Gold Star Chinese Juniper

Gold Star Chinese Juniper (Juniperus chinensis 'Gold Star')

Gold Star Chinese Juniper (Juniperus chinensis 'Gold Star') is a broad, spreading evergreen shrub known for its luminous golden-yellow new growth and dependable, low-maintenance form. This cultivar offers soft color contrast and durable structure, making it an ideal choice for borders, slopes, foundation plantings, and mass groundcover applications where year-round texture and color are desired.

Distinctive Features

'Gold Star' forms a graceful, arching mound that grows 2 to 3 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide. The soft, scale-like foliage emerges a brilliant yellow in spring and gradually matures to a light green, maintaining a glowing two-tone effect through summer. In colder months, the foliage may develop subtle bronze tints for added seasonal variation. Its branching is full and layered, creating a feathery texture that softens the landscape while maintaining a reliable, evergreen presence.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained soil; tolerates sandy, rocky, and lean soils
• Water: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4�9

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Golden spring flush adds vivid color in borders and low beds
• Groundcover: Dense spreading habit helps suppress weeds and stabilize soil
• Foundation Planting: Provides soft texture and lasting color near buildings and walkways
• Mass Plantings: Excellent for wide open beds and cohesive evergreen drifts
• Mixed Conifer Gardens: Blends beautifully with blue, green, and variegated evergreens

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water regularly during the first year; becomes drought tolerant with age
• Pruning: Rarely needed; shape lightly in spring if necessary
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring
• Mulching: Helps retain moisture and protect roots from heat and cold
• Pest Resistance: Highly deer resistant and rarely affected by pests or disease

Why Choose Gold Star Chinese Juniper?

• Bright Spring Color: Golden new growth provides standout seasonal interest
• Reliable Groundcover: Low, spreading habit fills space without crowding
• Versatile Performance: Adapts to a wide range of soil and climate conditions
• Low Maintenance: Requires little care and thrives in tough locations
• Focal Point: Adds long-lasting color and structure in both formal and natural designs

Juniperus chinensis 'Gold Star' is a dependable, colorful evergreen that brightens the landscape with seasonal flare and year-round structure, making it an excellent low-maintenance solution for gardeners and designers alike.