
Old Gold Juniper
Juniperus chinensis 'Old Gold'
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:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
- This plant is highly adaptable to almost any well-drained soil.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
- Set the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
- Backfill the hole and water thoroughly.
- 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
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
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.
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