How to Grow Pfitzer Juniper 'Old Gold'

Pfitzer Juniper 'Old Gold'

Juniperus ×pfitzeriana 'Old Gold'

shrub

Pfitzer Juniper 'Old Gold' is a spreading evergreen shrub with soft, feathery foliage that displays golden-yellow coloring year-round, intensifying during cooler months. This cultivar is a compact, low-maintenance ornamental prized for its attractive color, fine texture, and horizontal growth habit. It works well as a groundcover, in rock gardens, or as an accent plant in landscape designs.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade but color is less vibrant in shade

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Water: Low to moderate water needs once established; drought tolerant. Water regularly during first growing season to establish deep roots. Reduce watering frequency in mature plants; avoid overwatering as it promotes root rot and disease.

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Spacing: 36 inches

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Days to maturity: N/A (woody shrub; reaches mature size in 3-5 years)

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; top of root ball should be level with ground surface

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil; tolerates poor, rocky, or gravelly soils

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Perlite or coarse sand for drainage improvement Gravel mulch to reduce soil moisture retention

Growing Zones

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Thrives in USDA zones 4-9, with best performance in zones 5-8

4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

Growth Stages

Establishment

6-12 months

Young plant with soft, bright golden foliage; root system developing

Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist (not wet) for first 6-12 months. Avoid transplanting shock by planting in spring or early fall. Mulch around base, keeping mulch 2-3 inches away from stem.

Vegetative Growth

1-3 years

Plant develops horizontal spreading branches; foliage becomes denser and more feathery

Minimal pruning needed; can lightly trim in early spring to maintain shape. Reduce watering frequency as root system deepens. Monitor for spider mites in dry conditions.

Mature Growth

3+ years onward

Plant reaches maximum width (3-4 feet) and height (1-1.5 feet); foliage color deepens to golden-bronze in fall and winter

Prune selectively in spring if shaping is desired. Maintain good air circulation around base to prevent fungal issues. Fertilize lightly in spring with balanced fertilizer or none if soil is adequate.

Year-Round Interest

Ongoing

Provides consistent golden-yellow color spring-summer; transitions to golden-bronze or amber tones in fall and winter

Color intensity increases in cold months due to anthocyanin production. Dead-heading of brown berry cones is optional. Prune out any dead or diseased branches immediately.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Sedum Ornamental grasses (Festuca, Stipa) Creeping phlox Lavender Russian sage Autumn sage Coreopsis Catmint

Avoid planting near:

High-moisture plants (hydrangea, ferns, hostas) Plants requiring frequent watering Turf grass (competes for water and nutrients)

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap in severe infestations. Increase humidity by mulching and watering base during dry spells.
Prune affected branches; apply dormant oil in late winter or horticultural oil in growing season. Avoid stress from drought and excess fertilizer.
Prune out webbed branches; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in early summer when young larvae are active.
Hand-pick bags in fall or winter; prune affected foliage. Spray Bt in late spring when larvae emerge.

Uses

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Groundcover and Foundation Planting

Landscape

The low, spreading habit and attractive golden foliage make 'Old Gold' ideal for low-maintenance foundation plantings, rock gardens, banks, and as a groundcover in full-sun areas. It adds year-round color and texture to mixed beds. [source]

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Wildlife Habitat

Wildlife

The dense foliage provides shelter for small birds and beneficial insects. Juniper berries (actually cones) are a food source for wildlife, though sparse on ornamental junipers. [source]

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Ornamental Landscape Design

Craft

Used as accent plants in xeriscaping, Japanese gardens, cottage gardens, and contemporary landscapes. The golden color provides contrast against dark evergreens and architectural hardscaping. [source]

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Low-Maintenance Garden Feature

Household

'Old Gold' requires minimal fertilizing, pruning, or pest management once established. Its drought tolerance and disease resistance make it an excellent choice for busy gardeners or water-conserving landscapes. [source]

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Traditional Juniper Uses

Medicinal

While this cultivar is purely ornamental, the Juniperus genus has been used historically in herbal medicine and has fragrant foliage with slight antimicrobial properties. Not recommended for consumption without expert guidance. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Not applicable; this is an ornamental shrub not harvested for food or material. Prune for aesthetic shape in early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead or damaged branches anytime.

Fun Facts

🌱 Pfitzer Juniper 'Old Gold' is a hybrid cultivar (Juniperus ×pfitzeriana) resulting from a cross between Juniperus chinensis and Juniperus sabina, combining desirable traits of both parents.
🌱 The golden coloring intensifies during cold winter months as the plant produces protective anthocyanin pigments in response to freezing temperatures—a natural adaptation that makes it more colorful when many other plants are dormant.
🌱 Despite its soft, feathery appearance, the foliage contains volatile oils that give juniper its characteristic resinous scent; brushing against the plant releases these aromatic compounds.

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