Species red cedar Guide
Violet fruits with lime-green leaves and brown stems.

red cedar

Juniperus virginiana

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

2 - 9

Flowers:

Non-flowering Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Soil:

Alkaline, Rocky , gravelly , dry, Well-drained

Fruits:

blue,green,red,purple,brown Fruits In Autumn Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,red

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

watering

Red cedar should be watered once every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the weather and soil conditions. Water the plant deeply, allowing the soil to become evenly moist. When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry, it's time to water again. It is best to water the soil thoroughly in 1 session rather than light sprinkling multiple times. Make sure the soil isn't waterlogged and has adequate drainage. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings during periods of cooler, wetter weather.

sunlight

Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is an evergreen conifer species native to eastern North America. It thrives in full sun, and is best suited to growing in USDA planting zones 3-8. During the summer months, Red Cedar requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day in order to thrive. In the winter months, however, only 3-4 hours of sunlight per day are required. As the days become shorter in autumn and early winter, Red Cedar should receive some protection from the afternoon sun, as this can cause leaf burn or disease.

pruning

Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) should be pruned in late winter, when the plant is still dormant, allowing pruning cuts to heal quickly and producing a vigorous flush of growth. This species of plant is tolerant of severe pruning, and can easily be thinned out to reduce size or shape as desired. Generally, 1 third of the mature branches should be removed each year, either heading back to a side shoot, or shortening the length of stems to airier sections of the plant. If the tips of the branches have become thin and leggy, remove them all the way back to a bud at the base of the twig. This will result in thicker, healthier branches and more foliage. Additionally, any dead, damaged, or overcrowded branches should be removed to ensure optimal health of the plant.