About
Juniperus virginiana, the pencil cedar or eastern red cedar, is a cone-shaped or columnar evergreen tree to 15�30 m tall with mid- to dark-green, needle-like and scale-like foliage, peeling brown bark and small, round, blue-green fruits in autumn. An important North American timber tree and parent of many garden cultivars.
About the genus
Juniperus, the junipers, are evergreen shrubs and trees ranging from prostrate ground-covers to tall, columnar or broadly spreading trees. They have aromatic foliage in juvenile awl-shaped or adult scale-like forms and produce small, fleshy, berry-like cones. Among the most garden-worthy and widely adaptable of all conifers.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeConifers, Trees
HabitColumnar upright, Spreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural
ToxicityHarmful if eaten/skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well-drained soil, including dry, chalky or sandy soils in full sun. See tree cultivation
PruningSee pruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in early autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, scale insects, conifer red spider mite and caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to phytophthora, canker and honey fungus. See also Conifers: brown patches