Origin
The Juniperus x pfitzeriana 'Pfitzeriana Aurea', also known as the golden creeping juniper, is a cross between the Juniperus chinensis and the Juniperus sabina. This variant hails from horticulture, where the goal was to create an ornamental yet robust shrub. The result is a plant that is used worldwide in landscape design due to its striking colour and shape.
Characteristics
The 'Pfitzeriana Aurea' is characterised by a broad, spreading growth pattern, allowing the plant to reach up to 1.5 m in height and 3 m in width. The leaves are needle-like and vary in colour from golden yellow in the growing season to copper in the winter. An added characteristic is that this variety produces small, blue-black cone-like fruits which are attractive to birds and other animals. The bark of the 'Pfitzeriana Aurea' is fibrous and grey-brown in colour.
Care
In terms of care, the 'Pfitzeriana Aurea' thrives best in full sun or semi-shade and is tolerant of various soil types, although it prefers moist, well-draining soil. Regular pruning, especially in spring, promotes more compact growth and brighter leaf colour. It's also important to note that the 'Pfitzeriana Aurea' is generally resistant to most diseases and pests, contributing to its popularity in garden and landscape designs.