Common Juniper 'Gold Cone'

Common juniper 'Gold Cone' (Juniperus communis 'Gold Cone') is a golden candle that burns in the garden all year. In spring bright golden young growth spreads over the narrow, dense column of fine upright shoots, the colour holds right through summer, and by winter it settles into a quieter greenish-blue.

It is a ready-made vertical accent where space is tight: by the front door, in a rock garden, in a formal border or in a container on the terrace. In 10 years it makes only 0.9-1.5 m in height and 0.3-0.6 m in width, so it takes less room than a thuja and holds its own shape with no formal clipping.

Key characteristics:

• What makes it special: The bush holds its column unaided, with no shaping needed. The one condition is full sun: in shade the gold quickly dulls and greens over.
• Dimensions: At 10 years 0.9-1.5 m tall and 0.3-0.6 m wide.
• Hardiness: Takes down to -29 °C (USDA zone 5).
• Light: Full sun is a must: in shade the golden needle colour noticeably fades.
• Soil: It takes moderately moist, well-drained soils easily, and copes even with very poor, stony and dry ground.
• Watering: Watering is moderate; established plants hold drought well, but they dislike water standing at the roots.
• Care: It needs almost no care: it keeps its column by itself, and pruning is only sanitary and minimal.
• Landscape use: A vertical accent in urban and cottage gardens - in borders, hedges and containers.
• Origin: The cultivar was introduced in 1980 by the Kordes nursery in Bilzen, Germany.