Small Evergreen Shrubs
Small and dwarf evergreen shrubs are about 2 to 4 feet high
NOTE: Retailers often list size of a ten year old plant. Since many evergreens live 35-50 years plants will usually exceed their listed size
Granular fertilizer is recommended for evergreens since it releases slowly into the soil, benefiting your plant for 1 to 3 months. Care must be taken not to sprinkle the fertilizer on the foliage. Sprinkle directly onto the soil around and under the plant. If it is not possible to avoid the foliage, a liquid fertilizer may be a better choice. Liquid fertilizer is faster acting and available to your plant for 2 - 4 weeks.
Thuja occidentalis ‘Hetz Midget’ Hetz Midget Arborvitae
Conifer Family: Cupressaceae
Mature Height: 2-3 feet
Mature Width: 2-4 feet
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate, 2-5” per year
Light Requirements: Part to full sun
Water Requirements: Requires weekly watering, more in extreme heat. Will tolerate wet soil.
Soil Preference: Average, well drained soils. Prefers sandy soil but is very adaptable.
Foliage: Emerald green flat sprays, soft foliage.
Cone or Berry: Tiny inconspicuous green cones.
Disease and Insects: No notable problems. Resists mites, bagworms and canker.
Pest Resistance: Deer enjoy arborvitae.
Fertilize: Use a 6-12-12 or 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring
Spacing: Plant 5 or more feet apart, 2 feet apart for hedge.
Hardiness: Zones 3-7
‘Hetz Midget’ is an easy to grow and care for evergreen with a nicely rounded dense shape that does not require pruning to keep a globe form. It is widely used because it is very adaptable and tough. Shears well to maintain a smaller size or to maintain a more formal shape, but only shear to new growth as the foliage will not recover if hard pruned. Creates a lovely hedge when left unsheared, or pruned to geometric shape. Excellent for foundation plants or small spaces. ‘Hetz Midget’ is one of the smallest globular evergreens available for landscape plantings. Small enough for container planting or patio accent. In ten years it will only be about 2 feet tall and wide. May damage in strong winds, especially cold winds of the north as well as winter sunscald. But the damaged foliage shears off easily without detriment to the shrub. Heavy wet snow may bend and break branches, these may be pruned out and the shrub should fill back in fairly quickly. In ideal conditions ‘Hetz Midget’ can be expected to live 30 years. (For a little larger globe arborvitae, see ‘Little Giant’. And for even smaller, see ‘Danica’ below)
Thuja occidentalis ‘Danica’ Danica Arborvitae
Conifer Family: Cupressaceae
Mature Height: 1 1/2 - 2 feet
Mature Width: 2 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Light Requirements: Full sun
Water Requirements: Requires weekly watering, more often in extreme heat.
Soil Preference: Prefers deep enriched, well drained soil, but adaptable to average well drained soil. Not fussy about pH.
Foliage: Flat fan shaped sprays of soft foliage.
Cone or Berry: Tiny cones
Disease and Insects: No notable problems.
Pest Resistance: Deer enjoy arborvitae
Fertilize: Use a 6-12-12 or 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring
Spacing: Plant 5 or more feet apart, 3-4 feet apart for massing, 2 feet apart for hedge.
Hardiness: Zones 3-7
‘Danica’ is a dwarf arborvitae evergreen, even smaller than ‘Hetz Midget’. The truly dwarf size makes it ideal for front of the border or foundation plantings and is great for an accent plant or dividing sections of the landscape with a low informal hedge. Shears well to maintain a smaller size or to maintain a more formal shape, but only shear to new growth as the foliage will not recover if hard pruned. In general pruning will not be required. Small enough for container planting or patio accent. In ten years it will only be about 1 - 1 1/2 feet tall and wide. In ideal conditions ‘Danica’ can live well over 30 years and may reach a height of 3 feet and width of 4-5 feet. May damage in strong winds, especially cold winds of the north as well as winter sunscald. Emerald green foliage turns bluish green in winter.
