Plant Juniperus virginiana 'Aquavita™' when you want a slender evergreen that keeps its refined, pyramidal form without constant pruning. Also sold as Eastern Red Cedar 'Aquavita™', this selection stands out for its fresh aqua-blue foliage and strong year-round structure, making it a sharp accent as a specimen or a repeating vertical element in mixed plantings.
Give your juniper a site in full sun for the best color and density. It prefers well-drained soil and is a good choice for drier, tougher spots once established, including lean soils and areas that see heat and wind. Space plants with their mature width in mind; at maturity it typically reaches about 10-15 feet tall and stays a narrow 3-4 feet wide, so it fits where broader evergreens would be too bulky.
After planting, water regularly through the first growing season to help roots settle in, then taper to occasional deep watering during extended drought. Mulch to hold moisture and moderate soil temperature, keeping mulch off the trunk. Little to no pruning is needed; if you do trim, do it lightly to maintain the natural outline rather than shearing. This evergreen is also noted for deer resistance and dependable landscape performance in a wide range of conditions.