SCIENTIFIC NAME: Juniperus x pfitzeriana 'Golden Joy'

COMMON NAME: Golden Joy Pfitzer Juniper

GARDEN SIZE: 2-3 feet tall x 3-6 feet wide if left in natural form

GROWTH RATE: Slow to Moderate (up to 3-6 inches per year under ideal conditions)

USDA ZONE: 4-9

EXPOSURE: Full Sun

WATER & SOIL: Well-drained soil; Average water requirements

HABIT (FORM): Low-spreading, densely-branching, compact vase-shaped

FOLIAGE: Evergreen; Brilliant golden yellow scale-like needles, maintaining color year-round

FRUIT: None noted

PLANT ORIGIN: hybrid of Juniperus chinensis (China, Japan, Mongolia and the Himalayas) and Juniperus sabina (central and southern Europe and western and central Asia)

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: May provide some nesting sites and shelter for birds and small mammals, but does not serve as much of a food source for local insects and wildlife.

FERTILIZING: Feed in spring and fall with acidic organic fertilizer

PRUNING: Minimal shearing required. Hand pruning in late winter or early summer is preferred.

PET SAFETY: Generally considered mildly toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans.

USES: Hedge