Juniper ‘Old Gold’ is a distinctive evergreen shrub prized for its vibrant, year-round golden-bronze foliage. Its unique color and appealing texture make it a popular choice for adding consistent visual interest to various landscapes. This adaptable plant offers gardeners an attractive option for dependable color and form.
What is Juniper ‘Old Gold’?
Juniper ‘Old Gold’ is a cultivated variety, often listed as Juniperus x media ‘Old Gold’ or Juniperus chinensis ‘Old Gold’, indicating its hybrid origin or specific cultivar. This shrub is notable for its compact, spreading growth habit, featuring ascending branches with slightly drooping tips.
The foliage of ‘Old Gold’ is primarily scale-like, with some juvenile awl-shaped needles, and displays a bright golden-yellow color on new growth. This golden hue deepens to a rich bronze-gold, especially intensifying in colder weather. Typically, this slow-growing juniper reaches a mature height of 2 to 3 feet and spreads 4 to 5 feet wide over about 10 years. Some sources suggest it can spread up to 10 feet in 20 years, making it a substantial groundcover option.
Planting and Care Guide
Juniper ‘Old Gold’ performs best in full sun, ideally receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, which helps maintain its vibrant golden coloration. While it can tolerate partial shade, the foliage color may appear greener. Well-draining soil is essential, though ‘Old Gold’ is adaptable to various soil types, including clay, loam, and sand, and can tolerate a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5.
When planting, dig a hole that is two to three times wider than the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole, gently firming the soil around the roots, and water thoroughly to settle the soil. During its first growing season, regular watering is necessary to establish a strong root system, typically once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry. Once established, ‘Old Gold’ juniper is highly drought-tolerant and generally requires watering only during prolonged dry spells. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization is not always necessary for this low-maintenance shrub, but if desired, a balanced slow-release fertilizer can be applied in early spring before new growth begins. Minimal pruning is typically needed, primarily for shaping or removing any dead or damaged branches. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring when the plant is dormant, avoiding cuts into old wood that may not regenerate. Juniper ‘Old Gold’ is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9.
Common Problems and Solutions
If the foliage exhibits browning or yellowing beyond its natural seasonal color changes, it often indicates stress. This can stem from improper watering, such as overwatering leading to root rot or insufficient watering causing dehydration. Ensuring well-drained soil and watering only when the topsoil is dry can help prevent these issues. Nutrient deficiencies or extreme environmental conditions like intense heat or cold can also contribute to discoloration.
Pests like spider mites, scale insects, and bagworms can affect ‘Old Gold’ juniper. Regular inspection helps in early detection. For spider mites, a strong water spray can dislodge them, and insecticidal soap or neem oil may be used for more severe infestations. Bagworms can often be manually removed.
Diseases such as tip blight and other fungal issues can also occur, particularly in warm, wet conditions. Good air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent fungal problems. Prompt removal of any infected branches can help control the spread of disease.
Landscaping Applications
The compact, spreading habit and vibrant golden foliage of Juniper ‘Old Gold’ make it a versatile choice for various landscape designs. Its ability to spread makes it an excellent groundcover, particularly for slopes or large areas where it can help with erosion control. The plant’s distinctive color also allows it to serve as a striking accent plant, drawing the eye and providing a focal point in garden beds.
Juniper ‘Old Gold’ is also suitable for foundation plantings, offering consistent color and texture near buildings. Its drought tolerance and relatively low profile make it a good fit for rock gardens, where it can complement stones and other low-growing plants. Furthermore, this juniper can be grown in large containers, adding a touch of golden evergreen appeal to patios or decks. When considering companion plants, ‘Old Gold’ pairs well with other evergreens like boxwoods and yews, as well as perennials such as sedums, coneflowers, and ornamental grasses, which provide contrasting textures and colors.