Juniperus chinensis 'Gold Star'
shrub

Gold Star Juniper

Juniperus chinensis 'Gold Star'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

36 inches

Width

72 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived evergreen shrub

Native To

China, Japan, Korea

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Juniperus chinensis, or Chinese Juniper, is a species of highly adaptable and durable evergreen conifers, available in a vast range of sizes and forms. 'Gold Star' is a low, spreading cultivar prized for its vibrant, lacy, golden-yellow foliage that holds its color well throughout the year. It maintains a dense, star-like form.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesIts brilliant golden foliage provides a stunning year-round color contrast in the landscape. The low, spreading habit and fine texture add visual interest to borders and rockeries.
Practical UsesThis tough, low-maintenance shrub is an excellent choice for covering slopes to help with erosion control. Its dense nature helps suppress weeds once established.
Ecological BenefitsEvergreen junipers provide important year-round cover and shelter for birds and other small wildlife, protecting them from predators and harsh weather.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

  1. Choose a location receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
  2. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
  3. Gently loosen the roots and place the plant in the hole.
  4. Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
  5. Backfill with native soil, firming gently to remove air pockets.
  6. Water thoroughly after planting and weekly for the first year until established.

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage; junipers abhor wet feet, which can lead to root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Provide full sun for best foliage color and density.
  • Water deeply but infrequently once the plant is established.
  • Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings.
  • Mulch to retain soil moisture and prevent weed growth.

Don't

  • Do not plant in poorly drained or consistently wet soil.
  • Avoid heavy pruning into the old, non-leafy wood.
  • Don't allow mulch to touch the base of the plant.
  • Avoid overhead watering, which can encourage fungal diseases.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Mulch
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vibrant golden groundcoverBright accent for foundation plantingsTextural element in rock gardens

Companion Plants

Sedum 'Autumn Joy' Spiraea japonica 'Goldmound' Berberis thunbergii 'Crimson Pygmy' Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' Yucca filamentosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Gold Star Juniper questions

What zones can Gold Star Juniper grow in?

Gold Star Juniper is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Gold Star Juniper deer resistant?

Yes — Gold Star Juniper is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Gold Star Juniper bloom?

Gold Star Juniper typically blooms in early spring through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Gold Star Juniper need full sun?

Gold Star Juniper does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Gold Star Juniper drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Gold Star Juniper handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Gold Star Juniper with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

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