Shrubs with Gold Leaves to Liven Up Your Landscape

A mixed shrub border with Spiraea japonica Gold Flame-Picea glauca Daisy White.
My Garden Life
May 26, 2025
Table of Contents

By Judy Stout

Shrubs with gold leaves can serve as stunning focal points in landscape design, adding warmth and vibrancy to any garden or outdoor space. When considering how to use these eye-catching plants, it’s essential to think about their placement and the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve.

Designing with Gold-leafed Shrubs

One effective way to incorporate small shrubs with gold leaves is by using them as border plants along pathways or garden beds. Their bright foliage can create a striking contrast against darker greens or other colorful blooms, drawing the eye and guiding visitors through your landscape.

Gold and green varigated euonymus used as a groundcover along a brick sidewalk.

When designing with shrubs that feature gold leaves, consider varying heights and textures for a more dynamic look. Pairing them with lower-growing ground covers or taller ornamental grasses can create layers of color and depth. Because yellow has such a high impact in a landscape design, shrubs with gold leaves should be used thoughtfully so as not to overwhelm a space. 

A mixed garden border with a mix of ornamental grasses, evergreens, and flowering perennials.

Furthermore, these vibrant shrubs work well in both formal gardens—where they can be pruned into neat shapes—and informal settings that embrace a more naturalistic approach. Some shrubs can be kept cut low to utilize as groundcover. Ultimately, using shrubs with gold leaves not only brightens up your outdoor space but also offers versatility in design options that cater to various styles and preferences.

Gold shrubs surround a lamp post in front of a suburban home.

Why Some Plants Have Yellow Leaves Instead of Green

When plants have golden leaves as a permanent characteristic, and not a result of nutrient deficiency or watering issues, it means that the leaves have very little chlorophyll – the pigment that makes plants green. With low chlorophyll the yellow pigment, a carotenoid called xanthophyll, is more visible.

A plant with yellow leaves can occur in a couple of ways:

  • Yellow leaves can happen as a result of a random genetic variation within a single plant.
  • Plants with naturally light leaves can also be manipulated through breeding to keep selecting plants with the lightest foliage. If the seeds don’t result in the desired coloration, the selected yellow-leaved plant can potentially be reproduced through propagation of cuttings from the mother plant.
A hand holding a green and yellow compound leaf displaying a natural mutation that causes the leaves to be variegated in color.

Special Considerations for Using Shrubs with Gold Leaves

Sun Exposure for Shrubs with Gold Leaves

Plants with gold foliage tend to perform best in locations where they get four to six hours of sunlight, preferably early in the day. Locations where they get intense full sun for most of the day, in the height of summer, can cause the sensitive leaves to burn and develop brown, dry crispy leaf edges or completely scorch.

A gold-leaved spirea with pink flower clusters in a rock garden.

Insect Resistance

Yellow leaves offer some natural resilience to insect pests because yellow leaves signal to insects that a plant is in decline, whether due to illness or because of the changing seasons. Fooled into thinking a yellow leafed plant is a poor source of nourishment, they may put their attention on other, greener plants.

Yellow Leaf Color Can Revert to Green

As mentioned, shrubs with yellow leaves have low chlorophyll, but they’re not lacking it entirely. Plants with more chlorophyll are naturally more successful because they produce more energy to sustain a plant. It is possible over time for a yellow-leafed plant to revert, in part or in whole, back to green leaves if the foliage with higher concentrations of chlorophyll is allowed to develop. The green areas could potentially outgrow the yellow foliage.

Shrubs with gold leaves can sometimes revert back to green like this green foliage on a variegated euonymus shrub.

Environmental stress can also encourage a shrub to revert to green as the plant will rely on any chlorophyll-rich areas for survival. If successful, the green foliage is likely to out-compete the yellow leaves. So, to keep your gold-leaved shrub looking its vibrant best, it’s important that you don’t allow it to suffer undue water or light stress.

Gold Leaves Naturally Illuminate the Landscape

Golden foliage naturally reflects more light than green foliage. The addition of solar lights near shrubs with gold leaves will brighten up the night landscape even more as the light reflects off the golden foliage.

A gold horizontal juniper in a mixed shrub border edged in stone and illuminated by a solar light.

Popular Deciduous Shrubs with Gold Leaves

Deciduous shrubs with gold leaves are a great way to add color on a grand scale from spring through fall. Many species also produce showy flowers in spring or summer for added ornamental interest and color impact.

Spirea Varieties with Gold Leaves

Spirea have been some of the most popular species for home landscaping for generations of gardeners. They bloom over a long season in spring or summer, depending on the species and variety. The introduction of spirea varieties with golden foliage expands their value as a source of color and contrast in the landscape. Many are especially attractive for use in large mixed garden borders or planted along the foundation of a house.   

