Juniper Wintering

Claydoh

I was wondering about wintering my Juniper. Does it need sunlight during the dormant period? I was planning on putting it a cooler(so the mice couldn't get it) and leave it in the shed. I could store it in the refrig as I heard that works too. It's in a small pot so I know I should protect the roots from freezing to hard. The sunlight thing is my biggest question. I would guess that is doesn't need any sun since in winter, it would be buried most the time anyway.

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Jay

Hi, some additional info could be helpful in making the determination. Junipers are usually very hardy. There is a range though, and it depends on:
1- which Juniper you have
2- how long has it been in its pot
3- this may be hard to tell, but, many junipers are grown in the south for quick growth, although they will adapt (back) to cold weather , it does take them some time.

I live in Zone 5b/6a and my junipers are in an unheated garage with only the light from a northfacing window available. They do fine. The frig thing is for those in warm climates to simulate the dormant period. Frigs are extremely dry places and not really the best choice. If you feel you need to protect from mice etc a cooler would work, but why not put a window screen type cover over it. That way it will get air and light. You will also have to water it, altrhough very infrequently.

Jay

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ancient jniper

it doesn't need that much sunlight. u can put it in a cooler that works. u water 1 time a week and mist every other day

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Claydoh

It's a nana. I just thinking that whereever I have to put it, it will be dark. And on our hilltop, it's always windy. Thanks. I think a mulch lined cooler with a couple holes punched in lid will be safe enough.