Grey Owl Juniper
Juniperus virginiana 'Grey Owl'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
36 inches
Width
72 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low
Humidity
Low to high, very adaptable
Lifespan
Long-lived, 50+ years
Native To
Eastern North America (species)
Toxicity
Mildly toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Juniperus virginiana 'Grey Owl' is a wide-spreading, evergreen coniferous shrub with a compact, arching habit. It is a female cultivar prized for its attractive, silver-gray, scale-like foliage and its production of berry-like cones. This cultivar is celebrated for its distinctive silvery-blue foliage that provides striking year-round color and texture. Its broad, vase-like shape and extreme tolerance to drought, poor soils, and deer make it a versatile and durable landscape plant.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site that receives at least six hours of direct sun daily.
- Ensure the soil is well-drained; amend heavy clay if necessary.
- Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
- Place the plant in the hole, with the top of the root ball level with the soil.
- Backfill the hole and water well to settle the soil.
- Water regularly during the first season, then only during extreme drought.
Pro Tip
Give it plenty of space to spread. Crowding this juniper can lead to poor air circulation and increased disease risk.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Plant in full sun for the best color and densest growth.
- Provide excellent drainage; junipers hate wet feet.
- Mulch to suppress weeds and conserve moisture during establishment.
- Prune lightly to maintain shape if desired.
Don't
- Do not plant in shade, which causes sparse growth and poor color.
- Avoid overwatering once the plant is established.
- Don't plant near apple or crabapple trees to avoid cedar-apple rust issues.
- Never perform a hard prune into the bare, old wood, as it will not regrow.
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
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Grey Owl Juniper questions
What zones can Grey Owl Juniper grow in?
Grey Owl 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 Grey Owl Juniper deer resistant?
Yes — Grey Owl Juniper is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
Does Grey Owl Juniper need full sun?
Grey Owl Juniper does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Grey Owl Juniper drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Grey Owl Juniper handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Juniperus to compare
Blue Point Juniper
Juniperus chinensis 'Blue Point'
Skyrocket Juniper
Juniperus horizontalis 'Skyrocket'
Blue Star Juniper
Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star'
Hollywood Juniper
Juniperus chinensis 'Kaizuka'
Foemina Chinese Juniper
Juniperus chinensis 'Foemina'
Blue Rug Juniper
Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii'
Keep exploring
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Grow Grey Owl Juniper with confidence
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