More juniper questions

Rangermoi · White Belt Joined: 04 Jan 2008 Posts: 2 Location: ohio

I'm on my third juniper bonsai - the 2 previous both died, and I'd like to keep this one around! It is tiny (less than 6" tall, trunk 1/4" thick), in a very small pot (about 3" across). At first it was beautiful, but now it is turning the same silvery-sage color the others did before they went downhill and died. No one ever told me to keep it outside, but I see from skimming the forum that that seems to be the advice. I'm in Ohio, and the temps right now are in the teens (below zero Celsius). I'm worried about shocking a tiny tree by putting it outside in such cold temps when it's been used to inside temps of 68 degrees. Advice?

hungkuen · Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2008 4:19 pm Post subject: Re: More juniper questions

just put it out side, keeping it inside will kill it! let mother nature help care for it, it may already be dieing if you have the same sort of colour change you have had on the others, as junipers can be dead before they look like they are dead, trees inside is not natural. good luck!

keithmart · Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2008 6:25 pm Post subject: Re: More juniper questions

HI

I have known juniper bonsai that have been frozen solid for weeks and still come up smiling.

I have a cascade juniper that a friend of mine originally purchased, that was frozen solid when it was bought, thawed out and styled, and subsequently frozen again. I have had it for 8 years and it is fine.

Don't worry, they are hardy trees as long as they are treated right!

lance111 · Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2008 8:00 pm Post subject: Re: More juniper questions

Hi Rangermoi and welcome to the forum,
I see you've had very good advice all ready..
Yes the Juniper species is a very hardy tree and needs the drop in temp at winter to know whats what..
My junipers are outsdoors all year round and currently frozing up, but I know they will be ready for the spring with full of life, hope that helps, Lance.. Smile

Rangermoi · White Belt Joined: 04 Jan 2008 Posts: 2 Location: ohio

Well alright - the consensus seems to be to put the little guy out in the cold, so I'll try it. Thanks for your help!

TB420 · Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2008 11:00 pm Post subject: Re: More juniper questions

I live in Indiana and am getting similar weather. All my junipers are outside with no protection to speak of. We have had lows as bad as 4f but only for a couple days. Yesterday and today it was in the 40's. The roots thaw and can take in any water from the melted snow. Even one in a 4" plastic pot that is a 2 yr. old cutting is left to the wolves. They are very tough and need to be outside all winter. If your worried put it in a sheltered place outside. Just remember that a tree in a snow pack is insulated at 32f which is great!! If your worried you can place it on the ground in a safe place where it will get some wind protection, which is by far the most important protection to provide to a juniper. A flower bed would work well. If you shovel extra snow on top of it you'll just be insulating it, protecting it from the wind and watering it. The main worry in potted plants is frozen roots. Roots of hardy species can usually stay frozen solid for 4 days strait before any harm might start. If the roots are frozen for a period and it is windy around the tree will be dried out by the winds and the frozen roots can't replace the water. Then the tree will start dying back from the tips, if frozen long enough it will lose entire branches or die completely. Wind protection would have greatly reduced the damage in the scenario above. Wink

Just thought it might help if you had a bit more info on the subject. Good luck and welcome.

Tom

Dick · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 6:58 pm Post subject: Re: More juniper questions

Outdoors is where they should go this weekend. With the temperatures inthe 40's and 50's coming up, it would be a good time fo rthat to happen. Let the snow get at it and it should be fine. Be sure to water it well before placing it outside. If you have a small area of a garden available to you, then buring the pot completely up to the trunk of the tree.