Species

Juniperus virginianaEastern Redcedar

8 other cultivars

treeN. America Native

Burkii Juniper

Juniperus virginiana 'Burkii'

The Story

Plant Bio

Juniperus virginiana is an adaptable evergreen conifer native to central and eastern North America, forming a dense columnar to narrow pyramidal tree in full sun. Its foliage features a mix of sharp needle-like juvenile leaves and overlapping scale-like adult leaves that release aromatic oils when bruised.

'Burkii' is a sterile male clone with a dense, upright columnar habit whose steel-blue summer foliage turns a rich purplish-bronze during winter. Because it produces no female berry-like cones, it provides clean foliage display without messy fruit drop.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides dense architectural structure with a seasonal foliage color change from steel-blue to plum-purple.

Functions as a windbreak and screening plant with high tolerance for salt spray and urban pollution.

Offers dense structural nesting cover and roosting shelter for wintering songbirds.

SpeciesJuniperus virginianaEastern Redcedar

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

180"

Width

84"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Tolerates high humidity and urban conditions

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested; foliage oils may cause mild contact dermatitis

Bloom period

Late winter – Early spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with sharp soil drainage.
Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball and equal in depth.
Position the plant so the trunk flare rests slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Backfill with native soil, firming lightly to remove air pockets, then water deeply.
Apply a two-inch layer of organic mulch around the root zone, keeping it clear of the trunk.

Pro Tip

Trim branch tips lightly in late spring to encourage density, but never cut back into old brown wood because junipers cannot re-sprout from leafless stems.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in full sun to prevent inner foliage thinning.
Ensure soil drains freely to prevent root decay.
Wear gloves when handling foliage to avoid contact dermatitis.

Don't

Do not plant near apples or hawthorns where cedar-apple rust can cycle.
Do not prune back into bare wood lacking green needles.
Do not overwater or place in waterlogged soils.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Privacy ScreenWindbreakSpecimen PlantUrban Planting

Companion Plants

Perovskia atriplicifolia Echinacea purpurea Schizachyrium scoparium Rosa rugosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Burkii Juniper questions

What zones can Burkii Juniper grow in?

Burkii 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 Burkii Juniper deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Burkii Juniper, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Burkii Juniper bloom?

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

Does Burkii Juniper need full sun?

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

Is Burkii Juniper drought tolerant?

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