Description

Suggested Uses

Plant Details

• Botanical NameJuniperus Gold Coast
• Common NameJuniperus Gold Coast
• Size & Growth2–3 ft tall × 4–6 ft wide; low, spreading, mounded habit
• Hardiness ZonesUSDA Zones 4–9 (cold hardy; heat and drought tolerant once established)
• Foliage TypeEvergreen; fine, scale-like sprays with bright gold new growth maturing to chartreuse-green
• Bloom TimeNot grown for blooms; inconspicuous pollen/seed cones in spring (berries on female plants)
• Growth RateModerate; quicker in full sun and well-drained soils
• Light RequirementsFull sun (6+ hrs) for best gold color; tolerates light shade with reduced intensity
• Attracts PollinatorsLow; wind-pollinated. Berry-like cones can provide seasonal food for birds
• Indoor FriendlyNo — best grown outdoors; needs strong sun and seasonal airflow
• Container FriendlyYes — performs well in large, well-drained containers and troughs
• Deer ResistantGenerally deer resistant; aromatic foliage is usually avoided
• Pet WarningFoliage/berries can cause mild GI upset if chewed; prickly texture may irritate skin — supervise pets
• FragrantYes — subtly resinous aroma when foliage is rubbed or on warm days
• Cut FlowerNot a cut flower; stems useful for winter or holiday greenery in arrangements
• Grows Well WithGrows Well With Lavender, Russian sage, sedum, ornamental grasses, barberry, spirea, dwarf pines, yucca, hebe (mild climates)

Care Tips

• Planting InstructionsPlant in spring or fall in full sun. Space 4–6 ft apart. Tease circling roots, set crown at or slightly above grade, water to settle, and mulch 2–3 in (keep off stems).
• Soil MoistureEven moisture the first season; afterward, water deeply but infrequently. Drought-tolerant; avoid standing water or chronically wet soil.
• Soil TypeWell-drained sandy or loamy soils preferred; tolerates poor or rocky soils. pH 6.0–7.5 ideal; avoid heavy, compacted clay without amendment/drainage.
• HumidityAdaptable and suited to low humidity; ensure good air circulation to reduce disease pressure.
• Pruning InstructionsMinimal pruning. Lightly tip-prune after spring flush to shape; avoid cutting into old, leafless wood. Remove dead or crossing branches any time; sanitize tools.
• Winter CareHardy to Zone 4. Water deeply before ground freezes; maintain 2–3 in mulch. Shield young plants from harsh wind/salt spray if in exposed sites.
• Planting DepthSet the top of the root ball 1–2 in above surrounding soil; do not bury the trunk flare. Create a shallow watering basin to establish.
• FertilizationFeed lightly in early spring with a balanced, slow‑release fertilizer (e.g., 10‑10‑10 at half label rate) or top-dress with compost; avoid late-summer feeding.
• Special CarePrioritize drainage. Monitor for spider mites in hot, dry spells and for tip blight; avoid frequent overhead watering. If apples/pears nearby, increase spacing and select rust-resistant fruit varieties to reduce cedar‑apple rust risk.