Juniperus squamata Golden Flame - Flaky Juniper, Blue Star Juniper

The Juniperus squamata 'Golden Flame' is a variety of Genévrier écailleux known for its variegated foliage and moderate growth. It is a conifer with a moderate development, a wide-spreading habit, well-branched, and in spring, it displays two contrasting colours in its foliage. Young creamy-yellow shoots appear on bluish-green needles with gray undertones. Ideal for covering a slope, filling a rock garden, or adding volume to a large bed. Hardy, undemanding, and highly ornamental.

The Genévrier écailleux, also known as Genévrier du Népal, gets its common name from the old needles it retains at the base of its branches. It is a conifer species native to the Himalayan mountains and China, where it grows at altitudes between 1600 and 4900 m. Extremely cold-resistant (down to -30°C), it can tolerate some limestone but dislikes extreme heat. All cypresses belong to the Cupressacées family.

The Juniperus squamata 'Golden Flame' is sometimes sold under the name Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star Variegated', although its habit is more reminiscent of the variety 'Meyeri'. Its growth is slow, reaching a maximum height of 1.70 m and spread of 2.60 m at maturity. It has a bushy, spreading, slightly irregular form, supported by oblique branches. Its branches bear numerous short, stiff twigs adorned with very tight and overlapping small leaves. The foliage has a silver-blue-green hue from summer to winter, contrasting with the light yellow new spring growth. Junipers have a shallow root system that often makes them challenging to pair with perennials.

The 'Golden Flame' juniper will stand out on a slope or in a large rock garden that is not too dry. It can also be planted above a wall or low fence or near a pool, as it complements geometric lines well. It can also be placed near a water feature, cascading down a rocky slope. It pairs well with other dwarf conifers of different shapes or colours, as well as with tousled grasses and heathers for a complementary effect. The key is to play with volumes and colours. The visual qualities of conifers are essential in the design of a contemporary garden that emphasizes the aesthetic appeal of shapes, silhouettes, and textures. These enduring plants provide lasting structure to a bed, define pathways, and border terraces.

Tips: Water regularly during the first two years and in prolonged dry spells. While it can handle occasional dry soil in a cool climate, this mountain conifer will disappoint in a Mediterranean climate, which is too dry and hot in summer.