in Sydney. This golden form of the pencil pine has yellow and gold foliage, and maintains its colour throughout the year. It grows slowly to around 6m (20′) tall.
Growing conifers:
Conifers vary in their cultural requirements but generally they like a slightly acid, well-drained soil, enriched with organic material such as well-rotted manure or compost.
Conifers with dark green foliage will tolerate a position in semi-shade, but those with coloured or variegated foliage should be planted in full sun.
Keep plants mulched, and water well during dry spells.
Conifers are sometimes attacked by fungal diseases and insects such as borers and weevils. However, they are less susceptible to attack when grown in the climate, soil and position that suits them best, with correct fertilising and watering.
Getting started:
‘Blue Arrow’ is available Australia wide. Ask your local garden centre or nursery to order if they do not have one in stock. Expect to pay around $15-20 for 200mm (8″) pots.
Our segment was filmed at:
Conifer Gardens Nursery
Cnr Sherbrooke and Mt Dandenong Tourist Rds
Ferny Creek Vic 3786
Phone: (03) 9755 1793
Fax: (03) 9755 2677
