Juniperus chinensis 'Gold Star'

Gold Star Chinese Juniper

Juniperus chinensis ‘Gold Star’ — commonly called Gold Star juniper — is an evergreen shrub valued for its dense spreading habit and bright golden-yellow foliage concentrated at the branch tips, contrasting with deeper green interior growth. Its layered branching creates a broad, low mound that provides year-round color and texture in the landscape.

Type: Evergreen shrub

Mature Size:
Width: 4–6 ft
Height: 2–3 ft

USDA Zones: 4a–8b

Form: Low, spreading, mounded

Light: Full sun

Soil: Well-drained soil; adaptable to sandy, rocky, and average garden soils

Water: Low to medium; drought tolerant once established

Wildlife: Provides shelter for birds; deer resistant

Features & Landscape Uses: Excellent for foundation plantings, slopes, borders, rock gardens, and evergreen massing. Golden foliage provides strong contrast with darker conifers and flowering shrubs.

Care: Plant in full sun for best foliage color. Avoid wet soils. Minimal pruning is needed; trim lightly in early spring only if shaping is desired.

Plant type

Evergreen Shrub

Height

2-3'

Width

4-6'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Soil

Average, Sandy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Container, Foundation Plant, Mass Planting

Shape

Low Spreading, Mounded

Bark

Exfoliating

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No