Gold Coast Juniper
Juniperus chinensis 'Gold Coast' · Evergreen Coniferous Softwood
Plant Family
Cupressaceae
Tree Category
Evergreen Ornamental Shrub/Small Tree
Variety / Cultivar
'Gold Coast' with bright golden-yellow tips on feathery foliage
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9
About This Tree
Compact, spreading evergreen shrub with arching branches and brilliant golden-yellow foliage that retains its color well throughout the year without burning in full sun
Leaf Characteristics
Scale-like and needle-like juvenile leaves, bright golden-yellow at the tips fading to a softer green-yellow interior, arranged densely along pliable stems
Bark Characteristics
Reddish-brown bark that exfoliates in thin strips on mature stems, though mostly hidden by dense foliage on young nursery plants
Growing Information
Origin Region
China, Japan, and Northeast Asia; widely cultivated in North America and Europe
Growing Season
Year-round evergreen with active growth in spring and summer; no distinct dormant period of leaf drop
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun for best golden color; moderate to low water needs once established, highly drought-tolerant in well-draining soil
Mature Size
3 to 4 feet tall with a spread of 4 to 5 feet, slow to moderate growth rate, long-lived
Special Characteristics
Exceptional drought tolerance, deer resistant, retains vibrant golden foliage color year-round, pollution tolerant
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides cover and nesting sites for small birds and wildlife; low ecological toxicity and generally pest-free