How to Grow Hetz's Midget Eastern Red Cedar
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Hetz's Midget Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana 'Hetz's Midget'
treeHetz's Midget is a dwarf coniferous evergreen cultivar of Eastern Red Cedar, reaching only 3-4 feet tall and wide at maturity. Despite its small stature, it maintains the characteristic blue-gray to gray-green foliage and dense, compact pyramidal form. This is an excellent choice for small spaces, rock gardens, and containers where full-sized junipers would be unsuitable.
When should you plant Hetz's Midget Eastern Red Cedar in your zone?
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Example Hetz's Midget Eastern Red Cedar timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Hetz's Midget Eastern Red Cedar
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 Hetz's Midget Eastern Red Cedar
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 2-9, extremely cold-hardy and adaptable to most climates across North America
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Get my Hetz's Midget Eastern Red Cedar timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment (Year 1)
3-6 monthsYoung plant focuses on root development rather than top growth; foliage remains tight and compact
Water regularly (weekly if no rain); mulch lightly around base; avoid fertilizing; stake if windy location
Juvenile Growth (Years 1-2)
12-18 monthsGradual height and width increase; foliage color deepens; branching becomes more defined
Continue consistent watering during dry spells; prune only dead or damaged branches; no fertilizer needed
Maturing Form (Years 2-4)
24 monthsPlant approaches mature dimensions (3-4 feet); pyramidal shape becomes very evident; foliage is dense and colored
Reduce watering frequency; light pruning to maintain shape if desired; monitor for spider mites in hot climates
Established Maturity (Year 5+)
OngoingReaches full size; maintains compact pyramidal form; foliage color stabilizes to gray-green or blue-tinted
Drought-tolerant; minimal pruning needed; annual inspection for pests; no fertilizer necessary
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe; improve air circulation; avoid hot, dry stress
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Prune and dispose of heavily infested branches; apply horticultural oil in dormant season; encourage natural predators
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Hand-pick bags in fall/winter; spray with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in spring when young emerge
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Plant away from apple/pear trees; remove galls if present; improve air circulation; fungicide not usually needed on Hetz's Midget
Uses
Dwarf Ornamental Screening
LandscapeThe compact pyramidal form makes Hetz's Midget ideal for small-scale hedging, foundation plantings, and accent specimens in residential landscapes. Its year-round blue-gray foliage provides visual interest in winter when deciduous plants are bare. [source]
Container and Rock Garden Growing
HouseholdThe naturally small size (3-4 feet) makes this cultivar perfect for container cultivation on patios, decks, and balconies, and for alpine or rock gardens where space is limited. [source]
Wildlife Shelter and Food
WildlifeEastern Red Cedars provide dense shelter for birds and small mammals year-round. The blue, berry-like cones are consumed by cedar waxwings, robins, and other avian species. [source]
Aromatic Foliage
HouseholdWhen crushed, the foliage releases a distinctive, pleasant cedar aroma. Dried branches can be used in sachets or added to drawer liners for natural fragrance. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalEastern Red Cedar has been used in traditional medicine and Native American practices, though internal use requires caution and consultation with healthcare providers. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Not typically harvested; occasionally prune dead or damaged branches in late winter or early spring. Light shearing can maintain pyramidal shape, but avoid heavy pruning. Do not prune into bare wood as junipers do not regenerate well from severe cutting.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Despite its common name 'Eastern Red Cedar,' Hetz's Midget is actually a juniper (Juniperus virginiana), not a true cedar; the name comes from the reddish-brown heartwood of mature trees.
- 🌱 This cultivar was introduced by the Hetz nursery in the early-to-mid 20th century and remains one of the most popular dwarf juniper selections for gardeners seeking a refined, compact form.
- 🌱 Hetz's Midget is exceptionally cold-hardy, surviving temperatures down to -50°F (-45°C), making it an excellent choice for northern gardens where many ornamental conifers struggle.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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