Juniperus chinensis 'Old Gold' - Old Gold Juniper

'Old Gold' may provide shelter for birds and small wildlife within its dense, low-growing branches. However, it does not attract pollinators due to its lack of significant flowers.

• Flowering Season: 'Old Gold' does not produce showy flowers. It is valued for its foliage.
• Seasonality: Evergreen throughout the year, providing consistent golden color even in winter months.

Accent Plant: Its striking golden foliage provides year-round color and contrast in garden beds.

Foundation Planting: Perfect for softening building lines with evergreen texture and low spreading habit.

Erosion Control: Dense, spreading growth is excellent for stabilizing slopes and banks.

Mass Planting: Creates a bright, uniform ground cover when planted in groups.

Rock Gardens: Suited for dry, sunny spots and adds color to alpine or xeric landscapes.

Borders and Edging: Works well along pathways, walls, and driveways due to its neat, low profile.

Low-Maintenance Landscapes: Ideal for xeriscaping or areas needing minimal upkeep.

Container Gardening: Can be used in large pots for patios or terraces, especially in sunny areas.

The foliage is composed of scale-like leaves that are soft, feathery, and golden-yellow in color. The intensity of the golden hue may deepen in cooler weather, adding winter interest. The foliage forms dense, spreading branches that create a graceful, cascading effect.

Not applicable; 'Old Gold' is grown for its foliage rather than for any significant flowering display.

• Planting Season: Best planted in spring or early fall to allow time for root establishment before extreme temperatures.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil but tolerates a variety of soil types, including sandy and rocky soils.
• Spacing: Space plants 4-6 feet apart to allow for their mature spread.

Planting Instructions:

1. Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
2. Place the shrub at the same depth it was growing in its container.
3. Backfill with soil, tamp gently, and water thoroughly.
4. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Minimal pruning is required for 'Old Gold'. Light pruning can be done in late winter or early spring to maintain shape. Remove any dead or damaged branches as necessary.

Low to moderate water needs. Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish a deep root system. Once established, 'Old Gold' is drought-tolerant and only requires occasional watering during dry periods.

Old Gold Juniper thrives in full sun and requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to maintain its vibrant golden color. It can tolerate partial shade but may lose some of its intense yellow hue in shadier spots.

Not applicable; 'Old Gold' is primarily an ornamental shrub that does not require harvesting.

Fertilize in early spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive foliage at the expense of the plant's natural form

• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the plant to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, 'Old Gold' is highly drought-tolerant, making it a great option for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
• Winter Care: No special winter care is needed, as 'Old Gold' is hardy in colder climates and maintains its form and color through the winter.

• Pollination Type: Juniperus are gymnosperms, not flowering plants, and reproduce via cones, not flowers.
  
• Dioecious: Junipers are typically dioecious, meaning there are separate male and female plants.
  
• 'Old Gold' is typically a male cultivar, so it does not produce berries.
  
• Male plants release pollen in spring via small pollen cones.
  
• No cross-pollination needed for ornamental use, as 'Old Gold' is not grown for fruit or seed production.
  
  

Spiraea 'Magic Carpet' or 'Goldflame' – Complement or contrast the gold foliage with pink blooms and colorful leaves.

Lavandula angustifolia – Drought-tolerant with purple blooms that contrast nicely against golden foliage.

Salvia nemorosa – Adds vertical structure and deep blue-purple flowers.

Sedum 'Autumn Joy' – Succulent texture and pink fall blooms offer seasonal contrast.

Heuchera 'Obsidian' or 'Lime Rickey' – Broadleaf perennials that provide contrasting foliage tones.

Coreopsis 'Zagreb' – Bright yellow flowers echo the juniper's tones while softening its texture.

Pennisetum alopecuroides – Ornamental grasses add movement and seasonal interest.

Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' – Golden blooms in summer harmonize with the evergreen color palette.