Daub's Frosted Chinese Juniper

Daub's Frosted Chinese Juniper (Juniperus chinensis 'Daub's Frosted')

Daub's Frosted Chinese Juniper, Juniperus chinensis 'Daub's Frosted', is a compact, spreading evergreen shrub valued for its soft, lacy texture and eye catching blend of gold and blue green foliage. New growth flushes bright yellow gold at the tips, while older foliage remains cool blue green inside the plant, creating a layered, frosted effect that stands out in sunny beds and borders. Low and mounding, it tucks easily into foundation plantings, slopes, and mixed borders where you want a durable evergreen that brings color and texture through all four seasons.

Distinctive Features

Daub's Frosted Chinese Juniper typically forms a broad, flattened mound about 1 to 2 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide, with gently arching branches that hold their shape without heavy pruning. The finely textured, scale like foliage gives the shrub a soft look up close, while the gold tipped sprays read as a subtle glow from a distance. Fresh growth is brightest in spring and early summer, especially in full sun, and the contrast between golden tips and blue green interior foliage gives the plant depth and dimension. Its combination of compact size, striking color, and tough constitution makes it an easy evergreen focal point in a wide range of landscape styles.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Prefers full sun for the strongest golden color and dense growth; too much shade leads to greener foliage and a looser habit.
• Soil: Grows best in average, well drained soil; adapts to sandy or rocky conditions but should not be planted where water stands for long periods.
• Water: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots, then provide occasional deep watering during extended dry spells.
• Hardiness: Suitable for a wide range of temperate climates when planted in full sun and good drainage.
• Size: Low, spreading habit typically 1 to 2 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide at maturity.
• Growth Rate: Moderate grower that fills in steadily to create a solid mass of colorful foliage over several seasons.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point Shrub: Use as a low evergreen focal point near entries, walkways, or patios where its frosted gold and blue foliage draws the eye and anchors the planting.
• Foundation Plantings: Excellent for softening building edges and corners, adding color and texture without growing up into windows.
• Mixed Borders: Pair with dark green conifers, burgundy foliage shrubs, and flowering perennials to create strong color contrast in sunny borders.
• Slopes and Banks: Spreading habit and fibrous roots help cover and stabilize sunny slopes while reducing erosion and maintenance.
• Rock and Gravel Gardens: Natural fit for rock gardens and gravel beds, where its low, mounding shape and frosted foliage soften stone and hard edges.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: After establishment, water deeply but infrequently, allowing the top of the soil to dry slightly between waterings to encourage deep roots and good drought tolerance.
• Pruning: Needs little pruning; lightly shear or selectively tip prune in late winter or early spring to maintain size and keep plants clear of paths and hardscape.
• Fertilizing: In average soils, a light application of a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring is usually enough to support healthy growth.
• Mulching: Apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping it off the stems, to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the root zone.
• Problem Resistance: Generally tolerant of heat, sun, and urban conditions when drainage is good, with modest water needs once established.

Why Choose Daub's Frosted Chinese Juniper?

• Frosted Two Tone Color: Golden new growth over blue green foliage creates a distinctive, frosted look that stands out in sunny plantings.
• Compact, Spreading Habit: Low mound fits comfortably in foundation beds, borders, and slopes without overwhelming the space.
• Four Season Interest: Evergreen foliage and lasting color provide year round structure and visual appeal.
• Tough and Adaptable: Handles sun, heat, and a range of well drained soils once established with minimal special care.
• Design Versatility: Works as a single focal point, repeated accent, or mass planting wherever you want a durable splash of gold and blue in the landscape.

With its low, spreading form, frosted golden foliage, and dependable nature, Daub's Frosted Chinese Juniper is an excellent choice when you want a compact evergreen that delivers color, texture, and a strong focal point in sunny, well drained sites.