When deciding between Moonglow juniper vs Wichita Blue juniper for your privacy needs, height and growth rate often become the deciding factors. While both varieties offer stunning blue foliage with a feathery texture, they differ significantly in their mature sizes. Moonglow junipers reach a height of 10-15 feet with a width of 4-6 feet, whereas Wichita Blue junipers grow taller at 15-20 feet.
If you're considering junipers for privacy screens, understanding these growth differences becomes essential. The Moonglow juniper growth rate is notably slower, making it ideal for smaller spaces where controlled development is preferred. In contrast, the Wichita Blue juniper growth rate is faster, perfect for when you need quicker privacy solutions. Both varieties thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil and display distinctive pyramidal shapes that make them excellent options for creating natural barriers. In this guide, we'll help you determine which of these blue beauties best suits your landscape needs and privacy goals.
Growth and Size Comparison
Moonglow Juniper Growth Rate: 10–15 ft at maturity
The Moonglow juniper displays a moderate growth pace, adding approximately 4-5 inches annually. Despite being categorized as a slow-growing variety, this juniper eventually reaches a mature height of 10-15 feet. Occasionally, Moonglow specimens can grow up to 16 feet tall in ideal conditions. This controlled growth rate makes the Moonglow particularly valuable for gardeners seeking privacy solutions without rapid overgrowth concerns.
Wichita Blue Juniper Growth Rate: 15–20 ft at maturity
Comparatively, the Wichita Blue juniper grows more rapidly, typically adding up to 8 inches of height each year. This faster development allows it to reach its impressive mature height of 15-20 feet more quickly than the Moonglow. Furthermore, some sources report mature Wichita Blue specimens reaching approximately 14 feet, though this may vary based on growing conditions and climate.
Width and Shape: Pyramidal vs Broad Pyramidal
Both junipers exhibit distinct architectural forms. The Moonglow develops a classic pyramidal shape with a mature width of 6-8 feet, creating an elegant, upright silhouette. Essentially, its compact, dense branching habit showcases its silvery-blue foliage effectively.
The Wichita Blue, conversely, forms a broader pyramidal structure with a mature spread of 7-10 feet. Its branches flare outward more prominently than the Moonglow's, creating a slightly wider profile. This distinctive branching pattern allows the Wichita Blue's intense blue foliage to catch light from multiple angles.
Best Use Based on Size: Small yards vs Larger spaces
Due to its more contained dimensions, the Moonglow juniper works exceptionally well in smaller yards or as foundation plantings. Its narrower width makes it suitable for areas where space is limited but vertical interest is desired.
The Wichita Blue, consequently, performs admirably in larger landscapes where its broader form can be fully appreciated. For privacy screens, experts recommend spacing Wichita Blue junipers 4-6 feet apart, whereas Moonglow junipers should be placed approximately 6-8 feet apart for optimal growth. Both varieties can be used effectively in privacy hedges, though the faster-growing Wichita Blue provides quicker results for impatient homeowners.
Foliage and Year-Round Appearance
Foliage Color: Silvery-Blue vs Intense Blue
One of the most striking differences between these two juniper varieties lies in their distinctive foliage coloration. The Moonglow juniper boasts exceptionally showy, silvery-blue foliage that creates a luminous effect in the landscape. As its name suggests, the silver-gray needles actually reflect moonlight, creating an enchanting glow during evening hours. This softer, silvery-blue hue gives Moonglow a somewhat subdued yet elegant appearance.
The Wichita Blue juniper, alternatively, showcases a more intense blue coloration. Often described as having the "bluest color of the upright juniper varieties", Wichita Blue creates a bold statement in any landscape. Its bright silver-blue needles provide exceptional contrast against other garden greenery.
Color Retention in Hot Climates
For gardeners in warmer regions considering junipers for privacy screens, color retention becomes an important factor. The Moonglow juniper generally maintains its silvery-blue color throughout the year regardless of climate conditions. Its consistent coloration makes it a reliable choice for those seeking year-round visual interest.
Wichita Blue junipers, however, may experience some color fading in especially hot climates, with foliage potentially shifting toward greener tones during intense heat. Nevertheless, established specimens of both varieties develop better foliar color with warmth and occasional watering.
Winter Interest and Seasonal Changes
Both juniper varieties provide exceptional winter interest as evergreens that maintain their foliage year-round. Unlike deciduous trees, these junipers offer structure and color even during dormant seasons.
The Moonglow juniper's silvery-gray foliage often intensifies during winter months, creating an even more dramatic moonlit effect against winter landscapes. Its dense pyramidal form holds up well against snow and ice, maintaining its architectural presence.
The Wichita Blue retains its brilliant blue coloration throughout winter without the common bronzing that affects many other evergreens. This makes it especially valuable for adding vivid color to otherwise monochromatic winter gardens. Additionally, its branches can be snipped for holiday decorations, adding fresh juniper scent and blue-green color to seasonal arrangements.
Privacy and Landscape Use
Effectiveness as Privacy Trees
Both juniper varieties excel as natural barriers, albeit with different strengths. Moonglow junipers feature dense, compact-branching habits that create effective visual screens. Their silvery-blue foliage reflects moonlight, adding dimension to privacy plantings even at night. Alternatively, Wichita Blue junipers offer bushy foliage that makes them ideal candidates for privacy hedges. For smaller properties seeking privacy solutions, I recommend you browse our selection of privacy trees to find the perfect fit for your space.
Spacing and Planting Recommendations
For optimal privacy screening with Moonglow junipers, space plants 3½-4 feet apart. This distance balances mature width considerations with creating a solid barrier. Wichita Blue junipers, being slightly wider, should be spaced 4-6 feet apart. Indeed, professional landscapers often suggest planting in a zigzag pattern rather than straight lines, as this creates more effective wind protection and visual density.
