Medora Juniper

Juniperus scopulorum ‘Medora’

Medora Juniper is a narrow, upright, slow-growing evergreen with dense, blue-green foliage. It is a cold-hardy (Zone 3), drought-tolerant, and low-maintenance tree, making it an excellent choice for windbreaks, privacy screens, vertical accents, and small yards in Southwest Saskatchewan. Unlike other columnar junipers, Medora has a more compact, refined growth habit, making it less prone to winter damage.

Planting & Location

• Hardiness Zone: 3-7 (excellent for cold prairie winters)
• Mature Size: 10-15 feet tall, 3-4 feet wide
• Growth Rate: Slow (6-12 inches per year)
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day)
• Soil Preference:
  • Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil.
  • Tolerates poor, rocky, and alkaline soils.
  • Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged soil—prone to root rot in wet conditions.
• Spacing:
  • 3-4 feet apart for a dense screen or hedge.
  • 5-6 feet apart for individual plantings.

Watering

• Young Trees (First 2-3 Years): Water deeply once per week to establish roots.
• Established Trees: Drought-tolerant; water every 2-3 weeks in dry periods.
• Avoid Overwatering: Prefers dry to medium moisture levels—too much water can cause root rot.

Fertilizing

• First Year: No fertilizer needed—focus on root establishment.
• Mature Trees:
  • Apply a slow-release evergreen fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring if needed.
  • Organic alternative: Compost or well-rotted manure in spring.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Minimal pruning required—naturally maintains a narrow, upright shape.
• Best Time to Prune: Late winter to early spring, before new growth starts.
• How to Prune:
  • Remove dead, diseased, or broken branches.
  • Light trimming can enhance density but avoid heavy pruning.
  • Do not cut into old wood—junipers do not regenerate from bare branches.

Pest & Disease Management

Common Pests:

• Spider Mites – Can cause browning needles.
  • Solution: Hose off with water or use insecticidal soap.
• Juniper Scale – Small, white, waxy insects on needles.
  • Solution: Treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
• Bagworms – Caterpillars that create cone-shaped silk bags.
  • Solution: Remove by hand or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray.

Common Diseases:

• Cedar-Apple Rust (Gymnosporangium spp.) – Orange, jelly-like galls in spring.
  • Solution: Remove infected branches and avoid planting near apple trees.
• Root Rot (Phytophthora, Armillaria) – Can occur in poorly drained soil.
  • Solution: Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.

Winter Protection

• Highly winter-hardy but may experience winter burn in exposed locations.
• Mulching: Apply 2-4 inches of mulch around the base (not touching the trunk) to insulate roots.
• Wind Protection: In very harsh winters, consider burlap wrapping to prevent desiccation.

Landscape Uses

Perfect for narrow spaces and small yards
Great vertical accent or screening tree
Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant
Cold-hardy and withstands harsh prairie winters
Deer-resistant and urban pollution-tolerant

Additional Notes:

• Medora Juniper is one of the best columnar junipers for cold, dry climates due to its dense foliage and resilience.
• Lifespan: 50+ years with proper care.
• Works well in rock gardens, windbreaks, mixed borders, and modern landscapes.

Photo courtesy of Falk Nurseries