Skyrocket Juniper Versus Other Junipers – World of Garden Plants (2024)

Today, let’s dive into how Skyrocket Juniper stacks up against other junipers. I’m here to guide you in picking the perfect variety for your needs.

Taylor Juniper vsSkyrocket Juniper

The standout difference between Taylor and Skyrocket Junipers lies in their needle color. Skyrocket Junipers boast silvery-green needles, contrasting with Taylor Juniper’s vibrant green ones. Moreover, a Skyrocket Juniper may show a greener hue in less direct sunlight.

Another distinction is their width. Skyrocket Junipers are generally wider, reaching up to 5 feet across, compared to Taylor Junipers, which max out at about 3 feet in width. This width difference is crucial for those considering these plants for hedges, as you might need more Taylor Junipers to achieve the same hedge density.

Finally, when it comes to withstanding cold, Taylor Junipers have the edge. They thrive in USDA hardiness zone 3, making them more frost-tolerant than Skyrocket Junipers, which are suited for zone 4 and warmer.

Moonglow Juniper vs Skyrocket Juniper

The key difference between Moonglow and Skyrocket Junipers lies in their shape. Moonglow Junipers can spread out to 7 feet wide, whereas Skyrocket Junipers max out at 5 feet. Despite this, both reach a similar height at maturity, around 20 feet.

Moonglow Junipers grow more slowly compared to Skyrockets. Therefore, if your aim is a lower hedge without breaking the bank, Moonglow is your go-to due to its greater width, requiring fewer plants for a full barrier. Conversely, for a quickly rising tall hedge, Skyrocket wins out, although it demands more plants for the same coverage.

Color-wise, both share a silvery-green needle hue in sunlight. Moonglow Junipers need slightly more sun to maintain their silver color, but both will shift to green in less optimal light conditions.

Spartan Juniper vsSkyrocket Juniper

The main difference between Spartan and Skyrocket Junipers lies in their needles. Spartan, a variety of Chinese Juniper, features prickly needles, unlike the softer needles of the Skyrocket Juniper. Moreover, Skyrocket Junipers have a distinctive silvery-green color, while Spartan Junipers sport a classic green.

Another key contrast is their size and form. Spartan Junipers can reach up to 15 feet in height and spread to about 5 feet wide, growing at a moderate pace. This makes them less ideal for hedges but perfect as standout single plants or for topiary use.

Skyrocket Junipers, meanwhile, are favored for privacy screens because of their rapid growth and taller, more upright growth pattern.

In terms of hardiness, both varieties are adaptable and can thrive in any U.S. climate zone.

Blue Point Juniper vs Skyrocket Juniper

The standout feature setting Blue Point Juniper apart from Skyrocket Juniper is its growth habit. Blue Point Juniper boasts a broad, pyramidal shape, achieving heights of 12 feet and a width of 8 feet, whereas Skyrocket Juniper presents a more columnar form, towering up to 20 feet tall but only stretching 5 feet wide.

This shape difference significantly influences their utility in landscaping. Blue Point Juniper excels as a focal point in garden corners or as a solitary feature. It’s also great for crafting a low hedge to section off areas of the garden.

Skyrocket Juniper, conversely, serves ideally as a privacy barrier. Spacing these junipers 3 to 4 feet apart can swiftly create a secluded space, shielding you from prying eyes.

Needle color further distinguishes these two. Skyrocket Juniper’s needles maintain a consistent silvery-green hue throughout the year. Blue Point Juniper, however, features vibrant green needles when young, which mature into a striking bluish tone, creating a captivating bicolor effect.

Wichita Blue Juniper vs Skyrocket Juniper

The primary distinctions between Wichita Blue and Skyrocket Junipers lie in their shape and needle color. Wichita Blue Juniper is shorter yet broader compared to the taller, more slender Skyrocket Juniper. Wichita Blue showcases striking silver-blue needles, contrasting with the gray-blue hue of Skyrocket Juniper’s foliage.

For those seeking an eye-catching garden feature, Wichita Blue Juniper stands out with its unique needle color and wide, pyramidal form, making it an excellent choice for decorative purposes.

For hedging needs, Skyrocket Juniper might be the better option, offering a taller, more uniform barrier.

In terms of climate resilience, Wichita Blue Juniper is more robust in cooler conditions but struggles with the intense heat typical of the southern US. On the other hand, Skyrocket Juniper thrives in warmer climates, yet still manages to withstand the chill of northern winters.

Pencil Point Juniper vs Skyrocket Juniper

The distinguishing feature between Pencil Point and Skyrocket Junipers is their crown shape. Pencil Point Juniper presents a slender profile, reaching up to 15 feet tall but only 2-3 feet wide, whereas Skyrocket Juniper stands taller at 20 feet with a broader spread of 4-5 feet.

Growth speed is another point of contrast, with Pencil Point Juniper growing more slowly than Skyrocket. For those considering Pencil Point as a hedge option, be prepared for a longer wait and the need for more plants to achieve a full screen. In contrast, Skyrocket Juniper is more efficient for hedge purposes due to its faster growth.

Pencil Point Juniper shines as a vertical element in landscape designs, fitting snugly into tight spaces without overcrowding, providing a striking vertical accent among other garden plants.

When it comes to climate adaptability, Pencil Point Juniper fares better in colder regions, while Skyrocket Juniper is more resilient in warmer climates.

Medora Juniper vs Skyrocket Juniper

The key factor setting Medora and Skyrocket Junipers apart is their growth speed. Medora Juniper takes its time, reaching up to 10 feet in height and 3 feet in width after a decade. In contrast, Skyrocket Juniper can grow nearly twice as tall in the same timeframe.

For those aiming for quick privacy, Skyrocket Juniper is the go-to, offering a faster route to achieving a tall screen. On the other hand, if you’re in the market for a compact barrier or a decorative piece, Medora Juniper stands out due to its modest size and low upkeep requirements.

While Medora Juniper edges out Skyrocket in terms of cold hardiness, it’s less equipped to handle high heat.