Juniperus Mother Lode - 20cm Pot

Juniperus horizontalis ‘Mother Lode’ is a low-growing creeping juniper valued for its vivid golden foliage and dense spreading habit. This hardy evergreen groundcover forms a soft feathery carpet that hugs the ground, making it an excellent choice for rockeries, retaining walls, slopes and dry sunny garden spaces where low maintenance colour is needed year-round.

Through spring and summer, the fine scale-like foliage glows in bright golden-yellow tones, bringing strong contrast against stone, gravel and darker green planting. In cooler weather, the foliage deepens to warm bronze-gold shades, adding subtle winter interest. Its trailing branches gradually root as they spread, helping form a dense weed-suppressing mat over time.

‘Mother Lode’ is especially useful in difficult landscape areas where other plants may struggle, including rocky ground, hot dry positions and sloping sites. Its naturally low growth habit makes it ideal for spilling over retaining walls, weaving through rock gardens or mass planting for erosion control. Despite eventually spreading widely, it remains extremely low to the ground, creating colour and texture without blocking views or pathways.

Mature size: approximately 10 centimetres high × 1.5m metres wide over time

Care & Growing Tips
Plant Juniperus horizontalis ‘Mother Lode’ in a full sun position for the strongest golden foliage colour and healthiest growth.

Prefers well-drained soil and adapts well to sandy, rocky and poorer soils. Avoid wet or poorly drained conditions.

Water regularly during establishment. Once mature, it is highly drought tolerant and well suited to low water gardens.

Apply a light slow-release fertiliser in spring if needed to encourage fresh healthy growth.

Very little pruning is required. Trim lightly only if needed to shape edges or control spread.

Highly tolerant of frost, wind and exposed conditions once established.

Ideal for
– Rockeries and gravel gardens
– Retaining wall and edge planting
– Slopes and erosion control
– Hot, dry and exposed positions
– Evergreen groundcover planting
– Low maintenance landscape design