| Growth Rate |
- Speed: Moderate grower.
- Mature Growth: Reaches 4-6 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide, forming a dense, compact shrub with a graceful, arching habit.
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| Colorful Leaves |
No
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| Flowering |
No
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| Bloom Color |
N/A |
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| Ornamental Berries |
Blue berries
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| Disease resistant |
Yes
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| Cold Tolerant |
Yes
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| Heat Tolerant |
Yes
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| Drought Tolerant |
Yes
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| Deer Resistant |
Yes
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| Edible |
No
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| Wildlife Attraction |
- Attracts: Birds are attracted to the small, berry-like cones produced in late summer.
- Wildlife Resistant: Deer-resistant and generally unbothered by other wildlife.
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| Self-pollinating |
Cross-pollinating
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| Seasonality |
- Foliage Season: Evergreen; provides year-round interest with consistent sea-green foliage.
- Flowering Season: Not typically grown for its flowers, which are inconspicuous.
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-9
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| Ideal For |
- Hedges and screening
- Foundation plantings
- Rock gardens
- Low-maintenance landscapes
- Containers
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| Leaf Description |
- Color: Rich, sea-green foliage with a fine, feathery texture.
- Form: Dense, arching branches covered in scale-like needles, giving the shrub a graceful, fountain-like appearance.
- Winter Interest: Foliage remains vibrant throughout the winter, maintaining its sea-green color.
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| Flower Description |
- Color: Small, yellowish flowers are produced but are insignificant.
- Form: Tiny, inconspicuous flowers appear in spring, followed by berry-like cones.
- Bloom Time: Late spring.
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| Pruning & Maintenance |
- Timing: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, if necessary.
- Method: Light pruning is recommended to shape the plant or control its size. Sea Green requires little pruning, but it can be sheared for a more formal appearance.
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| Water Needs |
- Watering Frequency: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, Sea Green is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
- Soil Moisture: Prefers well-drained soil and does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Mulching can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
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| Light Needs |
- Light Exposure: Thrives in full sun but can tolerate light shade. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily is recommended for the best foliage color and growth.
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| Harvesting |
Foliage Harvesting:- Purpose: The golden foliage of Old Gold can be harvested for use in winter arrangements, holiday decor, or evergreen wreaths.
- Timing: Harvest foliage in late fall or early winter, when growth has hardened and color is stable.
- Method:
- Use sharp, clean pruners to snip healthy, well-shaped branches.
- Select outer branch tips for best form and color.
- Avoid cutting back into old wood, as junipers do not regenerate well from heavy pruning.
- Storage:
- Store cut branches in a cool, shaded place until use.
Keep foliage hydrated or misted to retain freshness if used indoors. |
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| Fertilizing |
- Fertilization Time: Fertilize in early spring to support new growth.
- Fertilizer Type: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or an acidic fertilizer suited for evergreens.
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| Additional Care Tips |
- Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch away from the crown to prevent rot.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Sea Green is highly drought-tolerant, making it ideal for low-water landscapes.
- Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-free and low-maintenance, but it can occasionally suffer from spider mites or fungal diseases if grown in overly wet conditions.
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| Pollination |
- Pollination Type: Pollinated by wind. Sea Green produces small, berry-like cones after pollination, which are ornamental and often attract birds.
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| Companion Plants |
- Lavender
- Ornamental Grasses
- Coneflower (Echinacea)
- Sedum
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