Bring the Outdoors Home

Juniper ‘Grey Owl’ | Plant Profile

Juniper ‘Grey Owl’ (Juniperus virginiana) are dense evergreen conifers with horizontal branches. The scale-like needles appear ashy-blue and the bark can be quite aromatic. ‘Grey Owl’ is a slow growing cultivar that reaches only to 3′. The horizontal branches grow up to 6′, making the shrub twice as wide as is it tall. The shrub produces berry-like cones that are attractive to birds.

Juniper ‘Grey Owl’ are hardy shrubs that can tolerate a wide array of soils. Ideally, soils should be dry to moist in full sun, but they are tolerant of many conditions. While they can tolerate temporarily wet soils, good drainage is preferable. These species is also tolerant of drought.

These conifers can somewhat mimic groundcovers with their long spreading arms. Because of their tolerance to many soils types, hillsides and other tough to grow locations should be a viable option.

Description

Juniper 'Grey Owl' Characteristics

Juniper 'Grey Owl' are ornamentally interesting wide growing shrubs. They are hardy to the Pittsburgh climate and are a common feature in small and large landscapes. Often referred to as Eastern Red Cedar, the bark is the aromatic feature of 'Grey Owl'. Bird are attracted to the small cone-like berries that are produced by female plants when pollinated by male plants.

'Grey Owl' are low maintenance shrubs that require little pruning and are tolerant to a wide variety of soil moisture. Cedar apple rust, twig blight, mites, and bagworms may occur, though they are rarely live-threatening.

USDA Climate Zone
Zones 2 - 9
Height
2.00 - 3.00'
Spread
4.00 - 6.00'
Bloom Time
Non-flowering
Water
Medium
Sun
Full Sun
Maintenance
Low
Deer Resistant?
Yes