Caring for a Prince of Wales Juniper (Juniperus virginiana ‘Prince of Wales’)

Caring for a Prince of Wales Juniper (Juniperus virginiana ‘Prince of Wales’) in Lethbridge, Alberta, involves providing the plant with the right growing conditions to thrive in the local climate, which can be quite cold and dry. The Prince of Wales Juniper is a hardy evergreen shrub, making it an excellent choice for landscaping in Alberta.This guide is based on firsthand experience from the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden in Lethbridge, Alberta—a city located in hardiness zone 4B, where winters are cold, and the climate is relatively dry. You can also see Prince of Wales Juniper by visiting Nikka Yuko.

Planting Location

• Full Sun: The Prince of Wales Juniper thrives in full sun, so choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It can tolerate some light shade but will perform best in the sun.
• Well-Drained Soil: This juniper is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, but it prefers well-draining soil. Avoid planting in areas where water can pool, as it may lead to root rot.
• Wind Protection: Lethbridge can have strong winds, especially in the winter, which can dry out and damage evergreen plants. Plant your juniper in a location with some protection from the wind, such as near a fence, wall, or other windbreak, to minimize wind stress.

Seed photo by Gmihail at Serbian Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 RS , via Wikimedia Commons

Quick Growing Guide

Botanical Name: Juniperus virginiana

Colour:

• Blue

Blooms:

• Fall

Sun / Shade:

• Full Sun

Watering:

• Sparingly

Soil:

• Well drained

Hardiness Zones:

• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8
• 9

Care:

• Easy to Care and Grow

Soil and Fertilization

• Soil Type: The Prince of Wales Juniper is adaptable to many types of soil, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. It can tolerate both acidic and slightly alkaline soil, making it well-suited to various conditions in Lethbridge.
• Fertilizing: Fertilization is generally not necessary for junipers, as they are quite low-maintenance. However, you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) in the spring, especially if your soil is poor. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause excessive growth and weaken the plant.
• Mulching: Adding a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the juniper can help retain moisture, keep the roots cool, and suppress weeds. Be sure not to pile mulch directly against the trunk, as this can cause rot.

Watering

• Watering Needs: The Prince of Wales Juniper is drought-tolerant once established, but it will require regular watering during the first few growing seasons to help establish a strong root system. Water deeply once a week during dry spells.
• Avoid Overwatering: While junipers are drought-tolerant, they do not like soggy conditions. Ensure that the soil drains well, and avoid watering so frequently that the roots sit in water, which can cause root rot.
• Watering Tips: Water deeply and infrequently to encourage the juniper to develop deep roots. During hot, dry spells, be sure to check the soil moisture regularly and water as needed.

Pruning

• Pruning Timing: Prune your Prince of Wales Juniper in late winter or early spring, before the new growth starts. This will allow the plant to recover from pruning and encourage healthy new growth.
• Pruning Tips: Junipers generally require minimal pruning. Trim any dead, damaged, or diseased branches as needed. You can also shape the shrub to maintain its form, but avoid heavy pruning, as it may reduce its natural, beautiful shape.
• Shaping: If you want to shape the juniper, make small cuts, and avoid cutting too much of the outer foliage, as it may not regenerate from old wood.

Winter Care

• Cold Hardy: The Prince of Wales Juniper is quite cold-hardy and should do well in Lethbridge’s cold winters. It can tolerate temperatures as low as USDA Hardiness Zone 3, which includes Lethbridge.
• Protection from Wind and Sun: In winter, the plant may be susceptible to “winter burn” from cold winds and the drying effects of the sun. To help prevent this, you can wrap the juniper in burlap or provide additional protection with a windbreak during the harshest winter months.
• Snow Cover: Snow can act as a natural insulator. However, if heavy snow accumulates on the branches, gently brush it off to prevent breakage.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pest Resistance: The Prince of Wales Juniper is relatively pest-resistant. However, it can sometimes attract aphids, spider mites, or scale insects. If you notice any of these pests, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or a horticultural oil.
• Diseases: Junipers can be susceptible to fungal diseases, such as rust or blight, particularly in humid conditions. To prevent this, ensure the plant is planted in a location with good air circulation and avoid overwatering.

General Tips

• Wind Tolerance: The Prince of Wales Juniper is generally wind-tolerant, but Lethbridge’s strong winds in the winter can cause some damage to the plant. Planting the juniper near a building or fence can help provide some wind protection.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, the Prince of Wales Juniper is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care. Regularly check for pests or diseases, and prune as needed to maintain its shape and health.
• Drought Tolerance: Once the juniper has established itself, it will be quite drought-tolerant. However, in the first few years, it’s important to water it regularly to ensure strong root development.

Conclusion

The Prince of Wales Juniper is a hardy, low-maintenance evergreen shrub that can thrive in Lethbridge’s cold and dry climate with the proper care. By providing it with full sun, well-drained soil, and protection from harsh winds, you can enjoy this attractive shrub in your landscape for years to come. It is a great addition to hedges, borders, or as a stand-alone specimen plant. With its drought tolerance, minimal pest concerns, and winter hardiness, the Prince of Wales Juniper is an ideal choice for the region.