Juniperus chinensis 'Sea Green'

• Attracts: Birds are attracted to the small, berry-like cones produced in late summer.
• Wildlife Resistant: Deer-resistant and generally unbothered by other wildlife.

• 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

• Hedges and screening
• Foundation plantings
• Rock gardens
• Low-maintenance landscapes
• Containers

• 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.

• 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.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or fall for optimal establishment.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil but is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including sandy and rocky soils.
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as it was in the nursery container, ensuring the root ball is level with the soil surface.
• Spacing: Space plants 6-8 feet apart to accommodate mature growth, especially in hedges or mass plantings.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Pollination Type: Pollinated by wind. Sea Green produces small, berry-like cones after pollination, which are ornamental and often attract birds.

• Lavender
• Ornamental Grasses
• Coneflower (Echinacea)
• Sedum