Juniperus chinensis 'Old Gold'
shrub

Old Gold Juniper

Juniperus chinensis 'Old Gold'

$36.16
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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

42 inches

Width

54 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to Medium

Humidity

Tolerant of all levels

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

China, Japan, Himalayas

Toxicity

Berries and foliage are mildly toxic if ingested.

The Story

Plant Bio

Juniperus chinensis is an extremely tough and adaptable evergreen conifer, available in a vast range of sizes and forms. It is valued for its tolerance of poor soils, drought, and urban conditions. 'Old Gold' is a compact, spreading juniper prized for its lacy, golden-yellow new growth that holds its color well throughout the year, even in winter. It is a sport of the popular 'Pfitzeriana Aurea'.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesThe 'Old Gold' juniper provides brilliant, year-round golden-yellow color and a fine, lacy texture. Its spreading, arching form adds a graceful element to foundation plantings and mixed borders.
Practical UsesThis is an extremely tough and low-maintenance plant, ideal for difficult sites like sunny slopes for erosion control, hot and dry areas, and urban environments tolerant of pollution and road salt.
Ecological BenefitsThe dense branches offer excellent cover and protection for birds and small wildlife throughout the year, especially during winter.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

In Stock$36.16

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Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a site that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
  2. This plant is highly adaptable to almost any well-drained soil.
  3. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
  4. Set the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
  5. Backfill the hole and water thoroughly.
  6. Water regularly for the first season, then only during extreme drought.

Pro Tip

Plant in full sun for the best and brightest gold foliage color; it may turn greenish in shade.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Provide full sun to maintain the bright gold color.
  • Ensure the soil is well-drained.
  • Allow plenty of space for it to spread to its mature size.
  • Mulch to suppress weeds, but keep it away from the main stem.

Don't

  • Do not plant in wet, boggy soil.
  • Avoid planting in shady locations, which causes poor color and sparse growth.
  • Do not shear the plant, as this can create dead zones in the center.
  • Avoid overwatering once the plant is established.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Bright and durable foundation plantingColorful massed groundcover for sunny slopesTough and textural rock garden specimen

Companion Plants

Sedum 'Autumn Joy' Echinacea purpurea Pennisetum alopecuroides Berberis thunbergii 'Crimson Pygmy' Yucca filamentosa 'Color Guard'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Old Gold Juniper questions

What zones can Old Gold Juniper grow in?

Old Gold 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 Old Gold Juniper deer resistant?

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

Does Old Gold Juniper need full sun?

Old Gold Juniper does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Old Gold Juniper drought tolerant?

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

Keep exploring

Grow Old Gold 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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