I’m Virgil, the Eastern Red Cedar or the Juniperus virginiana. I'm a 33+ year old specimen tree in the Slanting Style of bonsai. I'm a slow growing coniferous evergreen tree native to eastern North America from southeastern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and east of the Great Plains. I’m known for my very fragrant brownish-red heartwood which is often used in cedar chests that repels insects such as moths. I have dark blue-green scale-like leaves. My bark is reddish-brown and often shreds in vertical strips. I produce dark purple-blue Juniper berries in the winter which is an essential food for birds and is also used to flavor gin.
I do best in full to partial sun conditions. During the warmer months, water me daily. In the winter, water me as needed. You can check by placing a finger on about 1/2 under my soil and feeling for dampness. My soil should never feel soggy or completely dry.
Remember that I am primarily an outdoor tree and will not be happy living indoors. In the winter season, make sure I am outside in temperatures between 25-45 degrees Fahrenheit where I can go dormant and feel rested come springtime.
Read more winterizing care tips.
Symbolism:
The Juniper tree grows all over the Northern hemisphere. Evergreen, it grows berry-like cones (called Juniper berries) that are used in all sorts of rituals. Most uses of Juniper revolve around taking someone into your protection ceremonies and other similar welcomes and fresh starts. More popularly, Juniper berries are used to flavor gin.
Dimensions:
30" Height x 27" Wide
