Juniperus × media ‘Old Gold’

Juniperus × media 'Old Gold' is a low-growing, spreading evergreen conifer shrub in the cypress family. It is grown for dense bronze-gold foliage and bright golden new growth.

Juniperus × media 'Old Gold' typically grows about 2 to 3 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide. Some landscape references list wider plants, so allow at least 5 to 6 feet of space unless you plan to prune.

Yes, Juniperus × media 'Old Gold' is an evergreen shrub that provides year-round foliage. Its color may deepen toward bronze or gold in colder weather.

Plant Juniperus × media 'Old Gold' in full sun for the strongest growth and best golden color. It tolerates partial shade, but too little light can make the plant less dense and less colorful.

Yes, Juniperus × media 'Old Gold' can grow in partial shade, preferably with several hours of direct sunlight. Expect less intense gold coloring and potentially looser growth than in full sun.

Use well-drained sandy, loamy, clay, or rocky soil for Juniperus × media 'Old Gold'. Drainage is more important than soil texture because persistently wet roots can cause decline.

Yes, Juniperus × media 'Old Gold' can tolerate clay soil if excess water drains away. Improve a poorly drained site rather than placing the shrub where water regularly collects.

Juniperus × media 'Old Gold' becomes drought tolerant after its root system is established. Water it regularly during the first growing season and during prolonged heat or drought thereafter.

Juniperus × media 'Old Gold' is commonly listed as hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 9. Performance can still vary with winter exposure, drainage, snow cover, and local microclimate.

Juniperus × media 'Old Gold' is often considered relatively tolerant of deer, road salt, and air pollution. Protection may still be necessary in areas with heavy browsing or concentrated deicing salt.

Water Juniperus × media 'Old Gold' deeply when the upper soil begins to dry during establishment, usually once or twice weekly depending on weather and soil. Once established, water mainly during extended hot or dry periods.

Brown foliage on Juniperus × media 'Old Gold' may result from drought, waterlogged roots, winter injury, spider mites, or fungal problems. Check soil moisture, drainage, and the pattern of browning before treating the plant.

Reduced golden color on Juniperus × media 'Old Gold' is commonly caused by insufficient sunlight or seasonal color change. Move or thin surrounding plants only if the shrub is receiving substantially less light than it needs.

Juniperus × media 'Old Gold' usually needs little fertilizer when planted in reasonably fertile soil. If growth is weak, use a soil test before applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring.

Juniperus × media 'Old Gold' can be affected by spider mites, scale insects, bagworms, and occasional foliage or root diseases. Good air circulation, proper watering, and avoiding wet soil help reduce problems.

Plant Juniperus × media 'Old Gold' in spring or fall when temperatures are moderate and the soil is workable. Fall planting is useful in many parts of the United States, provided the ground is not frozen or waterlogged.

Space Juniperus × media 'Old Gold' about 4 to 6 feet apart for individual plants with room to develop. Use the wider spacing for a more natural outline and the closer spacing for a quicker low hedge or mass planting.

Yes, Juniperus × media 'Old Gold' can be grown in a large container with drainage holes and a well-drained potting mix. Container plants need more frequent watering and may need winter protection in colder zones.

Plant Juniperus × media 'Old Gold' with the root flare at soil level and the top of the root ball slightly above poorly drained ground. Backfill with the native soil, water thoroughly, and apply a light mulch without covering the stems.

Juniperus × media 'Old Gold' is generally propagated from stem cuttings rather than seed to preserve its named cultivar characteristics. Rooting can be slow and is usually more reliable under controlled nursery conditions.

You can grow junipers from seed, but seedlings will not reliably reproduce the foliage color, habit, or other traits of Juniperus × media 'Old Gold'. Use cuttings or nursery-grown plants when an exact cultivar is required.

Prune Juniperus × media 'Old Gold' in late winter, early spring, or when light trimming is needed during the growing season. Remove dead or damaged branches and shorten overly long shoots rather than shearing deeply.

Avoid cutting Juniperus × media 'Old Gold' back into leafless old wood because junipers often do not regenerate from those sections. Make selective cuts to branches that still have green foliage.

No, Juniperus × media 'Old Gold' generally needs little or no regular pruning. Trim only to remove damaged growth or keep the shrub within its allotted space.

Juniperus × media 'Old Gold' may be harmful if eaten, especially in larger amounts, because juniper foliage and berry-like cones contain irritating compounds. Prevent pets from chewing the plant and contact a veterinarian if significant ingestion occurs.

Do not eat the berry-like cones of Juniperus × media 'Old Gold'. Cultivar identity and chemical composition can be uncertain, and ingestion may cause digestive upset or other harmful effects.

Yes, handling Juniperus × media 'Old Gold' may irritate sensitive skin because its foliage contains aromatic oils. Wear gloves when pruning and wash exposed skin after handling.

Juniperus × media 'Old Gold' does not produce showy flowers; it is valued for evergreen foliage instead. Like other junipers, it may produce small, inconspicuous reproductive structures and berry-like cones.

Juniperus × media 'Old Gold' may produce small berry-like cones, although production varies with plant sex, pollination, age, and growing conditions. These structures should not be treated as edible fruit.

The berry-like cones of Juniperus × media 'Old Gold' may attract birds, while the dense evergreen branches provide year-round cover. Its wildlife value is generally secondary to its ornamental landscape use.