Species juniper
 golden-green, scaly shrub, growing on messy land with brown stem and branches

juniper

Juniperus pfitzeriana 'Saybrook Gold'

Juniperus pfitzeriana 'Saybrook Gold' is an evergreen shrub with striking color contrasts in its foliage. Its bright yellow and green needles and fan-like branches contrast with its purply-blue berries. Growing best in full sun, this tall, upright shrub can reach 4 feet in height. Pruning is optional, as young plants tend to grow nicely without it. In the garden, it adds dramatic color and texture, making it an excellent choice for accent shrubs or hedges. Suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5 – 9, it is drought tolerant and relatively easy to care for. With year-round beauty and color, this juniper will be a stunning addition to any landscape.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Division,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 9

Flowers:

Non-flowering Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Cones:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

gold,yellow

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Juniperus pfitzeriana 'Saybrook Gold' requires regular watering throughout the spring and summer growing season. Water the plant deeply once a week to ensure the soil is evenly moist throughout its root zone. In winter, reduce watering to about once every 2 weeks, as the plant isn't actively growing like it does during warmer months. If you're uncertain of the soil moisture level, check by sticking your finger into the soil about 2 inches deep. If the soil still feels damp, you won't need to water.

sunlight

Juniperus pfitzeriana 'Saybrook Gold' requires full sun in order to thrive. This particular species should get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day and can tolerate up to 8 hours. The best time of day for the sun to reach this species is during the morning and then again in the early evening. During the summer months, the sun should be avoided during the hottest part of the day (from midday to late afternoon) to prevent scorching and drying of the foliage.

pruning

Juniper (Juniperus pfitzeriana 'Saybrook Gold') should be pruned in early spring or late winter while it is still dormant. Pruning should be done to maintain the desired shape, remove dead or damaged wood, and thin it out to improve air circulation. All shoots and old wood should be pruned back to the main branch or trunk, if possible, to maintain an overall conical shape. If the plant becomes overgrown, pruning all branches back to the main trunk by 1-third or more can restore shape and encourage new growth. Regular shearing is not recommended as this can lead to the plant becoming flat-topped or otherwise misshapen.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Juniperus pfitzeriana 'Saybrook Gold' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Juniperus pfitzeriana 'Saybrook Gold' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Is Juniper Bonsai suitable for indoor cultivation?

Yes, Juniper Bonsai is suitable for indoor cultivation. As an evergreen conifer, Juniper Bonsai is accustomed to low light, making it a great choice for indoors. Juniper Bonsai tend to thrive in cooler temperatures, so keeping it near a drafty window or in a porch area can provide the ideal environment. Its small size also makes it a suitable choice for limited space. Juniper Bonsai require weekly or bi-weekly watering to stay healthy, and the soil should be allowed to dry out completely between waterings.

Should I repot my Juniper Bonsai annually??

Yes, you should repot your Juniper Bonsai annually. Repotting is a necessary part of Juniper Bonsai care, because it allows for newly established roots to spread out and helps the tree to access more nutrients. The roots should be disturbed annually, as Juniper Bonsais tend to become potbound quickly. Choose a pot with drainage holes that is slightly larger than the previous pot, and use a well-drained soil mix specifically designed for Bonsais. Use the same procedure during repotting as when the Juniper was first potted, including pruning any roots that are coiled or tangled around the edges of the pot.

Do Juniper Bonsai plants require a dormant period?

Yes, Juniper Bonsai plants do require a dormant period. Dormant period for Juniper Bonsai plants typically lasts for 2-3 months, from late autumn to early spring. During that time, the temperature should not go below 5°C (41°F) and the soil should be kept fairly dry. The bonsai will not require any watering during this period, and should be kept in an environment that is cool and dark. This will allow the Juniper Bonsai to rest and prepare for the upcoming growing season.

Are there any special techniques for shaping Juniper Bonsai?

Yes, there are a few special techniques used for shaping Juniper Bonsai. These techniques include pruning, wiring, and defoliation. Pruning, or cutting away unwanted branches, is done to keep the bonsai's shape as it grows. Wiring is used to give the bonsai its desired shape, and defoliation can be used to reduce leaf size and produce better ramification. By using these techniques, the bonsai can be shaped and developed over time.

Juniper Bonsai be grown in a group planting style?

A group planting style is a common way to display and grow juniper bonsais. This style of planting translates to multiple bonsais planted together in a container, where each tree has its own space and is carefully positioned in relation to the other trees. This type of planting provides the bonsai artist with a stunning display of multiple bonsai plants and allows for a great opportunity to show off a collection of bonsais at once.

Is Juniper Bonsai suitable for outdoor gardens?

Yes, Juniper Bonsai is suited to outdoor gardens if certain conditions are met. They prefer to be placed in areas with good air circulation, preferably not in windy spots, and they require several hours of direct sunlight each day. The soil should be well-draining, and the tree should be watered frequently during hot weather. Juniper Bonsai should be protected from extreme temperatures, either through shelter or containers. Gardeners should also protect the tree from potential wind damage, either by covering it in extreme conditions or by placing it away from winds.

Is Juniper Bonsai considered a long-lived plant?

Yes, Juniper Bonsai is considered a long-lived plant. It is a strong plant that lives for decades and even centuries with proper care and maintenance. These little trees require regular pruning, proper watering, and care to stay healthy and can live up to 200 years old. Bonsai trees that are properly cared for are often passed down through generations and cherished by families for many years.