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Growth Rate
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- Speed: Slow to moderate grower.
- Mature Growth: Reaches 3-5 feet in height and 4-6 feet in width, developing a naturally mounded and spreading habit.
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Colorful leaves
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Flowering
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No |
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Disease resistant
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Yes |
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Cold Tolerant
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No |
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Heat Tolerant
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No |
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Drought Tolerant
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No |
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Deer Resistant
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Yes |
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Edible
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No |
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Wildlife Attraction
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- Attracts: Provides shelter for small birds and wildlife due to its dense, feathery foliage. Not a significant food source for wildlife but offers excellent cover.
- Wildlife Resistant: Deer and rabbits tend to avoid this plant due to its aromatic foliage.
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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- Foliage Season: Year-round interest with vibrant golden-yellow foliage.
- Flowering Season: Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Sungold' is grown for its foliage and texture, not for flowers.
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
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Ideal For
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- Rock gardens
- Borders
- Foundation plantings
- Container gardens
- Accent planting
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Leaf Description
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- Color: Bright golden-yellow foliage, which holds its color throughout the year, even in winter. The interior foliage may appear greener.
- Form: Thread-like, wispy, and soft to the touch. The branches have a graceful, cascading habit.
- Winter Appearance: Retains its golden-yellow hue year-round, providing winter interest.
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Planting Instructions
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- Planting Time: Best planted in early spring or fall, although container-grown plants can be planted anytime during the growing season.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5-7.0).
- Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as it was in its container. Be sure the root flare is at or just above the soil surface.
- Spacing: Space plants 3-6 feet apart to allow for their natural spread.
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Pruning & Maintenance
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- Timing: Prune in late winter or early spring if shaping is desired.
- Method: Light pruning to maintain shape is all that is necessary. Remove any dead, damaged, or unruly branches. Avoid over-pruning, as this can ruin the plant's graceful, cascading form.
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Water Needs
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- Watering Frequency: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. Once established, the plant can tolerate short periods of drought but prefers consistent moisture.
- Soil Moisture: Prefers evenly moist but well-drained soil. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, especially in hot weather.
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Light Needs
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- Prefers full sun to partial shade. Full sun is ideal for maintaining the golden color, though it can tolerate some afternoon shade in hotter climates.
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Harvesting
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While not a crop plant, ‘Sungold’ can be harvested for decorative purposes |
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Fertilizing
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- Fertilization Time: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins.
- Fertilizer Type: Use a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) or organic compost around the base for steady growth.
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Additional Care Tips
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- Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and keep the roots cool. Keep mulch away from the trunk to prevent rot.
- Drought Tolerance: While Sungold is somewhat drought-tolerant once established, it prefers regular watering in dry periods, especially during the summer.
- Pests and Diseases: Generally pest and disease resistant, though it may be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal issues.
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Pollination
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- This plant is not grown for flowers or fruit and does not have significant pollination requirements.
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Companion Plants
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- Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
- Heuchera (Coral Bells)
- Boxwood
- Ornamental Grasses
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