treeN. America Native

Eastern Redcedar

Juniperus virginiana 'Idyllwild'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

216 inches

Width

108 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Very long-lived

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Berries mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities

The Story

Plant Bio

Juniperus virginiana is a dense, evergreen conifer native to eastern North America, known for its aromatic foliage and tolerance of poor soils. It produces small, berry-like cones that are a food source for birds. 'Idyllwild' is a selected cultivar known for its dense, broadly pyramidal form and rich green foliage that holds its color well through winter. It is a female clone, producing attractive blue berries if a male pollinator is nearby.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

'Idyllwild' provides a strong, formal, evergreen presence in the landscape, with beautiful green foliage year-round and attractive blue berries in winter. Its classic pyramidal shape makes it an ideal specimen or screening plant.

Its dense growth habit makes it an exceptional choice for creating living privacy screens and effective windbreaks. The wood is aromatic and naturally rot-resistant, historically used for fence posts and chests.

The berry-like cones are a crucial winter food source for many bird species, including the Cedar Waxwing. The dense branches provide excellent shelter and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with the excavated soil, gently firming it around the roots.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Avoid planting near apple or crabapple trees to prevent the spread of cedar-apple rust.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for the densest growth and best form.
Water regularly during the first year to establish a deep root system.
Allow soil to dry out between waterings once established.
Prune lightly in early spring to maintain shape if needed.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained or consistently wet soil.
Avoid heavy pruning into the old, non-leafy wood.
Don't fertilize; it thrives in average to poor soil.
Avoid planting in deep shade, which causes sparse growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Excellent evergreen privacy screenFormal accent for landscape cornersDurable windbreak for exposed sites

Companion Plants

Echinacea purpurea Panicum virgatum Schizachyrium scoparium Rudbeckia hirta Liatris spicata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Eastern Redcedar questions

What zones can Eastern Redcedar grow in?

Eastern Redcedar 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 Redcedar deer resistant?

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

When does Eastern Redcedar bloom?

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

Does Eastern Redcedar need full sun?

Eastern Redcedar does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Eastern Redcedar drought tolerant?

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