Thuja occidentalis ‘Golden Globe
Conifer Family: Cupressaceae
Mature Height: 2-4 feet
Mature Width: 2-4 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate, 4-8” per year.
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Water Requirements: Requires weekly watering, more often in extreme heat.
Soil Preference: Average well drained soil, neutral to slightly acidic. Adaptable to a wide range of soils.
Foliage: Golden flat fan shaped sprays of soft foliage.
Cone or Berry: 1/2” cones mature to red brown in autumn on old plants.
Disease and Insects: No notable problems.
Pest Resistance: Deer enjoy arborvitae.
Fertilize: Use a 6-12-12 or 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring
Spacing: Plant 7 or more feet apart, 5 feet apart for massing, 3-4 feet apart for hedge.
Hardiness: Zones 2-8
‘Golden Globe’ is a wonderful golden alternative to green globe arborvitae. The foliage is dense and new growth is golden yellow, undergrowth will be a bright green. This arborvitae enjoys humid weather and regular rain, water deeply in dry periods or if used for a foundation plant where rain may be shielded by overhang. But don’t allow soil to remain consistently soggy. It is pretty tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions and will tolerate part shade. In too much shade the branching may be more open and foliage less dense. It is also less prone to winter burn than many of the arborvitae, but may suffer damaged or broken branches from heavy snow and ice. Prune out any damaged branches. Somewhat tolerant of urban conditions. ‘Golden Globe’ maintains a good rounded shape without pruning, but does shear well to maintain a neater form or a smaller size. Shear in spring and only remove new growth. Excellent size for foundation plants, shrub or perennial borders or an informal hedge. The bright golden color makes it a great accent plant and creates a wonderful bright spot in winter even when slightly bronzed. In ten years the shrub will be about 3-4 feet tall and wide. In ideal conditions ‘Golden Globe’ can live for 70 years and could reach a height of 5-8 feet.
Thuja occidentalis ‘Linesville’ / ‘Lionsville’ / ‘Lyonville’ / ‘Mr. Bowling Ball’ Arborvitae / ‘Bobozam’
Conifer Family: Cupressaceae
Mature Height: 2-4 feet
Mature Width: 2-4 feet
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate, 4-6” per year.
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade.
Water Requirements: Requires weekly watering, more often in extreme heat.
Soil Preference: Prefers fertile well drained soil, will tolerate average soil.
Foliage: Sage green soft foliage.
Cone or Berry:
Disease and Insects: No notable problems.
Pest Resistance: Deer enjoy arborvitae.
Fertilize: Use a 6-12-12 or 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring
Spacing: Plant 4 or more feet apart.
Hardiness: Zones 3-8.
‘Linesville’ arborvitae is frequently referred to as ‘Mr. Bowling Ball’ in the north. Although it is not certain that the plants are one in the same. ‘Mr. Bowling Ball’ and ‘Bobozam’ are the same plant, but they may not be identical to the original introduction ‘Linesville’. It does seem that the names are all just different trademarked cultivar names and common names. Any notable difference is not apparent, however the mature size is often listed different. It is very interesting evergreen shrub with very dense and soft textured foliage. Its’ globe form requires no pruning, but in the first few years a little trimming will encourage the dense rounded form. The sage green color holds well all year in most regions, but harsh winters in zones 3 & 4 will likely burn the foliage tips. A loose burlap cover or screen will help prevent scalding. Wonderful size for containers, front of the foundation border or mixed in with perennials. ‘Linesville’s’ unique color and texture will add low maintenance interest anywhere in the landscape. In ten years will grow to about 3 feet high and wide.
Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’
Conifer Family: Cupressaceae
Mature Height: 1 1/2-3 feet
Mature Width: 3-5 feet
Growth Rate: Slow, 2-4” per year reaching 3 feet wide in 10 years
Light Requirements: Full Sun, may tolerate part shade, growth will be slower.
