Are moonglow junipers suitable as container plants?

Question

and if so, any special care tips?

I didn't word my question right. I know this juniper can get quite large, but I'm wondering if it can stay healthy and survive in a large container if I prune it back to keep a smaller ornamental size. sort of like a large bonsai style. I'm thinking maybe 3-5ft tall.
would new growth still occur with pruning? I don't want to end up with too little green on the tips of bare branches and a bare center.
I'm in zone 5 and it would get plenty of sun.

Answer 1

No. They grow up to 15 feet high and 8 feet wide. The only way you could use them in containers is if the containers were huge (like planters you see in some downtown areas) and then you would still have to prune it every year to keep it small. My advice: choose another plant.

Answer 2

You've left us with a lot of variables to make up ourselves.

What USDA hardiness zone do you live in? How large are the containers? How much sun will the plants get?

Junipers are one of the best shrubs for containers. Yes, moonglow can get large, but you can shear it. (If you start with a small one) Junipers generally like it hot and dry, so as for care be sure not to over-water. In mild climates (Zone7 or warmer) you probably will not have to do much for the winter. In colder areas you may have to protect the root zone from severe weather. In zone 5 or colder you run pretty good chances that the plant will be killed by the winter weather.

Never spend more on a shrub for a container (in those colder zones) than you would on annuals to fill it. If it dies, it isn't so bad then.

Obviously, if it gets too large you will have to discard it and replace it. Choose your plant carefully.

I hope that this helps
Good luck-