The golden foliage of this compact juniper stays attractive even in the winter.
The Saybrook Gold juniper is a low-growing, spreading evergreen shrub valued for its striking foliage color year-round.
As the plant matures, the arching branches and gracefully drooping stem tips hug the ground.
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
This hybrid is one of the Chinese junipers with the brightest foliageand thankfully one that deer dont browse.
Other bonus points are the shrubs fast growth rate, compact size, and tolerance of air pollution.
Where to Plant Saybrook Gold Juniper
Saybrook Gold Juniper needs a location in full sun.
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
However, excellent drainage is crucial.
The plant is tolerant of air pollution, which makes it suitable for urban controls.
Mass plantings on embankments and slopes help with erosion control.
Because it is tolerant of dry soil, it is also a good choice for rock gardens andxeriscapes.
Balled-and-burlapped shrubs should be planted in the fall.
Dig a hole at least twice the diameter of the root ball and just as deep.
Tamp down the soil.
For a solid hedge, space plants 4.5 to 5 feet apart.
If you would like the shrubs to eventually grow into each other, space them 6 feet apart.
For all other plantings, space them 10 to 12 feet apart.
Water-logged soil is not suitable.
The pH can be betweenslightly acidic and neutral(5.5 to 7).
Fertilizer
Saybrook Gold Juniper is a light feeder.
One annual system of aslow-release shrub and tree fertilizerin late winter or early spring is sufficient.
Pests and Problems
Saybrook Gold Juniper is not affected by serious pests or diseases.
Most importantly, it is resistant to cedar apple rust, a fungus that affects other junipers.
It is susceptible to tip and needle blights.
How to Propagate Saybrook Juniper
Saybrook Gold junipers are propagated from stem cuttings.
Between mid-autumn and mid-winter take a 6-inch cutting.
Keep the cutting indoors in a location with bright light but away from direct sunlight.
Water when the soil feels dry.
It is a very slow grower but grows 10 to 15 feet tall and 20 feet wide over time.
It grows in full sun and partial shade but flowers best in full sun.
It is evergreen but its foliage darkens to a plum-purple color in cold climates.
Zone 3-9
Garden Plans for Saybrook Juniper
Property Line Garden Plan
With thisgarden plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
These shrubs grow 3 to 5 feet tall and up to 6 feet wide.
‘Sea of Gold’ (Juniperusxpfitzeriana’Monsan') is another juniper variety with striking golden-yellow foliage.
It grows 3 to 4 feet tall and wide so it’s smaller than ‘Saybrook Gold’.
