Species

Juniperus virginianaEastern Redcedar

8 other cultivars

treeN. America Native

Eastern Red Cedar

Juniperus virginiana 'Brodie'

The Story

Plant Bio

Juniperus virginiana is an adaptable evergreen conifer native to eastern and central North America, where it occupies dry limestone bluffs, rocky glades, and field margins. It produces fine-textured, scale-like foliage on dense branches, forming a tight central leader that withstands severe winds and poor soils.

'Brodie' is a tightly columnar cultivar selected for its narrow, symmetrical habit that resists splaying under snow loads. Its foliage remains rich emerald green throughout the growing season and retains good color density through winter.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round architectural structure with a tight columnar habit and deep emerald foliage.

Functions exceptionally well as a narrow windbreak, street tree, or screen where lateral space is limited.

Offers essential winter roosting cover and nesting shelter for songbirds, while female plants yield food berries.

SpeciesJuniperus virginianaEastern Redcedar

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

300"

Width

120"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with well-drained soil; shade causes thin, sparse branch growth.
Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball and equal in depth, keeping the root flare level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with native soil, firming lightly to eliminate air pockets, and water deeply to settle.
Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it several inches away from the trunk.
Water weekly during the first growing season until established; mature trees require supplementary water only during extended drought.

Pro Tip

Prune only into current season's green shoots; cutting back into bare interior branches permanently prevents new growth from forming.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in light, well-draining soils to prevent fungal root rot.
Ensure full sun exposure for maximum canopy density and needle color.
Prune lightly in early summer to shape or restrict growth.

Don't

Do not plant in wet, waterlogged, or low-lying sites.
Do not cut back into old leafless wood, as it will not regenerate.
Do not over-fertilize, which induces weak and sprawling growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Privacy ScreenHedgeWindbreakSpecimen/Focal PointUrban Landscaping

Companion Plants

Echinacea purpurea Rudbeckia fulgida Panicum virgatum Schizachyrium scoparium

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Eastern Red Cedar questions

What zones can Eastern Red Cedar grow in?

Eastern Red Cedar is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Eastern Red Cedar deer resistant?

Yes — Eastern Red Cedar is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Eastern Red Cedar bloom?

Eastern Red Cedar typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Eastern Red Cedar need full sun?

Eastern Red Cedar does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Eastern Red Cedar drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Eastern Red Cedar handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.