Juniperus pfitzeriana Gold Coast

The Juniperus x media Gold Coast is a small size hybrid juniper, very graphic, interesting for its intense yellow foliage throughout the year, as well as for its low, wide cushion habit. In addition to these ornamental qualities, it has excellent cold resistance and is easy to grow in any well-drained soil. This conifer is perfect for animating a rockery, decorating a slope, or structuring a bed in a small garden. It adapts very well to container cultivation and can make a top-notch bonsai.

Also known as Juniperus pfitzeriana 'Gold Coast', this juniper is part of a group of rather old hybrids, mainly derived from Juniperus chinensis, the Chinese juniper. It is a very hardy and highly ornamental conifer belonging, like its parents, to the cupressaceae family.

'Gold Coast' forms a compact and spreading bush after 10 years, measuring about 75 cm (29.5 in) in height with a spread of 1.50 m. It grows slowly when young, and then its growth accelerates a little as it ages. Its annual growth is estimated at 15-30 cm (5.9-11.8 in), depending on the growing conditions. Its thin and flexible branches, with a feathery appearance, hang down at their tips and are covered with small, tightly packed, non-prickly needles that emit a penetrating odor when rubbed. The young spring shoots are light yellow, then take on a more golden yellow hue in summer, before turning dark yellow in winter. The fruits that form on the female plants are berries called galbulus; they are bluish black when ripe and rich in therapeutic properties. Junipers have a shallow root system that makes them vulnerable to strong winds and difficult to associate with perennials.

The 'Gold Coast' juniper is a small, hardy and bright conifer, easy to grow and maintain, which has proven its robustness on slopes and in large rockeries, among rocks. With its moderate growth and year-round yellow foliage, it will work wonders as a border plant, in the company of dwarf conifers with an upright or bushy conical habit (Chamaecyparis Nana Gracilis, Picea Glauca Globosa). The graphic qualities of conifers naturally stand out in a contemporary garden. These plants with their reassuring permanence durably structure a bed, mark pathways, and border terraces. They also go well with tousled grasses with a very complementary temperament. They can also be paired with heathers (Erica x darleyensis), lavenders, and rosemarys. The key is to play with volumes and colours.