Chinese Juniper

‘Old Gold’ Chinese Juniper (Juniperus chinensis ‘Old Gold’). Juniperus chinensis ‘Old Gold’ is a popular ornamental shrubby juniper, cherished for its bright golden foliage and elegantly structured, spreading habit. This variety stands out with its flexible, arching branches, displaying an intense golden-yellow color in spring that settles into a warm yellow-green as the season progresses. Its overall habit is spreading, dense, and wider than tall, forming a harmonious shrub ideal for beds, slopes, low specimen plantings, and contrasting landscape compositions.

To plant ‘Old Gold’ Chinese juniper, choose a suitable exposure: full sun. The recommended soil is: well-drained, tolerant of poor and calcareous soils. Respect the natural silhouette of the conifer and avoid deep pruning into areas lacking foliage. Monitor moisture after planting, including in autumn during dry spells. Aeration and drainage are as important as watering frequency. Water the root ball before planting and ensure water can drain after planting. During establishment, check moisture by hand before watering again.

Allow a width of 2–3 m (6.5–10 ft) when planning this plant's space in the garden. The indicated height of 0.9–1.2 m (3–4 ft) helps in choosing its position relative to neighboring plants. Maintain access to the base for weeding, checking moisture, and removing damaged parts. Pair this variety with plants that have compatible light and water needs. If considering a container, first check that its volume and drainage are suitable for root development. Potted roots are more exposed to cold than those planted in the ground.