‘Grey Owl’ Juniper can be a great addition to your indoor and outdoor decor; you can grow it as a bonsai or a garden hedge.
Want to add a distinct shrub to your landscape or looking for a beautiful bonsai? End your search here and grow Grey Owl’ Juniper in your home. Read all the care details in the below guide.
USDA Zones: 2-9
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‘Grey Owl’ Juniper Profile
‘Grey Owl’ Juniper (Juniperus virginiana ‘Grey Owl’) is an ornamental evergreen conifer from the cypress family. Ash-blue scale-like needles appear on 6-foot-long horizontal branches. This slow-growing shrub can grow up to 2-3 feet tall with 4-6 feet of spread.
The female plants produce berry-like cones when pollinated by male plants, attracting birds. The bark of this wide-growing shrub is fragrant. Another feature of this juniper variety is it doesn’t produce flowers, and the best thing is that it is deer-resistant.
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How To Propagate Grey Owl Juniper
- You can propagate Grey Owl Juniper from mature or established cuttings or branches.
- Take a 6-inch long cutting, and remove the bottom leaves up to 1/3 part of the cutting.
- Dip the ends of the cutting in a rooting hormone, though it is optional.
- Maintain the humidity by misting the cuttings on a regular basis.
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- The roots will develop in 1-2 months.
Note: Plant this shrub 3 feet apart for making a hedge.
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Best Pot Size for Growing Grey Owl Juniper
The selection of a pot depends on the age of the plant; go for a 1-5 gallon pot for young juniper plants. For mature junipers, a 10-20 gallon container would be perfect. Make sure the pot has enough drainage holes.
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Ideal Growing Conditions for Grey Owl Juniper
Light
Grow Grey Owl Juniper favors a location with full sun. Avoid growing this shrub in full shade, as it can lead to leggy growth. Protect the juniper from intense sun in hot climates.
Soil
Select an area where the soil is well-draining, dry to moist for planting Grey Owl Juniper. Do remember it appreciates moist soil but cannot withstand wet conditions.
Water
In the first two months, water the plant thoroughly twice a week. Once the juniper matures, water it in hot, dry months. For potted junipers, check the moisture level of the soil by sticking a finger into it up to 1-2 inches. If your finger feels dry, then it’s time to water.
Temperature
Junipers can be planted at any time of the year; just avoid intense temperatures.
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Grey Owl Juniper Care
Fertilizer
For mature junipers, apply 12-4-8 or 16-4-8 NPK, 1/2 lb. per 100 square feet during early and late summer.
You can feed bonsai juniper with organic fertilizer pellets every month in the growing season. Fish emulsion and seaweed fertilizer can also be used for fertilizing the plant. Avoid overfeeding, as it can burn the leaves.
Note: Avoid feeding the plant just after repotting and winter months.
Mulching
Apply a layer of 2-3 inches of mulch to maintain the soil moisture. Avoid letting the mulch touch the trunk of the juniper, as it can cause pest infestation.
Pruning
After planting, pruning is not needed for potted Grey owl junipers. You can trim the branches to maintain the shape of the plant.
You can prune the juniper a couple of times in a year to keep the round shape. Avoid pruning excessively at once, as it makes the appearance bare.
Pests and Diseases
Bagworms, aphids, caterpillars, juniper scale, juniper webworms, spruce spider mites, juniper tip mites, and false spider mites can infest your Grey Owl junipers.
It is also vulnerable to Phomopsis, Cercospora needle blight, and fungal diseases.
Treat these issues by using horticultural oil; in extreme infestations, use pesticide Bonide. To combat fungal issues, avoid overwatering.
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Companion Planting
You can grow rose bushes, daylilies, and ornamental grasses with this juniper on hills, slopes, and mixed beds.
Landscaping with Grey Owl Juniper
You can plant this juniper in groups of 3-5 on landscapes. It will also look great in mixed beds. This juniper is perfect for preventing soil erosion, making it a good choice for slopes or hills.
