Evergreen Tree – Eastern Red Cedar

Eastern Red Cedar

Botanical name: juniperus virginiana 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: 15-100 ft in height with a spread of up to 30 ft 

Hardy zone: zones 3-9 

Foliage color: green 

Flower color: green, yellow

Bloom time: spring 

Growth rate: grows 1-3 ft per year 

Pruning instructions: prune during dormancy in the late winter to maintain desired shape and size 

Propagation methods: propagate with cuttings during the fall and winter months 

Landscape use: windbreak, privacy screen, tree specimen, pollinator gardens

Special features: disease resistant, deer resistant, pest resistant, female trees produce blue non-edible berries after flowers are spent in the fall 

Light needs: 4-6 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: allow the top 2-4 inches of soil to dry between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : optional application of a tree and shrub fertilizer once a year in the early spring, before new growth begins to emerge 

Best time to plant: spring, fall 

Best type of soil: loam, sand 

Companion plants: coneflowers, oak trees, blueberry bushes, serviceberry 

Toxicity level: all parts of the tree are toxic to humans and pets if ingested 

Invasive species: low potential of invasive behavior