Water Requirements: Once established should only require watering in dry periods
Soil Preference: Well drained, average soil, but will tolerate poor soil if not wet. Not fussy about alkaline or acid soil.
Foliage: Silvery blue, prickly needles. Needle clusters resemble a star at the branch tip, very densely needled..
Cone or Berry: Small bluish berry
Disease and Insects: Very resistant, trouble free for the most part. In hot or wet conditions may be susceptible to mites, aphids and twig borers.
Pest Resistance: Deer and rabbit resistant.
Fertilize: Use a 6-12-12 or 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring
Spacing: Plant 5 feet apart, 2 1/2 feet apart for groundcover.
Hardiness: Zones 4-8, will not tolerate the heat and humidity of the deep south.
‘Blue Star’ grows in graceful wide mounds. The mounds are compact and sometimes loosely formed, sometimes very uniformly domed. The form is stunning when used as a specimen or in groups, equally as eye catching when spreading around boulders in a rock garden. It prefers an open sunny space without interference from larger shrubs. Although it grows a little higher and is not ground hugging, ‘Blue Star’ can certainly do a beautiful job as a groundcover if massed closely together. Also an excellent choice for foundation plants, specimen plants for small spaces, and as an edging plant mixed borders. Quite tolerant of urban conditions and windy sites. ‘Blue Star’ grows a bit slower than many junipers. Requires no pruning, remove only broken or dead branches.
Juniper sabina ‘Broadmoor’ (Broadmoor savin juniper)
Conifer Family: Cupressaceae
Mature Height: 2-3 feet
Mature Width: 6-8 feet or more
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Light Requirements: Full Sun
Water Requirements: Once established should only require watering in dry periods, tolerant of short drought periods.
Soil Preference: Prefers average, moist, well drained soil, tolerates a range of soils and adapts to pH. Will not tolerate wet soil.
Foliage: Gray/bluish-green needles are blunt, older branches may have sharp pointed needles.
Cone or Berry: Blue-black berries are produced from late spring into winter.
Disease and Insects: Resists juniper blight
Pest Resistance: Deer resistant
Fertilize: Use a 6-12-12 or 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring.
Spacing: Plant 10 feet apart, closer for ground cover.
Hardiness: Zones 3-8
‘Broadmoor’ is a dwarf of the Savin Juniper with a spreading habit, maintaining good blue green color year round. When foliage is crushed a rank odor is emitted. The plant is dense with somewhat mounded center. ‘Broadmoor is easily transplanted, requires very little maintenance and is urban tolerant. It is very tolerant of persistent winds. Pruning is not generally necessary other than to control size, prune in very early spring. Use for foundation plantings, mass plantings, filler in beds or groundcover for large areas. You can expect this plant to live for 30 years.
Thuja plicata ‘Whipcord’ Western Red Cedar ‘Whipcord’ Whipcord Arborvitae
Conifer Family:
Mature Height: 3-5 feet
Mature Width: 3-4 feet
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate, 3-6” per year
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Water Requirements: Average water requirements.
Soil Preference: Prefers enriched or fertile soil, moist well drained. pH adaptable.
Foliage: Glossy green cord like foliage.
Cone or Berry:
Disease and Insects:
Pest Resistance: Somewhat deer resistant
Fertilize: Use a 6-12-12 or 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring.
Spacing: Plant 5 feet or more apart.
Hardiness: Zones 5-8
A very interesting and unique shrub, ‘Whipcord’ has glossy green foliage in summer with a bronzy look in winter. A full lush form will develop in full sun, in part shade it is more open and stringy looking with a fountain like form. Adds instant texture unlike any other to the gardens, and moves in the breeze like ornamental grasses. Great for accent or specimen plant, in a shrub or perennial border, on a slope or as a foundation plant. In ten years it will grow to about 2-3 feet tall and wide and may take as much as 30 years to reach full size. Although this is considered a dwarf, it is only because it is a sport of the giant Western Red Cedar.
