Species

Juniperus virginianaEastern Redcedar

6 other cultivars

treeN. America Native

Canaert Juniper

Juniperus virginiana 'Canaertii'

The Story

Plant Bio

Juniperus virginiana, or Eastern Redcedar, is a widespread and extremely tough evergreen conifer native to eastern North America. It is known for its adaptability to a vast range of soils and climates.

'Canaertii' is a distinct female cultivar noted for its dense, compact, pyramidal form and its exceptionally dark green foliage, which is held in attractive tufts. It produces a profuse crop of silvery-blue berry-like cones, making it highly ornamental in winter.

Uses & Benefits:

'Canaertii' is one of the most attractive Eastern Redcedar cultivars, offering a more refined, dense, and deeply colored appearance than the species. The combination of dark green foliage and abundant silvery-blue cones creates superb winter interest.

Its dense, upright habit and extreme toughness make it an ideal choice for creating tall, formal privacy screens and robust windbreaks that require little to no maintenance. It is also tolerant of urban pollution.

As a native tree, it provides immense value to wildlife. The cones are a critical winter food source for Cedar Waxwings, robins, and other birds. Its dense branches offer crucial shelter and nesting sites for many bird species.

SpeciesJuniperus virginianaEastern Redcedar

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

300 inches

Width

180 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Very long-lived

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Berries can be mildly toxic if ingested in large amounts

Bloom period

Late spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site that receives full, all-day sun.
This tree is highly adaptable to almost any well-drained soil.
Dig a planting hole that is twice as wide as the root ball.
Set the tree in the hole so the top of the root ball is at soil level.
Backfill with the soil you removed, without adding amendments.
Water deeply after planting to establish, then it becomes very drought tolerant.

Pro Tip

To maintain its dense, dark green appearance, ensure it is planted in full sun; it will become thin and leggy in the shade.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for best form and color.
Water only when establishing or during extreme drought.
Use as a screen in tough, exposed sites.
Appreciate its value to local bird populations.

Don't

Do not plant in shade or in soil that stays wet.
Avoid fertilizing, as it prefers lean conditions.
Don't plant it right next to susceptible apple or crabapple trees.
Avoid heavy shearing, which can ruin its natural form.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Excellent tall screen or windbreakFormal specimen for a classic landscapeWildlife-friendly tree for naturalized areas

Companion Plants

Schizachyrium scoparium Rudbeckia hirta Amelanchier arborea Rhus aromatica 'Gro-Low'Baptisia australis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Canaert Juniper questions

What zones can Canaert Juniper grow in?

Canaert Juniper 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 Canaert Juniper deer resistant?

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

When does Canaert Juniper bloom?

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

Does Canaert Juniper need full sun?

Canaert Juniper does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Canaert Juniper drought tolerant?

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