Plant Type

Shrub, Ground cover

 

Height Range

3-6', 6-12'

 

Flower Color

n/a

 

Flower Season

n/a

 

Leaf Color

Gold, Green

 

Bark Color

Brown, Grey

 

Fruit Color

Black, Blue

 

Fruit Season

Fall

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Formal, Japanese, Mediterranean, Ranch

 

Accenting Features

Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Fall

 

Location Uses

Shrub Border, Foundation, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Hedge

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

This juniper is a naturally occurring sport of the classic Pfitzer juniper. New foliage is golden yellow, becoming more yellowish green in the winter; older foliage is green. Form is spreading and layered, growing about 6 to 10 feet tall and up to twice as wide. There is an improved selection, 'Gold Coast,' that has a more distinct gold coloring and retains the gold color into the winter. It is also smaller, at about 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide.

Grow in average, well-drained soils in full sun. Adapts to a wide range of soils, though performs well in dryish, sandy soils with good drainage. Intolerant of wet soils. Prune selectively to control size (see Guides). Also listed as J. chinensis 'Pfitzeriana Aurea'.