Picea abies ‘Nidiformis’ Bird’s Nest Spruce
Conifer Family: Pinaceae
Mature Height: 3-5 feet
Mature Width: 4-6 feet
Growth Rate: Slow
Light Requirements: Full Sun
Water Requirements: Once established should only require watering in dry periods, tolerant of short drought periods.
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained soil, neutral to acidic, but adaptable.
Foliage: Angular four sided 1 inch dark green needles. New growth emerges bright green.
Cone or Berry:
Disease and Insects: Resistant to most problems, watch for aphids, bagworms and mites.
Pest Resistance: Deer resistant
Fertilize: Use a 6-12-12 or 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring
Spacing: Plant 6-8 feet apart
Hardiness: Zones 3-7
Bird’s Nest Spruce has a spreading habit with a flattened top and a depressed center. It ads quiet structure to your garden or shrub border, providing a lovely contrast to showy plants. A rounded symmetrical shape is maintained with no pruning. Will do best in full sun in cooler climates, will tolerate light shade. The slow growing dwarf may only reach 3 feet high and 3 feet wide in shaded or difficult growing environments such as direct sun in hot climates, but in good conditions it can easily reach 5 feet. Make sure adequate space is available when used as a foundation plant or plan to prune to maintain a smaller size. However, do not attempt to reduce size, you will need to prune to stop growth at the desired size by removing new growth only. Bird’s Nest Spruce is a slow grower and should only reach 2 feet by 4 feet in about 10 years. Ultimate size is slowly reached by 30 years, and can be expected to live 50 years. Great accent plant or in a large rock garden or shrub border. Picea Marina is a ‘Blue Bird’s Nest Spruce’ variation.
Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Golden Mop’ / Golden Mop Dwarf Threadleaf False Cypress
Conifer Family: Cupressaceae
Mature Height: 3 feet
Mature Width: 4 feet
Growth Rate: Slow, 3-6” per year
Light Requirements: Full sun, afternoon shade in hot regions.
Water Requirements: Needs weekly watering, more often in extreme heat. Will become more drought resistant as it matures.
Soil Preference: Average to fertile well drained soil, does not like wet soil.
Foliage: Yellow green threadlike foliage
Cone or Berry: Inconspicuous
Disease and Insects: No significant pest problems
Pest Resistance: Deer resistant
Fertilize: Use a 6-12-12 or 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring
Spacing: Plant 5 feet apart.
Hardiness: Zones 4-8
The dramatic foliage of the ‘Golden Mop’ is bright yellow green to golden with a feathery, almost stringy appearance. The glowing gold foliage creates a lovely accent to deeper green conifers. ‘Mops’ holds its’ golden color through summer, unlike other golden cultivars. The slightly weeping branches gives the plant a shaggy, mophead form. ‘Mops grows in a low mounding form, but if a neater form is desired, shear annually to shape it. To control size, prune out branches to a joint to retain the unique shape. In ideal conditions ‘Golden Mop’ can grow larger. ‘Golden Mop’ is an excellent foundation plant for small spaces, in border plantings or edging a shrub border. Stunning in groups of three or more. Color is best in full sun, but will do fine in part shade. Regular watering is important, especially in the first season to establish a good root system. Under ideal conditions, ‘Mops’ can be expected to live 50 years. You will find this small cypress by a variety of names such as Mops Golden Dwarf, Dwarf ‘Mops’, or rather generically as just ‘Mops’ even if it is a dwarf. Check the mature size carefully, some ‘Mops’ cultivars can get very large. (See the article on ‘Mops’ confusion)
Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Nana Lutea’ Golden Dwarf Hinoki Cypress/False Cypress
Conifer Family: Cupressaceae
Mature Height: 18-36”
Mature Width: 36”
Growth Rate: Slow, often only two or three inches per year
Light Requirements: Part sun
Water Requirements: Requires weekly watering, more in extreme heat.
