Juniperus Horizontalis 'Mother Lode'

Juniper Mother Lode

Juniperus horizontalis ‘Mother Lode’ — commonly called Mother Lode creeping juniper — is a low-growing evergreen shrub valued for its bright golden-yellow foliage that intensifies in full sun and develops orange to copper tones in winter. Its dense, spreading habit forms a broad ground-hugging mat, providing vivid year-round color and texture.

Type: Evergreen shrub

Mature Size:
Width: 4–6 ft
Height: 6–12 in.

USDA Zones: 3a–9b

Form: Very low, prostrate, mat-forming

Light: Full sun

Soil: Well-drained soil; thrives in sandy, rocky, and poor soils

Water: Low; highly drought tolerant once established

Wildlife: Provides shelter for birds; deer resistant

Features & Landscape Uses: Excellent for groundcover, slopes, rock gardens, and borders. Its bright golden foliage provides strong contrast with blue and green conifers and adds seasonal interest with winter color change.

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

Plant type

Evergreen Shrub

Height

6-12"

Width

4-6'

Hardiness zones

3–9

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Leaf color

Jasmine

Fall color

Gold

Soil

Average, Sandy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Hedge

Shape

Low Spreading, Prostrate

Bark

Exfoliating

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes