Expert: rick hern - 3/3/2002

Question
Juniper Skyrocket, is said to be a fast growing columner Juniper. In zone 6, with full sun, approx. how fast can I expect this to grow. I am trying to decide whether to buy 12" seedlings or 5' trees. Thanks so much


Answer
buy the 5' trees if you want it to look nice right away. they (seedlings too) will grow about 6-12"/ year the 1st 2-3 years after transplanting. after that they can grow 3+ feet per year. they need to be pruned yearly to keep them tight or they will open when snow gets on them. spider mites are a big problems on skyrocket junipers if they are not watered during dry spells and/or fertilized properly. put 1-2 coffee cups of granular evergreen fertilizer under them 2 times/year to keep them healthy. i like hollytone by espoma (available at your local garden center). make saucers around the base of the plants to aid in water retention during waterings & rain periods. never water more than once a week. if we are getting plenty of rain don't water them.