Hillspire Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana 'Hillspire') is a dense, upright evergreen prized for its rich dark green foliage, narrow pyramidal habit, and exceptional durability. More compact and refined than the straight species, Hillspire develops a dense, symmetrical form that provides excellent year-round structure and privacy in the landscape.
Its scale-like evergreen foliage maintains an attractive dark green color throughout the year, providing dependable winter interest without the seasonal bronzing seen in some evergreens. Hillspire is exceptionally adaptable once established and performs well in hot, dry, windy, and relatively poor soil conditions.
Hillspire is an excellent choice for privacy screens, windbreaks, property lines, evergreen borders, or as a vertical specimen. As a cultivar of the native Eastern Red Cedar, it also provides valuable evergreen cover and shelter for birds and other wildlife.
More About Hillspire Eastern Red Cedar
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Low Maintenance
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Moderate Growing
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Evergreen
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Native Cultivar
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Drought Tolerant Once Established
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Heat Tolerant
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Privacy Screen, Windbreak, Property Line, Evergreen Border, Accent, Specimen
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Dense, Upright Pyramidal Habit
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Dark Green Year-Round Foliage
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Deer Resistant
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Provides Wildlife Cover
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Tolerates Poor Soils
Height: 15-30 Feet
Spread: 5-10 Feet
Hardiness Zone: 3-9
Characteristics
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Sun Exposure: Full Sun
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Season of Interest: Year Round
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Soil Moisture: Dry to Average, Well Draining
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Attributes: Evergreen, Upright, Pyramidal, Dense
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Foliage Color: Dark Green
Care & Maintenance Tips
Planting:
Plant in full sun for the densest growth and strongest form. Hillspire is adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, including relatively poor, rocky, and dry soils, but performs best where drainage is good. Avoid locations that remain continuously saturated.
Watering:
Water consistently during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, Hillspire is highly drought tolerant and generally requires supplemental watering only during extended periods of severe drought.
Fertilizing:
Hillspire generally requires very little fertilizer. If needed, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid excessive fertilization, which can encourage unnecessary soft growth.
Pruning:
Very little pruning is required. Hillspire naturally develops a dense, upright pyramidal form. Remove dead or damaged branches as needed, and lightly shape young plants if necessary to maintain a strong central leader.
