Help With Chinese Juniper

[Bean23]

I recently got a Chinese juniper and it seems to be happy so far. However, winter is around the corner and I do not know what to do. I live in Southern Vermont where temperatures can drop below 0F; my hardiness zone is a 5b. Do I just leave it outside where it is? I have read to but it in a garage but I don't have one. Also how often would I need to water the bonsai? I have read to water it but not much and don't let the water freeze but I don't know how to do that. Thank you

 

[StarGazer]

I don't have experience with such cold temperatures, so take this advice with a grain of salt.

You could build a small 1 plant size greenhouse or cold frame for it, and use some insulating material to prevent the root ball from freezing. If you got your juniper from a local shop or nursery perhaps you can ask them for some tips as well.

Also, the foliage of some of my junipers turn a dull bronze color in the winter, so do not think your is dead if you observe coloration foliage changes.

 

[Forsoothe!]

Two level of winter protection: 1. Set the pot in contact with the ground, in full sun, after the mice in your area have established wintering quarters ~November 1st, much over the edge of the pot with leaves, go to Florida, come back in mid-April and when the weather is settled it can go back on the bench, but protect from late frosts. Or, 2. For deeper cold temps sink the pot up to the edge in the ground, mulch, etc., etc. The wood parts of the tree can take whatever low temps, but the roots need to be protected from below 20°F (Pines go lower) and should not be sodden when freezing (not bone dry either) normal rain & snow provides all it needs in winter. Mulched ground does not normally go below 20°F, but that depends upon exposure. Farm land with no barriers to nothin' will go much lower than a city lot. Cities are heat islands with lots of pavement which acts as rocks in a rock garden absorbing heat in the daytime and radiating it out overnight and have buildings close together breaking up the wind and providing yard-sized micro-climates of protected patches. Sinking the pot is best, but when you get to a hundred, your standards dissipate...

 

[Javaman4373]

I have a juniper that I have brought inside and put in an east facing basement window over the winter here in Vermont for many years. I usually bring it in in Oct. The basement is kept at 58 degrees over the winter. I water when it seems dry, which is not as often as when it is outside. It seems quite happy with that treatment.