Juniperus virginiana 'Grey Owl'
Overall Description
A
medium sized spreading juniper with large, ascending branches that droop
ever so slightly - very similar growth habit to Pfitzer type junipers. Foliage color is a brilliant silvery gray. A very
nice landscape plant but seldom seen because of its lack of
availability. Uses include color accents, foundation plantings, and can
even be trimmed / sheared for use as a tough, hardy hedge. Brilliant foliage color year round - even through the winter. First discovered in 1938 in a batch of Juniperus virginiana 'Glauca' seedlings.
Grey Owl juniper is a female clone, and is known to be very prolific producer of juniper berries & cones. Definitely one of our favorite juniper varieties - worth heavy consideration when looking for an attractive, low maintenance, hardy shrub of medium height.
Plant Facts & Specifications
Mature Height: 4-5 ft
Mature Width: 6-8 ft
Growth rate: Moderate ( 4"- 8" avg per yr )
Hardiness Zones: 3-9 ( if unsure of your zone, please use zone finder below )
Sun Exposure: Full sun preferred, but will tolerate some partial shade as well. Best foliage density, growth rate, and color in full sun.
Soil Preference: Average
to slightly acidic & sandy - well drained. Will adapt to a fairly
wide range of soil types. Adequate drainage is a must though.
Foliage Color & Texture: Soft textured, appressed silvery blue / gray foliage is very attractive year round.
Flower, Cone, Or Berry Facts: This variety is known to be an extremely good producer of juniper berries. Mature specimens are loaded with dark bluish colored berries on a yearly basis.
Diseases / Insects:
Rather trouble free juniper - but as with most all J. virginiana cultivars, both bagworms and cedar apple rust can occasionally occur. Inspect specimens yearly as a precaution.
Fertilization / Feeding: Either
water soluble ( Miracle Gro, or equivalent ), or granular ( Holly Tone
is excellent ). Other granular types with 6-12-12, or 10-10-10 ratio is
acceptable. Best to fertilize in early spring, and again in mid fall -
avoid feeding during hot summer months, and directly after
transplanting.