Soil Preference: Prefers enriched, moist but well drained soil. Prefers slightly acid soil.
Foliage: Golden yellow flat sprays of foiliage
Cone or Berry:
Disease and Insects: No disease or insect problems
Pest Resistance: Somewhat resistant to deer.
Fertilize: Use a 6-12-12 or 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring
Spacing: Plant 4 or more feet apart.
Hardiness: Zones 5-9
This golden evergreen shrub has an irregular somewhat globe shape but with an upright habit. ‘Nana Lutea’ has a unique look in your garden or landscape with ever changing form and texture, excellent for an accent or specimen plant. The asymmetrical young mounded form matures to an upright conical shape. Foliage is deep green on the interior with golden outer foliage. The plant prefers a moist environment and does well in heat and humidity, but will perform best when not in full sun.. Will not do well in winter winds or dry cold climates. Ideal for the controlled environment of container planting, use in a site with some afternoon shade to avoid scorching the plant. In ideal conditions, ‘Nana Lutea’ could reach 6 feet tall in ten years. Reportedly hardy in zone 4, where it would need protection from winter winds.
Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Cream Ball’
Conifer Family: Cupressaceae
Mature Height: 2-4 feet
Mature Width: 3-4 feet
Growth Rate: Slow, 1-2” per year
Light Requirements: Full sun to light shade
Water Requirements: Average water requirements with moderate drought tolerance.
Soil Preference: Average well drained soil, will benefit from moist, fertile, acidic soil.
Foliage: Gray green foliage with distinctive yellow-white tips.
Cone or Berry: 1/2” brown round cones
Disease and Insects: No significant pest problems
Pest Resistance:
Fertilize: Use a 6-12-12 or 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring
Spacing: Plant 4-5 feet apart
Hardiness: Zones 5-8
‘Cream Ball’ is a dwarf false cypress cultivar. Will benefit from afternoon shade in hot regions and protection from wind. May suffer from root rot if soil is too moist. Rounded form is symmetrical with a shaggy appearance if left unpruned. Regular watering is important, especially in the first season to establish a good root system. Excellent for foundation plantings and rock gardens.
Abies balsamea ‘Nana’ Dwarf Balsam Fir
Conifer Family: Pinaceae
Mature Height: 2 feet
Mature Width: 3 feet
Growth Rate: Slow
Light Requirements: Full Sun to part shade
Water Requirements: Weekly watering required, more often in extreme heat. Will be more tolerant of dry periods once established.
Soil Preference: Average moist well drained soil, prefers sandy, acidic soil.
Foliage: Dark green 1/3” needles on horizontal branches
Cone or Berry:
Disease and Insects: No significant pest problems.
Pest Resistance:
Fertilize: Use a 6-12-12 or 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring
Spacing: Plant 3 feet apart
Hardiness: Zones 3-6
‘Nana’ is a neat flattened globe shaped evergreen with dense foliage. Branches are horizontal with a slight spreading habit. New growth emerges light green and darkens as it matures and the foliage is fragrant. This is an excellent evergreen for small spaces. ‘Nana’ prefers a moist, cool climate and is partial to the Pacific Northwest. It is not tolerant of urban conditions. Under ideal conditions, ‘Nana’ can be expected to live 50 years.
Taxus x media ‘Tauntonii’ Taunton’s Yew
Conifer Family: Taxaceae
Mature Height: 3-4 feet
Mature Width: 5-6 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Light Requirements: Sun to shade, growth and density will be limited by heavier shade but health will remain excellent.
Water Requirements: Requires weekly watering, more in extreme heat
Soil Preference: Average well drained soil, prefers fertile and well drained for best growth. Somewhat salt tolerant.
Foliage: Very dark green flat needles growing opposite on the branch to form flat foliage. Needles are soft and bright green when emerging. The needles and branches are poisonous to humans and pets.
Cone or Berry: Red berries on female plants, the seed within is poisonous to humans and pets.
