Gold Star Juniper is a dwarf conifer which is primarily valued in the garden for its cascading habit of growth. It has attractive chartreuse-tipped bluish-green foliage which emerges yellow in spring. The scale-like sprays of foliage are highly ornamental and remain bluish-green throughout the winter. The harvest gold stems can be quite attractive.
Gold Star Juniper is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a shapely form and gracefully arching branches. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which should be used to full effect.
This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Gold Star Juniper is recommended for the following landscape applications;
Gold Star Juniper will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 6 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.
This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.
| Botanical Name | Juniperus chinensis 'Bakaurea' |
|---|---|
| Trade Name | Gold Star |
| Plant Type | shrub |
| Botanical Classification | shrub |
| Height | 3 feet |
| Spread | 6 feet |
| Growth Rate | medium |
| Hardiness Zone | 4a |
| Sunlight | full sun |
| Moisture | dry to moist |
| Foliage Color | sea green |