Garden Gold: Juniper

Remember, you don't need flowers to add color. There are several evergreens that will not only give year round structure to the landscape, but will add a splash of gold.

For a long time, I hated the word juniper. I worked for a nursery with a landscape division that seemed to only plant Sea Green Junipers and Crimson Pygmy Barberries on their commercial jobs. Since then, I have discovered many junipers that are worth considering for the garden. Today's blog takes a look at the ones with yellow foliage, an easy way to add color to the garden.

Saybrook Gold Juniperus chinensis 'Saybrook Gold' has bright gold tips on the branches. Its smaller mature height, 2-3', makes it versatile in a mixed border.

Gold Coast Juniper Juniperus chinensis 'Gold Coast' matures to a height of 3'. Gold Coast also has layers of bright gold foliage.

Old Gold Juniper Juniperus x pfitzeriana 'Old Gold' is a larger shrub maturing to 4-5'. If the gold foliage of the Saybrook or Gold Coast is a bit too intense for you, Old Gold might be a better choice. The foliage has a subtle gold color.

Junipers prefer full sun and do not like wet soil. For a no fuss mixed border, try combining these golden junipers with flowering shrubs (Wine and Roses Weigelia, Home Run Knockout Rose, Red Chokeberry) ornamental grasses (Porcupine Grass and Dwarf Fountain Grass) and perennials (Rozanne Geranium, Purple Coneflower, Black Eye Susan, Shasta Daisy).

This is the final blog in this series on planting gold in the garden. Check back Monday for Colorful Containers. Future blogs will include a series on Roses That Will Knock Your Socks Off and Crazy About Conifers.

Click Planting Gold in the Garden to read about other plants that brighten a garden without flowers.