Old Gold Juniper
Old Gold Juniper is a low-growing, spreading evergreen shrub prized for its soft, golden foliage. It is drought tolerant once established and works well as a groundcover, foundation plant, or slope stabilizer.
Planting
- Choose a location with full sun (6+ hours daily) and well-drained soil.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the root ball.
- Set the top of the root ball level with or slightly above the surrounding soil.
- Backfill with native soil and gently firm it to remove air pockets.
- Apply 2–3 inches of mulch, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk.
Watering
- Water thoroughly immediately after planting until the root ball and surrounding soil are saturated.
- For the first 2 weeks: water every 2–3 days if there is no significant rain.
- Weeks 3–12: water once or twice per week, soaking the soil 8–12 inches deep.
- After 3 months: water every 10–14 days during dry periods. Once established (after about a year), water only during extended drought.
Care
- Fertilize lightly in early spring with a slow-release shrub fertilizer if growth is poor.
- Prune only to remove dead or damaged branches or to lightly shape. Avoid cutting into old, brown wood, as it rarely regrows.
- No pollination is required for ornamental value.
- This plant does not produce edible fruit, so there is no harvest.
Container Planting
Old Gold Juniper can grow in a large container with drainage holes. Use a well-draining potting mix, water when the top 2–3 inches of soil are dry, and avoid letting the pot sit in standing water. Container plants need more frequent watering than those planted in the ground.