www.rightplantz.com - RightPlantz.com
Posted 07/16/2023 in Shrub

Juniperus conferta ‘Golden Pacific’

Golden Pacific Juniper: Bringing Sunshine to Your Landscape

The Golden Pacific Juniper, a captivating member of the juniper family, is a plant guaranteed to add a splash of sunshine to your garden. This low-growing, evergreen shrub boasts vibrant golden foliage that stands out year-round, making it a valuable addition to any landscape.

Description Of Juniperus conferta ‘Golden Pacific’:

  • Foliage: The star of the show is undoubtedly the stunning golden-yellow foliage. The needles are small and scale-like, densely packed to create a lush, vibrant carpet. The intensity of the color varies depending on the amount of sunlight, with full sun bringing out the brightest gold tones.
  • Growth Habit: The Golden Pacific Juniper forms a low-growing, spreading mound, reaching heights of only 1-2 feet and spreading up to 6 feet wide. This makes it perfect for groundcover, borders, and even containers.
  • Flowers: While not showy, the Golden Pacific Juniper does produce small, blue-green cones in late summer. These cones are not particularly ornamental but add a touch of texture and interest to the plant.

Juniperus conferta ‘Golden Pacific’ Value in the Landscape:

  • Versatility: This adaptable plant thrives in full sun and tolerates partial shade. It also withstands drought and salt spray, making it ideal for coastal gardens and areas with harsh winters.
  • Low Maintenance: The slow-growing nature of the Golden Pacific Juniper translates to minimal maintenance needs. Occasional pruning to maintain shape and size is all that's required.
  • Visual Interest: The vibrant golden foliage instantly adds a pop of color and texture to any landscape. Use it as a groundcover to brighten up shady areas, as a border plant to add definition, or as a focal point in containers.
  • Wildlife Attractor: The Golden Pacific Juniper provides valuable shelter and nesting sites for small birds and other wildlife.

Interesting Facts About Juniperus conferta ‘Golden Pacific’:

  • The Golden Pacific Juniper is a relatively new cultivar, introduced in the 1990s.
  • It is a sport of the popular Blue Pacific Juniper, but with the added benefit of its cheerful golden foliage.
  • This low-maintenance beauty is a popular choice for landscaping projects, thanks to its adaptability and year-round color.

Bringing Sunshine Home:

If you're looking for a low-maintenance, eye-catching plant to brighten up your landscape, the Golden Pacific Juniper is a perfect choice. With its vibrant foliage, versatility, and minimal needs, this little ray of sunshine is sure to bring joy to your garden for years to come.

Other Plants You May Be Interested In:

Hydrangea arborescens 'Lime Rickey'
Spirea japonica 'Anthony Waterer'

About RightPlantz - RightPlantz is your go-to source for all things gardening. RightPlantz grows better gardeners.

Post Details

Latin Name
Juniperus conferta ‘Golden Pacific’
Common Name
Golden Pacific Juniper
Planting Zone
Zone 6 Zone 7 Zone 8 Zone 9
Light Condition
Full Sun
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Special Interest
Deer Resistant Colorful Foliage Winter Interest
Bloom Season
Spring
Flower Color
None
Height
To 6"
Spread
To 6'
Suggested Uses
Grouping Edging Rock Garden
Potential Pests
Potential pests for Juniperus conferta ‘Golden Pacific’ include Spider Mites, Juniper Scale, Bagworms, Juniper Aphids, Juniper Twig Girdler, Phomopsis Blight, Kabatina Tip Blight, Rust Diseases, Cercospora Blight, and Root Rot.

Plant Story

Golden Pacific Juniper: Bringing Sunshine to Your Landscape

The Golden Pacific Juniper, a captivating member of the juniper family, is a plant guaranteed to add a splash of sunshine to your garden. This low-growing, evergreen shrub boasts vibrant golden foliage that stands out year-round, making it a valuable addition to any landscape.

Description Of Juniperus conferta ‘Golden Pacific’:

  • Foliage: The star of the show is undoubtedly the stunning golden-yellow foliage. The needles are small and scale-like, densely packed to create a lush, vibrant carpet. The intensity of the color varies depending on the amount of sunlight, with full sun bringing out the brightest gold tones.
  • Growth Habit: The Golden Pacific Juniper forms a low-growing, spreading mound, reaching heights of only 1-2 feet and spreading up to 6 feet wide. This makes it perfect for groundcover, borders, and even containers.
  • Flowers: While not showy, the Golden Pacific Juniper does produce small, blue-green cones in late summer. These cones are not particularly ornamental but add a touch of texture and interest to the plant.