Use in Hedges, Screens, and Accent Plantings
Beyond privacy screens, these junipers serve multiple landscape functions. Moonglow junipers work beautifully as corner elements along fences or as statement specimens in lawns. Wichita Blue junipers maintain their pyramidal shape without pruning, making them elegant as standalone specimens. Both varieties can be incorporated into mixed-species hedges for greater visual interest and ecological resilience.
Deer Resistance and Wildlife Benefits
Certainly one advantage of both junipers is their strong deer resistance. The dense, sharp foliage proves unappealing to deer, allowing these trees to maintain their form without browsing damage. Moreover, junipers provide valuable wildlife habitat - their dense branches offer crucial nesting sites for birds like mockingbirds and goldcrests. The berrylike cones on female plants add splashes of brilliant blue to winter landscapes while providing essential food sources for numerous bird species, including bluebirds, robins, and thrushes.
Care Requirements and Climate Suitability
Water Needs: Drought Tolerance vs Regular Watering
Proper care makes all the difference in maintaining these juniper varieties as privacy screens. Moonglow juniper requires approximately 1 inch of water weekly, either from rainfall or supplemental watering. First and foremost, newly planted Moonglows need watering every few days until established, after which weekly watering suffices. On the other hand, Wichita Blue junipers demonstrate superior drought tolerance once established, requiring only occasional watering during extended dry periods.
Sunlight and Soil Preferences
Both juniper varieties thrive in full sun conditions—at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. According to multiple sources, these evergreens adapt remarkably well to various soil types, including clay, alkaline, and compacted soils. For optimal growth, provide well-draining soil to prevent root rot, as both varieties cannot tolerate waterlogged conditions.
Hardiness Zones: Zone 3–7 Compatibility
These Rocky Mountain juniper cultivars share impressive cold hardiness, thriving throughout USDA zones 3-7. In fact, Moonglow can withstand temperatures as low as -30°F, making both varieties excellent choices for northern landscapes.
Maintenance: Pruning and Fertilization Tips
For fertilization, apply a balanced, general-purpose fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins. Regarding pruning, both varieties naturally maintain their pyramidal forms with minimal intervention. Simply remove dead, diseased, or damaged limbs as needed. For instance, light shaping can be performed in late winter or early spring, but avoid cutting into bare wood as junipers won't regenerate from branches without needles.
Pest and Disease Resistance
Common pests affecting both varieties include:
- Aphids and spider mites
- Bagworms
- Scale insects
Fungal diseases primarily occur during warm, rainy weather, with twig and tip blights being most common. Ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering significantly reduces disease risk.
Conclusion
Both Moonglow and Wichita Blue junipers offer exceptional qualities as privacy trees, though they serve different landscape needs based on their distinct characteristics. Moonglows shine with their silvery-blue foliage that truly glows in evening light, while maintaining a moderate growth rate of 4-5 inches yearly until reaching 10-15 feet at maturity. Wichita Blues, however, grow faster at about 8 inches annually, eventually standing taller at 15-20 feet with more intensely blue foliage.
Space constraints should certainly factor into your decision. Smaller yards benefit from Moonglow's narrower profile and slower growth, whereas larger properties can take advantage of Wichita Blue's broader form and quicker development. Additionally, climate considerations matter—both varieties handle cold temperatures admirably, though Wichita Blue demonstrates superior drought tolerance once established.
The question of which juniper makes a better privacy screen ultimately depends on your specific needs. Those seeking immediate results might prefer Wichita Blue's faster growth, while gardeners with limited space or those wanting moonlit garden effects would find Moonglow more suitable. Regardless of your property size, I recommend you browse our selection of privacy trees to find the perfect juniper variety for your landscape.
Therefore, whether you prioritize growth speed, mature height, foliage color, or maintenance requirements, these Rocky Mountain juniper cultivars represent excellent choices for creating natural barriers. Their year-round beauty, architectural forms, and wildlife benefits make them valuable additions to any landscape seeking privacy with style. Your decision between these blue beauties will reward you with decades of evergreen elegance and functional screening.
FAQs
Q1. What are the main differences between Moonglow and Wichita Blue junipers? Moonglow junipers grow to 10-15 feet tall with silvery-blue foliage, while Wichita Blue junipers reach 15-20 feet with more intense blue coloration. Moonglow has a slower growth rate, making it suitable for smaller spaces, whereas Wichita Blue grows faster and is better for larger landscapes.
Q2. How effective are these junipers as privacy screens? Both varieties are excellent for privacy screens. Moonglow junipers have dense, compact branching that creates effective visual barriers. Wichita Blue junipers offer bushy foliage ideal for privacy hedges. For optimal screening, plant Moonglows 3½-4 feet apart and Wichita Blues 4-6 feet apart.
Q3. Are these junipers deer-resistant? Yes, both Moonglow and Wichita Blue junipers are highly deer-resistant. Their dense, sharp foliage is unappealing to deer, allowing the trees to maintain their form without browsing damage.
Q4. What are the care requirements for these juniper varieties? Both junipers thrive in full sun and well-draining soil. Moonglow requires about 1 inch of water weekly, while Wichita Blue is more drought-tolerant once established. They need minimal pruning and benefit from annual fertilization in early spring. Both are hardy in USDA zones 3-7.
Q5. Do these junipers provide any benefits for wildlife? Yes, both Moonglow and Wichita Blue junipers offer valuable wildlife benefits. Their dense branches provide crucial nesting sites for various bird species. Female plants produce berrylike cones that serve as an essential food source for birds like bluebirds, robins, and thrushes, especially during winter.