Disease and Insects: Excellent resistance
Pest Resistance: Deer enjoy Yew
Fertilize: Use a 6-12-12 or 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring
Spacing: Plant 6 or more feet apart. For a hedge plant 3-5 feet apart depending on desired density.
Hardiness: Zones 4-7
Taunton’s dwarf English yew is a staple of the northern garden. Deep green foliage stays green all year and resists winter burn. Avoid direct afternoon winter sun to protect from winter burn. Will also tolerate intense sun well if receiving enough water. May experience burn from winter winds, but shear it right off in spring. Form is a lovely spreading mound without pruning, but will also shear well if desired. New growth will form on old wood, so when severe renewal pruning is necessary the Yew will recover nicely. Forms a lovely loose hedge left unpruned when planted 5 feet apart. Shears well to form a dense shaped hedge, plant 4 feet apart or to fill in more quickly plant 3 feet apart. Great choice for foundation plants, accents or shrub borders. The versatile hardy yew can work in nearly any landscape need.
Pinus strobus ‘Sea Urchin’ Eastern Wite Pine
Conifer Family: Pinaceae
Mature Height: 2-3 feet
Mature Width: 2-4 feet
Growth Rate: Slow, 1-2” per year
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Water Requirements:
Soil Preference: Prefers enriched well drained loam.
Foliage: Blue green, soft, long thin needles
Cone or Berry:
Disease and Insects: Susceptible to a wide range of insect and disease, notably blight and rust. However, the devastating blights and rusts are not necessarily a problem in all areas. Check with your local university extension service or reliable nursery.
Pest Resistance:
Fertilize: Use a 5-10-10 fertilizer or compost in early spring. Slow growing dwarf conifers do not need heavy fertilization.
Spacing: Plant 5 or more feet apart.
Hardiness: Zones 3-8
‘Sea Urchin’ is a miniature white pine that will only grow to about 2 to 3 feet tall in the first ten years. The dense cushion form resembles the shape of a sea urchin, a flattened globe. Pruning should not be required, but if necessary only trim back the new growth from the current season. The blue of this cultivar is more significant than other pines, but may yellow in alkaline soils. Organically rich, moist but well drained soil is preferred, and it will tolerate urban conditions fairly well. ‘Sea Urchin’ grows best in cool summer conditions and may not do as well in hotter regions. Plant in a location that will be sheltered from hot afternoon sun and wind. To help prevent disease by increasing air circulation, clean out old fallen needles from the center of the plant each spring. Perfect for small spaces, foundation plantings, front of the border or rock gardens. Under ideal conditions, ‘Sea Urchin’ can be expected to live 50 years.
Juniperus x pfitzeriana ‘Gold Coast’ Juniperus chinensis ‘Gold Coast’ Gold Coast Juniper
Conifer Family: Cupressaceae
Mature Height: 3 feet
Mature Width: 4 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Water Requirements: Once established needs only occasional watering, prefers dry conditions. Drought tolerant once established.
Soil Preference: Average, well drained soil
Foliage: Lacy gold tipped foliage, prickly needles.
Cone or Berry: Tiny blue green berries on female plants, pollin producing catkin like cones on male plants.
Disease and Insects: No significant problems. Bagworm could be a problem in warmer regions.
Pest Resistance: Deer resistant
Fertilize: Use a 5-10-10 fertilizer or compost in early spring.
Spacing: Plant 6 or more feet apart, 3-4 feet apart for groundcover.
Hardiness: Zones 4-8
‘Gold Coast’ is actually a hybrid that crosses Juniper chinensis and Juniper sabina, and it is often labeled Juniperus chinensis ‘Gold Coast’. You may also find it called ‘Aurea’. Either way, it is the same plant. Gold Coast Juniper is compact with a spreading habit and has a superb golden color. Branches are arching with slightly drooping tips. The bright golden foliage color holds well through summer and deepens in winter. In part shade ‘Gold Coast’ will not grow as dense or as large. Tolerant of urban pollution, heat and humidity and wind, but may suffer some winter burn from winter winds. Pruning is generally not necessary. To control size, prune branches at an interior joint rather than shear to maintain the natural form of the plant. Excellent choice for a colorful accent or featured in a winter garden. Massed on a slope ‘Gold Coast’ is perfect bright groundcover.
