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Native alternative(s) for Juniperus communis var. depressa 'Aurea':
Juniperus communis var. communis Juniperus communis
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Lutea' Close up
Juniperus communis 'Echiniformis' Juniperus communis 'Echiniformis'
Juniperus communis var. depressa 'Aurea' has some common insect problems:
Pests of Conifers

Golden Flat Juniper Juniperus communis var. depressa 'Aurea'

Phonetic Spelling
ju-NIP-er-us KOM-yoo-nis
Description

'Aurea' is a needled evergreen cultivar that can thrive in a wide range of soil types. It is a low-growing juniper, maturing at 4 feet high, that is very tolerant of adverse conditions, with the exception of heat and humidity, and is hardy through USDA Zones 2 to 6. Drought tolerance is good after it is established. It grows in well-drained sunny areas and even in dry, rocky, and sandy soils.  It has spreading branches and ascending main branches which have a striking yellow color giving it its name.  Its branches are considered procumbent; that is, branches that grow along the ground without setting roots.  It has strong, yellow variegated shoots that will fade over time.  Depressa refers to the flattened, low growing form; Aurea comes from the golden-yellow foliage.  

The parent plant var. depressa is considered to be one of the most common junipers found in the garden.  It does not do well in heat and humidity and these junipers are not widely successful below USDA Zone 6. It is best grown in moist, well-drained soils in full sun. These plants are particularly noted for their superior tolerance for cold temperatures and will even survive within the Arctic Circle.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: No serious diseases or insect problems. Juniper blight, common on some of this genus, is not a frequent problem for this species. Rust and bag worms do sometimes occur. See the "Pests of Conifers" fact sheet to the left.

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

More information on Juniperus communis var. communis.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#drought tolerant#shrub#dwarf#needled evergreen#winter hardy#yellow needles#cold tolerant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#drought tolerant#shrub#dwarf#needled evergreen#winter hardy#yellow needles#cold tolerant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Juniperus
    Species:
    communis
    Family:
    Cupressaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Needled Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Vase
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    NC Region:
    Mountains
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Description:
    No fruit, cones.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Description:
    Junipers do not flower.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Needled Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    White
    Leaf Feel:
    Prickly
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Leaf Type:
    Needles
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Whorled
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Awl-shaped needles with a glaucous white band on the upper surface. New growth is yellow, it fades with time. Can brown in winter. Grown for its foliage.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Lawn
    Naturalized Area
    Walkways
    Landscape Theme:
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Design Feature:
    Foundation Planting
    Mass Planting
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Drought
    Erosion
    Salt