The Old Gold Juniper, also known as Juniperus x media 'Old Gold', is a cultivar of Juniperus chinensis. Here are its main characteristics:
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Foliage: The most distinctive feature of Old Gold Juniper is its foliage. The foliage is golden-yellow when young, maturing to a bright golden color in full sun. The scale-like leaves are arranged in dense, feathery sprays, creating a soft and textural appearance.
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Evergreen: Like other juniper varieties, Old Gold Juniper is evergreen, retaining its foliage year-round. This makes it an excellent choice for providing color and interest in the garden throughout the seasons.
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Growth Habit: Old Gold Juniper typically grows in a spreading, mounding habit, reaching a height of 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) and spreading 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) wide at maturity. Its growth rate is relatively slow, making it suitable for smaller garden spaces or as a ground cover.
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Sun Exposure: This juniper cultivar thrives in full sun to partial shade. In full sun, it develops the best coloration and foliage density.
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Soil Requirements: Old Gold Juniper prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. It is tolerant of various soil types, including sandy or rocky soils, as long as they are well-draining.
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Drought Tolerance: Once established, Old Gold Juniper is relatively drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental watering. It is well-suited for xeriscaping and dry garden environments.
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Versatility: Due to its spreading growth habit and attractive foliage, Old Gold Juniper is versatile in landscaping. It can be used as a ground cover, border plant, or accent plant in rock gardens, slopes, or mixed borders.
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Low Maintenance: Old Gold Juniper is low-maintenance once established. It requires minimal pruning, mainly to remove dead or damaged branches and to maintain its desired shape.
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Deer Resistant: Old Gold Juniper is often considered deer-resistant, making it a suitable choice for gardens and landscapes where deer browsing is a concern.
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Winter Interest: The golden-yellow foliage of Old Gold Juniper provides visual interest in the garden during the winter months, adding warmth and color to the landscape.
Overall, Old Gold Juniper is valued for its striking golden foliage, spreading growth habit, low maintenance requirements, and versatility in landscaping, making it a popular choice for many gardeners and landscapers.