Juniperus conferta ‘Golden Pacific’ Value in the Landscape:

  • Versatility: This adaptable plant thrives in full sun and tolerates partial shade. It also withstands drought and salt spray, making it ideal for coastal gardens and areas with harsh winters.
  • Low Maintenance: The slow-growing nature of the Golden Pacific Juniper translates to minimal maintenance needs. Occasional pruning to maintain shape and size is all that's required.
  • Visual Interest: The vibrant golden foliage instantly adds a pop of color and texture to any landscape. Use it as a groundcover to brighten up shady areas, as a border plant to add definition, or as a focal point in containers.
  • Wildlife Attractor: The Golden Pacific Juniper provides valuable shelter and nesting sites for small birds and other wildlife.

Interesting Facts About Juniperus conferta ‘Golden Pacific’:

  • The Golden Pacific Juniper is a relatively new cultivar, introduced in the 1990s.
  • It is a sport of the popular Blue Pacific Juniper, but with the added benefit of its cheerful golden foliage.
  • This low-maintenance beauty is a popular choice for landscaping projects, thanks to its adaptability and year-round color.

Bringing Sunshine Home:

If you're looking for a low-maintenance, eye-catching plant to brighten up your landscape, the Golden Pacific Juniper is a perfect choice. With its vibrant foliage, versatility, and minimal needs, this little ray of sunshine is sure to bring joy to your garden for years to come.

Other Plants You May Be Interested In:

Hydrangea arborescens 'Lime Rickey'
Spirea japonica 'Anthony Waterer'

About RightPlantz - RightPlantz is your go-to source for all things gardening. RightPlantz grows better gardeners.

Special Care Instructions

Juniperus conferta ‘Golden Pacific’, or Golden Pacific Juniper, is generally a hardy and low-maintenance plant. However, providing proper care can ensure its optimal health and appearance. Here are some special care instructions for Juniperus conferta ‘Golden Pacific’:

Sun:

  • This shrub requires full sun for its best color and growth. Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
  • In areas with very strong summer sun, a little light afternoon shade can be beneficial.
  • Too much shade will result in diminished foliage density and color.

Soil:

  • Well-drained soil is essential. The Golden Pacific Juniper is susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions.
  • Sandy or loamy soils are ideal.
  • You can improve drainage by adding compost or sand to the planting hole.
  • Avoid planting in clay or heavy soils.

Moisture:

  • Once established, the Golden Pacific Juniper is drought tolerant and requires minimal watering.
  • Water deeply when the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
  • Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
  • Adjust watering frequency based on your local climate and rainfall patterns.

Fertilizer:

  • Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced fertilizer formulated for evergreens.
  • Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can encourage excessive growth and make the plant more susceptible to disease.

Pruning:

  • Pruning is not necessary for the Golden Pacific Juniper to maintain its shape.
  • However, you can lightly prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and control the size and shape of the plant.
  • Avoid pruning in the fall, as this can encourage new growth that may not be able to withstand winter cold.

Winter Care:

  • The Golden Pacific Juniper is hardy to USDA zones 4-8.
  • In colder climates, young plants may need some winter protection.
  • You can mulch around the base of the plant with a layer of wood chips or straw to help protect the roots from freezing.

Additional Tips:

  • The Golden Pacific Juniper is deer and rabbit resistant.
  • It is also salt tolerant, making it a good choice for planting near roads or driveways.
  • This plant is slow-growing and low-maintenance, making it a good choice for busy gardeners.
  • The Golden Pacific Juniper is a versatile plant that can be used in rock gardens, borders, foundation plantings, or as a groundcover.

Related Posts


Potentilla fruticosa 'Happy Face Pink Paradise'
Potentilla fruticosa 'Happy Face Pink Paradise'
Comptonia peregrina
Comptonia peregrina
Chaenomeles speciosa 'Toyo-Nishiki'
Chaenomeles speciosa 'Toyo-Nishiki'
Buddleja 'Honeycomb'
Buddleja 'Honeycomb'
Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Morris Midget'
Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Morris Midget'