Juniperus virginiana 'Globosa'

‘Globosa’ juniper is a  compact, dense, evergreen shrub in the cypress family (Cupressaceae). It is a cultivar of eastern redcedar, a conifer native to North America that grows from Maine south to Florida and west to South Dakota and Texas. It tolerates a broad range of soils and environments, from seasonally flooded areas to dry, rocky ground. It prefers moist soils but is intolerant of constantly wet soils. It has the best drought resistance of any conifer native to the eastern United States. It tolerates heat, wind, and many air pollutants found in urban areas. It is deer-tolerant and rabbit resistant.

‘Globosa’ is easily grown in dry to moist, well-drained soils of average fertility, in dappled sunlight to full sun or partial shade. In good conditions it will grow to 5 to 10 feet in height and reach a width of 5 to 10 feet. This tree is easy to transplant and a tough, dependable shrub. Plant 6 to 12 feet apart. 

The bark is a dark brown or red to burgundy color and fibrous, peeling off in narrow strips. When mature, ‘Globosa’ has green scale-like foliage with the crowded branchlets turning a bronze-brown in winter. Two varieties of leaves can be found on this juniper. Juvenile leaves are sharp and needle-like. They are present on plants up to 3 years old, and as shoots on adult trees.  After 3 years of growth, the leaves are tight, scale-like needles appearing in opposite pairs crossing in an 'x' pattern, or whorls of three.  

‘Globosa’ works well as a barrier, hedge, or border planting. Use it for a privacy screen or foundation planting.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Caterpillars and leaf miners can be an issue for this plant. ‘Globosa’ is susceptible to twig blight and scale. Bagworms are also a problem. Mites may occur. It shares with apple trees susceptibility to a rust fungus called Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae. This fungus causes "cedar apples" on red cedar twigs and dark leaf spots on apple leaves.  

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common juniper diseases and insect pests.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Juniperus virginiana.