Red Cedar

Red Cedar Care

Juniperus Virginiana 'Taylor'

What is the plant

Juniperus virginiana, commonly called Eastern red cedar, is native to Missouri where it typically occurs on limestone bluffs and glades, wood margins, fields, pastures and fence rows throughout the state except for the southeastern lowlands (Steyermark). It is a broadly conical, sometimes columnar, dense, evergreen conifer with horizontal branching that typically grows to 30-65’ tall. Gray to reddish-brown bark exfoliates in thin shreddy strips on mature trees. Trunks are often fluted at the base. Heartwood is light brown and aromatic, and is commonly used for cedar chests. Dark blue green scale-like foliage. Foliage may turn brown-green in winter. Cultivars of this species often retain better foliage color in winter. This is a dioecious species (separate male and female trees). Female trees produce round, gray to blackish-green berry-like cones (1/4” diameter) that ripen in fall the first year. Berry-like cones are attractive to many birds.

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Lighting

Full Sun

Difficulty

Medium

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Watering established cedar trees check the base of the cedar tree twice weekly. if the soil is dry or only very slightly damp several inches (2-3cm) down the tree needs to be watered. turn the garden hose on at a low-water-pressure level.
Pruning
Any dying or yellowing leaves can be removed for aesthetic reasons, while any small leaves that grow off the main trunk, often called suckers, should be removed.
Fertilizer
Simply apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant, extending to the drip line. For vegetables, place the fertilizer in a strip parallel to the planting row. Water-soluble fertilizers are faster acting but must be applied more frequently. This method gives plants food while you water.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
Needs 12-18 hours of indirect sunlight.
Soil
Loamy soil is ideal for most garden plants because it holds plenty of moisture but also drains well so that sufficient air can reach the roots. Many gardeners complain of their garden soil being compacted and/or poorly drained.
Container
Whether it be plastic or clay, make sure the pot you select has drainage holes in the bottom to prevent over-watering.