Species

Juniperus virginianaEastern Redcedar

6 other cultivars

groundcoverN. America Native

Fuzzy Wuzzy Southern Red Cedar

Juniperus virginiana 'Fuzzy Wuzzy'

The Story

Plant Bio

Juniperus virginiana, the Eastern Red Cedar, is an extremely tough and adaptable native conifer found throughout eastern North America. It tolerates a wide range of soils and conditions.

'Fuzzy Wuzzy' is a unique, low-spreading groundcover form with soft-textured, bright green foliage. It creates a dense mat and takes on a slight bronze-purple cast in winter.

Uses & Benefits:

Its soft, 'fuzzy' texture and low, spreading habit provide a unique look for a conifer. The bright green summer foliage and bronze-purple winter color offer year-round interest.

This juniper is an excellent, low-maintenance groundcover for hot, sunny, and dry areas. It excels at stabilizing soil on slopes and banks, effectively controlling erosion.

As a native plant, it provides important winter cover for ground-dwelling birds and other wildlife. Its berries are a food source for many bird species.

SpeciesJuniperus virginianaEastern Redcedar

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

18 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Tolerates high humidity

Lifespan

Long-lived evergreen

Native To

Southeastern North America

Toxicity

Berries are mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities.

Bloom period

Late spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site that receives full, direct sunlight all day.
Amend heavy clay soil with compost to improve drainage.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the container.
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is at soil level.
Backfill the hole and water deeply to eliminate air pockets.
Water regularly during the first year to establish a strong root system.

Pro Tip

Plant it in a location with full sun and good air circulation to maintain its dense form and prevent fungal issues.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
Water deeply but infrequently once established.
Prune any upright shoots to maintain its groundcover habit.
Space plants appropriately to allow for their full spread.

Don't

Do not plant in shady or waterlogged locations.
Avoid overhead watering, which can encourage fungal diseases.
Don't bury the crown of the plant when planting or mulching.
Avoid planting near apple trees due to cedar-apple rust.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Tough evergreen groundcover for sunny areasEffective erosion control on slopes and banksSoft-textured foundation planting

Companion Plants

Rudbeckia fulgida Gaillardia grandiflora Coreopsis verticillata Liatris spicata Schizachyrium scoparium

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Fuzzy Wuzzy Southern Red Cedar questions

What zones can Fuzzy Wuzzy Southern Red Cedar grow in?

Fuzzy Wuzzy Southern Red Cedar is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Fuzzy Wuzzy Southern Red Cedar deer resistant?

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

When does Fuzzy Wuzzy Southern Red Cedar bloom?

Fuzzy Wuzzy Southern Red Cedar 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 Fuzzy Wuzzy Southern Red Cedar need full sun?

Fuzzy Wuzzy Southern Red Cedar does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Fuzzy Wuzzy Southern Red Cedar drought tolerant?

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