A well-liked columnar form cultivar of eastern red cedar, Juniperus virginiana, is called “Taylor’s juniper.” In regions where cold weather resistance is valued and cedar apple rust has increased in frequency, it is crucial to the nursery industry. For those seeking an eye-catching, long-lasting, and quick-growing alternative to arborvitae and Italian cypress, this tree is a great option.
Taylor Juniper Tree Overview
| Common Name | Taylor’s juniper |
| Botanical Name | Juniperus virginiana ‘Taylor’ |
| Family Name | Cupressaceae |
| Plant Type | Coniferous evergreen |
| Mature Size | 15-20 ft. tall, 3-4 ft. wide |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun |
| Soil Type | Average, dry to moist, well-drained |
| Soil pH | Acidic soils |
| Bloom Time | Non-flowering |
| Flower Color | Non-flowering |
| Hardiness Zones | 4 to 9, USDA |
| Native Area | Eastern United States |
Taylor Juniper Care
Because Juniperus virginiana ‘Taylor’ resists phomopsis juniper blight, it’s an easy tree to maintain and a perfect option for those searching for a hedge or screen tree in an area shared with fruit trees. The tree is generally carefree once planted in the proper spot and periodically checked for problems; however, problems are unusual and will not always happen.
Light Requirements
Taylor juniper need full sun or more. Anything less will result in deficiencies in color and development. Your tree’s stunning, deep blue-green foliage will look lifeless in partial shade. Make sure you place your juniper trees far enough apart from one another so that when the hedge grows and the trees mature, light can reach every side of the tree. Don’t take on the task for the trees; instead, let them grow into and make the hedge.
Soil and Potting
Although the Taylor juniper can tolerate some amount of soil variation, it will grow best in average soil that is slightly moist but not soggy. It requires well-draining soil because it can survive some dryness but not wet soils at all. Another thing to consider is the pH of your soil; anything under 7.0 is ideal. This needs to be adjusted and tested before you plant your tree. A straightforward DIY pH testing kit can be used to test it.
Watering
It’s critical to attend to your tree’s water requirements, particularly in the early stages of its establishment after planting. Since the Taylor juniper is a cultivar and not the wild form of the species, it may not be as sturdy as trees that are found in woods because it was produced for horticultural purposes.
For the first two years of the growth season, you should water your tree once a week at a rate of ten gallons per caliper inch of trunk diameter to help it mature and develop a strong root system. Watering must be done gently because the roots are quite shallow. Take care not to overwater; otherwise, the tree might pull itself up.
Once the tree becomes established, you can stop providing extra watering. Since this kind of Juniperus virginiana can withstand some drought—in fact, it may even be preferred—it is advisable to err on the side of underwatering rather than overwatering.
Temperature and Environment
Compared to arborvitae and Italian cypress, the cultivar Taylor juniper is particularly suited for colder climates, which makes it a great tree to plant in locations where the species is ineffective. You may take use of a tall columnar conifer’s benefits as a hedge or screen by keeping it within its livable range, which is USDA 4 through 9. This will also allow it to flourish in areas where other trees of its kind would struggle.
Fertilization
Although extra fertilizer is not always required, it is a good idea to give ornamental evergreen conifers a little boost by using a fertilizer made specifically for them. One great solution that may be used once a year in the spring are the slow-release fertilizer spikes.
Types of Taylor Junipers
Taylor juniper is a cultivar, meaning it comes in only one kind. Look for Juniperus virginiana, which has two separate kinds and countless additional cultivars that come in varied forms, sizes, colors, and behaviors, if you appreciate eastern red cedar and would want to explore the straight species.
Pruning
Other than dead branches, your Taylor Juniper shouldn’t require any pruning. The cultivar’s natural form is tall, thin, columnar, and tapering pyramidally—exactly the shape you would desire in an evergreen coniferous hedge. In fact, pruning may change the cultivar’s natural shape.
Propagation
Semi-hardwood cuttings are used to propagate Taylor juniper. With only a few steps and minimal materials, it is simple. Simply adhere to these basic rules to get your cuttings started quickly:
- Fill as many little pots as necessary with a mixture of one part peat and one part perlite for the cuttings you will be making. Make sure to moisten the mixture evenly.
- While you create your potting mixture, prepare your shears by soaking them in alcohol or a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water.
- The juniper loses a six-inch trimming where new growth meets old growth due to this year’s growth.
- Take out the needles from the lower part, leaving the upper third exposed on the cutting.
- Coat the cut end of the juniper stem completely with your preferred rooting hormone.
- Allowing the cutting to stand freely, insert it halfway into the potting mixture.
- After sprinkling the cutting with water to remoisten the soil, cover with clear plastic wrap.
- Take off the lid and give it a daily mist while keeping it in a warm spot with good indirect light.
- After your cuttings have taken on roots, take off the plastic cover and let them solidify.
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
A cultivar of Taylor juniper that is said to be resistant to cedar rust is one of its appealing qualities. The primary disease affecting the species is cedar rust. It allays the worst disease concern that could endanger the health of both your tree and the trees in the neighborhood.
The same insects that plague cedars, junipers, and other similar plants also affect Taylor juniper. Watch out for mites and bagworms. By shattering the bags and cutting them off with scissors, bagworms can be manually eliminated. Maintaining adequate irrigation will maintain the tree healthy enough that the little pests won’t find it appealing to target. You may also treat the tree with insecticidal soap or use a powerful hose to blast off mites.
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