Abies nordmanniana ‘Golden Spreader’
Golden Spreader Summer Color
Conifer Family: Pinaceae
Mature Height: 3 feet
Mature Width: 5 feet
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate, 3 inches per year
Light Requirements: Part sun to full sun
Water Requirements: Average water requirements, very drought tolerant once established.
Soil Preference: Average, moist but well drained soil preferring sandy soil. Not fussy about pH.
Foliage: New needles emerge gold, golden green through summer, and fade to golden yellow for winter.
Cone or Berry:
Disease and Insects: No notable problems.
Pest Resistance: Deer resistant
Fertilize: Use a 5-10-10 fertilizer or compost in early spring. Slow growing dwarf conifers do not need heavy fertilization.
Spacing: Plant 5 or more feet apart.
Hardiness: Zones 5-8, may be hardy in zone 4b
‘Golden Spreader’ is a beautiful and striking selection that will ad interesting form and color to your landscape. Foliage is a golden green through summer and fall, turning golden yellow for winter. The plant will do best in part sun, in particular direct afternoon sun should be avoided as it may sunscald. The cultivar is a dwarf form of the Caucasian Fir and will only reach about 1 foot tall and 2 feet wide in 10 years. Growth form is normally short and broad, but an occasional plant will send up a central leader and eventually produce a taller, more conical form. To maintain the spreading shape just prune back the central leader. Normally ‘Golden Spreader’ will not require any pruning. This evergreen is not tolerant of urban conditions and pollution. Protect from wind and afternoon sun in northern climates. ‘Golden Spreader’ is perfect for small spaces, rock gardens, front of the shrub or perennial border and foundation plantings. Use as a specimen or colorful accent evergreen. Under ideal conditions ‘Golden Spreader’ can be expected to live up to 80 years and could grow to 4 feet tall and 5 feet wide.
Juniperus chinensis / Juniperus x media / Juniperus x pfitzeriana ‘Old Gold’
Conifer Family: Cupressaceae
Mature Height: 3-4 feet
Mature Width: 4-5 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate, 4-8” per year
Light Requirements: Full sun, will tolerate part shade but color will be more greet and less dense.
Water Requirements: Average water requirements, drought resistant.
Soil Preference: Average well drained soil. Prefers slightly acidic and sandy.
Foliage: Prickly, lacey looking foliage of golden yellow. Aromatic when cut or crushed.
Cone or Berry: Old plants will occasionally produce cones.
Disease and Insects: No notable problems, but could develop blights if conditions are too wet for extended periods or in poorly drained soils.
Pest Resistance: Deer resistant
Fertilize: Use a 5-10-10 fertilizer or compost in early spring.
Spacing: Plant 6 or more feet apart, 2 or 3 feet apart to form a hedge or groundcover.
Hardiness: Zones 4-9
‘Old Gold’ has a persistent golden yellow color on new growth through the summer and deepens to a bronze yellow in winter. Color is held year round better than many of the junipers. Pruning is not suggested to maintain its’ graceful arching branches, but will take to trimming well to maintain a smaller size or shape. ‘Old Gold’ is one of the more compact junipers and does not get out of control, but will still serve very nicely as a groundcover. Excellent compact choice for front of a shrub border or with ornamental trees, planted in masses or for a foundation plant, or colorful accent evergreen. Will hold up fairly well for streetside plantings as it is somewhat salt tolerant and holds up to wind. In about ten years ‘Old Gold’ will be about 3 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide, but will ultimately reach 4 feet high and 6 feet wide.