Growth Rate
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- Speed: Moderate; typically grows 6 to 12 inches per year under ideal conditions.
- Final Size: 10 to 15 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide.
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Colorful leaves
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Flowering
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No |
Disease resistant
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Yes |
Cold Tolerant
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Yes |
Heat Tolerant
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No |
Drought Tolerant
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No |
Deer Resistant
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No |
Edible
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No |
Wildlife Attraction
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- Birds: Provides cover and nesting sites.
- Pollinators: Although not a primary attractor, it can occasionally draw in some bees.
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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- Growth Season: Spring to Fall
- Winter Interest: Retains vibrant color, providing year-round visual appeal.
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Ideal For
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Accent Plant – Its glowing color makes it a great focal point in small beds or mixed borders
Low Hedges or Edging – Plant in rows for a compact, golden hedge along paths or foundations
Rock Gardens & Evergreen Borders – Compact size fits beautifully among perennials and low shrubs
Container Planting – Perfect for large planters or urns (with winter protection in cold zones)
Color Contrast – Adds brightness and contrast to gardens dominated by green or dark foliage |
Leaf Description
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The leaves are scale-like, dense, and lush with a rich golden-yellow hue, brightening up any garden. They hold their color well throughout the year, especially in full sun. |
Flower Description
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- Flower Details: Inconspicuous and not significant for ornamental purposes, focusing instead on the unique foliage.
- Bloom Time: This variety is primarily grown for its foliage and does not produce showy flowers.
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Planting Instructions
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- How to Plant: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth. Position the plant in the center, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly.
- Best Time to Plant: Early spring or fall for optimal establishment.
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Pruning & Maintenance
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- When to Prune: Late winter to early spring is the best time for shaping and removing dead or damaged branches.
- Pruning Tips: Light pruning is sufficient; avoid heavy cuts to maintain the natural shape.
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Water Needs
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- Watering Requirements: Regular watering during the first year; once established, it is fairly drought-tolerant.
- Frequency: Water weekly in dry conditions, ensuring the soil is well-drained.
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Light Needs
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Prefers full sun for best color retention, but can tolerate partial shade. |
Harvesting
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- Not applicable; primarily ornamental.
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Fertilizing
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- When to Fertilize: Early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
- Frequency: Once a year is typically sufficient for healthy growth.
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Additional Care Tips
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- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch in spring to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Pests & Diseases: Resistant to most pests; monitor for occasional scale or bagworm.
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Pollination
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- Generally wind-pollinated, but flowering is not significant for this variety.
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Companion Plants
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Grasses & Groundcovers:- Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’ – Cool blue foliage beautifully offsets the golden hue
- Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’ – Fine-textured, gold-striped leaves echo the foliage color
- Thymus serpyllum (Creeping Thyme) – Mat-forming herb with purple blooms under golden shrubs
🌸 Flowering Perennials:- Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) – Tall blooms contrast vividly with the yellow foliage
- Heuchera ‘Obsidian’ – Dark, rich burgundy leaves create high color contrast
- Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ – Upright, deep purple flower spikes provide a formal contrast
🌳 Evergreens & Shrubs:- Buxus (Boxwood) – Classic round forms contrast well with ‘Harvest Moon’s’ color and texture
- Spiraea japonica ‘Goldflame’ – Foliage shifts from red to yellow, blending beautifully
Berberis ‘Concorde’ – Compact, burgundy-toned shrub offers dramatic color pairing
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