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Conifer Trees / evergreens · Junipers

Eastern Red Cedar 'Grey Owl'

Juniperus Virginiana 'Grey Owl'

Panther Creek plant details (wholesale reference)

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Overview

Juniperus virginiana, also known as eastern red cedar, red cedar, Virginian juniper, eastern juniper, red juniper, and other local names, is a species of juniper native to eastern North America from southeastern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and east of the Great Plains.

This selection is valued for its unique mature habit and ornamental traits. In our Raleigh climate, it performs best when given enough space to reach its natural size without aggressive pruning.

At a glance

Sun

  • Full sun

Water & soil

  • Drought tolerant once established
  • Well-drained soil

Foliage & season

  • Red / burgundy foliage
  • Blue foliage
  • Evergreen

Growing & care

Practical notes for establishment and seasonal care in the Triangle—adjust for local soil tests and microclimate.

Light

Full sun

Watering Procedure

Water consistently during the first season until roots are established. Once settled, this variety is notably resilient during our typical North Carolina dry spells.

Planting & Soil

Thrives in well-drained soil. Dig your hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. Mix 30% compost with your native clay backfill to open up the soil—this helps the roots breathe and prevents water from pooling. Planting 'slightly high' also ensures the roots stay healthy.

Fertilization

Fertilize sparingly if at all. A light spring application is usually enough; over-fertilizing evergreens in our humidity can lead to weak, leggy growth.

Pruning / upkeep

Prune lightly to maintain structural shape; avoid cutting into old, leafless wood on needle evergreens like Junipers or Cedars.

Common questions

Does Eastern Red Cedar 'Grey Owl' lose its leaves in winter?

No, Eastern Red Cedar 'Grey Owl' is an evergreen conifer trees / evergreen and retains its foliage year-round.

How much sun does Eastern Red Cedar 'Grey Owl' need?

It performs best in full sun, meaning it prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.

Is Eastern Red Cedar 'Grey Owl' drought tolerant?

Yes, once its root system is fully established, it is resilient during dry spells. However, it requires consistent watering during its first season in the ground.

Reference context includes Wikipedia (“Juniperus virginiana”), licensed under CC BY-SA.