Old Gold Juniper Juniperus × pfitzeriana 'Old Gold'

Water

Old Gold Juniper should be watered regularly, especially during its first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, the watering frequency can be reduced. It’s best to water deeply rather than frequently, providing the plant with about 1 to 2 inches of water per week, depending on the soil moisture and climate conditions. During hot, dry spells, you might need to water every 5 to 7 days, while in cooler, moist conditions, watering every 10 to 14 days may suffice. Use a hose or drip system to allow water to penetrate deeply into the soil, reaching the roots without wetting the foliage.

Light

Old Gold Junipers thrive in full sun conditions, so it’s best to plant them in a spot where they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. They can tolerate partial shade, but their coloring and growth are optimal when provided with full sun exposure. Avoid deeply shaded areas, as this can lead to leggy growth and a sparse habit.

Temperature

Old Gold Junipers are hardy and adapt well to a range of temperatures. They can tolerate temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit, although they prefer the cooler range for optimal growth. The ideal temperature range for Old Gold Junipers is between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which promotes healthy development and maintains their vibrant coloration.

Pruning

Pruning Old Gold Junipers is necessary to maintain their shape and promote healthy growth. It’s best to prune in the late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Prune sparingly, only removing dead or diseased branches and shaping lightly as needed. These junipers do not require heavy pruning; over-pruning can lead to bare spots and damage the plant's natural form. Annually check and prune is usually sufficient.

Cleaning

Not needed

Soil

Old Gold Juniper requires well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. The best soil mix for this plant is a combination of loam, coarse sand, and peat, which provides good drainage while retaining sufficient moisture. To enhance drainage, incorporating gravel or perlite can also be beneficial.

Repotting

Old Gold Junipers are typically grown outdoors and do not require frequent repotting. However, when grown in containers, they should be repotted every 3 to 4 years to prevent root-bound conditions and to refresh the soil.

Humidity & Misting

Old Gold Junipers prefer a dry to moderate humidity environment. They are well adapted to outdoor conditions and do not require high humidity levels, making them suitable for regions with low humidity.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Old Gold Juniper not ideal for indoor growth; needs full sun.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, water deeply, infrequently.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life of a 'Old Gold' Juniper begins with seed germination, where seeds sourced from a mature plant develop in well-draining soil under the right conditions of light and moisture. Following germination, the seedling stage involves the growth of the young plant as it establishes roots and produces its first needles, requiring care to ensure enough light and water but also protection from extreme elements. As the plant enters the juvenile stage, it exhibits rapid growth, expanding both its root system and foliage canopy, which is characterized by its golden-yellow to bronze foliage color. In the mature stage, the 'Old Gold' Juniper achieves its full size and shape, which includes a broad, spreading habit and dense, decorative foliage that is particularly valuable for landscape purposes. During this stage, the plant may also produce cones, with male and female reproductive structures usually found on separate plants. Finally, in its senescence, the older 'Old Gold' Juniper’s growth slows, and it may become more susceptible to disease or environmental stress before eventually dying.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Old Gold Juniper, botanical name Juniperus × pfitzeriana 'Old Gold', is most commonly propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This technique is usually carried out during the late summer, when the new growth has begun to mature and harden slightly but is not yet fully woody. Cuttings about 4 to 6 inches long are snipped from a healthy parent plant and the lower needles are stripped off to expose the nodes. The base of the cutting is then dipped into a rooting hormone to promote root development and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The environment should be kept humid, and the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, to encourage rooting without rotting the cuttings. Rooting can take several months, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimated to less humid conditions before being planted in their permanent locations.