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Dwarf Golden Creeping Juniper Juniperus horizontalis 'Mother Lode'

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
jew-NIP-er-us hor-ih-zon-TAL-iss
Description

‘Mother Lode’ creeping juniper is a low-growing, dwarf evergreen shrub in the cypress family (Cupressaceae). The species is native to the northern part of North America and is found growing in rocky or sandy soils, from rocky outcrops to streams, making this shrub fairly adaptable to various soil types and pH as long as the soil is well drained  The genus name (Juniperus) comes from the Latin name for the juniper, while the species epithet (horizontalis) is in reference to the prostrate growth form.

‘Mother Lode’ is a sport of Juniperus horizontalis ‘Wiltonii.’ It is drought- and deer-tolerant and fairly salt tolerant. It tolerates hot and relatively dry conditions, moderately poor soils, and many air pollutants found in urban areas. It prefers dry, sandy soil. This cultivar grows to only about 4 inches high and spreads 8 to 10 feet in width. Plant 3 to 4 feet apart in full sun.

This plant will grow in average, dry to medium wet soil, including rocky soils, provided they are well-drained. It prefers dry, sandy soil and full sun, although it does tolerate partial sun. The plant will slowly spread by means of branches that root as they grow along the ground.

'Mother Lode' has foliage that is bright yellow to gold, changing to gold, copper, or bronze in winter. Its growth habit makes it a good choice for ground covers on sloped areas or for cascading over retaining walls. Its color makes it an excellent choice for a focal point in the garden or as a foundation or accent plant. The attractive foliage, low profile, and sprawling habit make it a good candidate for ground cover in hot and dry areas.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Like most junipers, ’Mother Lode’ is subject to infestation by aphids, bagworms, caterpillars, false spider mites, juniper tip mites, spruce spider mites, juniper and other scales, and juniper webworm. It is also susceptible to blights and some fungal diseases. A wet location may cause root rot.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common juniper diseases and insect pests.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Juniperus horizontalis.

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Tags:
#evergreen#drought tolerant#low growing#specimen#colorful leaves#low maintenance#winter interest#air pollution tolerant#erosion control#needled evergreen#cascading#deer resistant#foundation planting#attractive leaves#groundcover#evergreen shrub#urban conditions tolerant#garden walls#yellow needles#salt intolerant#accent
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#drought tolerant#low growing#specimen#colorful leaves#low maintenance#winter interest#air pollution tolerant#erosion control#needled evergreen#cascading#deer resistant#foundation planting#attractive leaves#groundcover#evergreen shrub#urban conditions tolerant#garden walls#yellow needles#salt intolerant#accent
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Juniperus
    Species:
    horizontalis
    Family:
    Cupressaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Woody
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 4 in. - 0 ft. 6 in.
    Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Needled Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Cascading
    Horizontal
    Prostrate
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Fine
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Shallow Rocky
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    3 feet-6 feet
    6-feet-12 feet
    NC Region:
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Cream/Tan
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
    Fruit Description:
    No fruits, fleshy seed cones (which are often called berries) are infrequently produced.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Description:
    This is a conifer, a non-flowering plant.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Needled Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Gold/Yellow
    Leaf Feel:
    Soft
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Gold/Yellow
    Leaf Type:
    Needles
    Simple
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Rich gold, soft, feather foliage in spring and summer; bronze in the fall and winter. Often grown for its soft, feathery, scale-like foliage that makes an excellent ground cover.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Slope/Bank
    Landscape Theme:
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Fairy Garden
    Rock Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Foundation Planting
    Mass Planting
    Specimen
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Drought
    Dry Soil
    Erosion
    Pollution
    Poor Soil
    Urban Conditions