How to Grow Eastern Red Cedar 'Degroot's Spire'
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Eastern Red Cedar 'Degroot's Spire'
Juniperus virginiana 'Degroot's Spire'
treeA narrow, columnar cultivar of Eastern Red Cedar with a tight, spire-like form and soft, feathery blue-green foliage that turns purple-bronze in winter. This evergreen conifer is prized for its architectural shape and year-round visual interest in landscapes. It is actually a juniper despite the common name 'cedar,' and provides excellent screening and specimen planting opportunities.
When should you plant Eastern Red Cedar 'Degroot's Spire' in your zone?
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Example Eastern Red Cedar 'Degroot's Spire' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Eastern Red Cedar 'Degroot's Spire'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Eastern Red Cedar 'Degroot's Spire'
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8
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Get my Eastern Red Cedar 'Degroot's Spire' timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment (Year 1)
12 monthsYoung tree with developing root system; foliage may appear slightly stressed or discolored as it acclimates
Water deeply and regularly 2-3 times weekly; mulch 2-3 inches around base (not touching trunk); stake if in windy location; avoid heavy pruning
Vegetative Growth (Years 2-3)
2-3 yearsRapid vertical growth with increasing density; foliage becomes fuller and more vibrant; begins to show characteristic spire shape
Reduce watering frequency as drought tolerance increases; light pruning only if needed to maintain shape; apply balanced slow-release fertilizer sparingly in spring if growth is slow
Maturing (Years 4-10)
6-10 yearsReaches near-full height; dense, columnar form is fully developed; winter color shifts to purple-bronze tones; foliage texture becomes fine and plume-like
Minimal watering except in severe drought; no fertilizing needed; light pruning to maintain columnar shape if desired; monitor for scale or spider mites
Mature (10+ years)
Indefinite (long-lived)Fully established tree at 20-30 feet tall with narrow, tight columnar form; striking year-round ornamental appeal; winter color pronounced
Maintain only if storm damage occurs; ensure good air circulation to prevent disease; winter interest peaks in cold climates
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream or insecticidal soap; increase humidity; avoid stressing plant with drought
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Prune out heavily infested branches; apply horticultural oil in late winter; monitor and treat early infestations
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Improve air circulation by thinning lower branches; remove infected foliage; avoid overhead watering; fungicide spray if severe
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Remove nearby apple/pear trees if possible; avoid wetting foliage; prune infected branches; fungicide may be needed in humid regions
Uses
Ornamental screening and accent
HouseholdDegroot's Spire is ideal for creating vertical privacy screens, windbreaks, and architectural focal points in landscapes. Its narrow form makes it perfect for tight urban spaces and contemporary garden designs. [source]
Dried floral arrangements and holiday décor
CraftBranches and foliage are valued for winter arrangements and holiday wreaths, especially when the purple-bronze winter color develops. Dried stems maintain their appearance for months. [source]
Bird and wildlife habitat
WildlifeProvides dense shelter and nesting sites for songbirds; cedar waxwings and other birds feed on the bluish cones. The foliage offers year-round cover. [source]
Spice and flavoring (juniper berries)
CulinaryEastern Red Cedar produces small bluish cones (often called berries) used to flavor gin and liqueurs, though 'Degroot's Spire' is primarily ornamental. Harvest mature cones from wild or cultivated plants. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not a harvested plant. For ornamental foliage arrangements, cut stems in winter when purple color peaks; foliage dries well for crafts. Cones mature in 2 years and are used by birds and wildlife.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Despite its common name 'Eastern Red Cedar,' Juniperus virginiana is actually a juniper, not a true cedar. The name persists from early colonists' confusion between the two genera.
- 🌱 'Degroot's Spire' is a relatively compact cultivar reaching 20-30 feet tall but only 3-4 feet wide, making it ideal for small properties where full-sized screening plants would overwhelm the space.
- 🌱 Eastern Red Cedar wood is naturally aromatic and highly rot-resistant; historically it was used for cedar chests, closet linings, and fence posts. The purple winter coloration is actually a cold hardiness adaptation that protects the foliage from freezing damage.
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