Japanese Spirea, Japanese Meadowsweet ‘Lemon Princess’ (Spiraea japonica)

Japanese Spirea, Japanese Meadowsweet ‘Lemon Princess’ (Spiraea japonica)

‘Lemon Princess’ spirea produces a compact mound of chartreuse-green foliage that provides vibrant color and contrast all season long. Clusters of dainty pink flowers appear from mid-to-late summer. Extremely hardy, versatile and low maintenance shrub. Attracts butterflies! Ideal for borders, hedges or as a specimen plant. Beautiful grouped or massed in a shrub border.
Japanese Spirea, Japanese Meadowsweet ‘Goldmound’ (Spiraea japonica)

Japanese Spirea, Japanese Meadowsweet ‘Goldmound’ (Spiraea japonica)

A charming dwarf mounded shrub with stunning golden foliage, and a summer display of purplish pink flowers. Display improves with each passing year. This is a favorite for creating a landscape focal point. Ideal for borders, hedges or foundation planting.
Spirea ‘Gold Flame’ (Spiraea x bumalda)

Spirea ‘Gold Flame’ (Spiraea x bumalda)

‘Gold Flame’ spirea is a hardy, and exceptionally ornamental, deciduous shrub. The foliage emerges bronze-red in spring, turning bright yellow, finally green in summer. Dark pink flowers bloom in mid-to-late summer. Brilliant autumn color. Ideal for borders, hedges or as a specimen plant. Beautiful grouped or massed in a shrub border.
Japanese Spirea, Japanese Meadowsweet ‘Dakota Goldcharm®’ (Spiraea japonica)

Japanese Spirea, Japanese Meadowsweet ‘Dakota Goldcharm®’ (Spiraea japonica)

This compact selection has dense foliage that emerges a deep red color, fading to yellow-green by late spring. Clusters of pink flowers bloom from mid-to-late summer. Extremely hardy, versatile and low maintenance shrub. A classic favorite for landscape focal points. Ideal for borders, hedges or as a specimen plant. Beautiful grouped or massed in a shrub border.
Japanese Spirea, Japanese Meadowsweet ‘Flaming Mound’ (Spiraea japonica)

Japanese Spirea, Japanese Meadowsweet ‘Flaming Mound’ (Spiraea japonica)

‘Flaming Mound’ spirea offers a gorgeous combination of colors on a single shrub. The new foliage emerges orange then matures to golden yellow. Produces flat clusters of dainty pink flowers through the summer. Foliage turns orange in autumn. Flowers attract butterflies. Ideal for borders, hedges or as a specimen plant. Beautiful grouped or massed in a shrub border.
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Golden Japanese Barberry

Japanese barberries are available in many varieties, each with different growth characteristics and foliage colors. Its spiny branches have made barberry a favorite for creating a barrier planting to deter large animals or people from entering an area. Barberries are also valued for their durability and tolerance to heat, drought, and challenging urban conditions.

It’s worth noting that Japanese barberry is considered an invasive species in many regions of the United States. Before planting, you should check to make sure it won’t pose a problem in your area.  

Dwarf Japanese Barberry ‘Tiny Gold’ (Berberis thunbergii)

Dwarf Japanese Barberry ‘Tiny Gold’ (Berberis thunbergii)

‘Tiny Gold’ barberry is a compact shrub with a tight, rounded habit perfect for small-space gardens or growing in a container. The foliage is bright yellow when it emerges, turning yellow-green as it matures. The leaves hold their yellow color very well and are resistant to sunburn. A fabulous selection for groundcover, foundation planting, edging, low hedges, front of beds and borders, and rock gardens.
Dwarf Japanese Barberry ‘Sunjoy® Gold Beret’ (Berberis thunbergii)

Dwarf Japanese Barberry ‘Sunjoy® Gold Beret’ (Berberis thunbergii)

A charming, colorful, and versatile barberry sized right for planting in the landscape or in containers. This petite shrub forms a compact mound of foliage. The new growth emerges with an orange-red tint, maturing to gold through the summer, and turning to red in the autumn. The foliage is exceptionally resistant to sunburn. Produces tiny yellow flowers in spring, followed by small berries that the birds will enjoy. Also known as ‘Talago’,
Dwarf Golden Barberry ‘Aurea Nana’ (Berberis thunbergii)

Dwarf Golden Barberry ‘Aurea Nana’ (Berberis thunbergii)

A dwarf barberry shrub, featuring brilliant gold foliage throughout the season. Provide full sun for best leaf coloration. A fine choice for the landscape, offering pale yellow flowers and red fruit. Best used in groups and shrub borders. Useful in small gardens where season long interest is needed.
Dwarf Japanese Barberry ‘Golden Nugget™’ (Berberis thunbergii)

Dwarf Japanese Barberry ‘Golden Nugget™’ (Berberis thunbergii)

‘Golden Nugget’ is an outstanding selection for adding brilliant color to the landscape all season long. This is a low, compact deciduous shrub. The leaves hold their yellow-orange color very well and don’t burn as a result of heat or sun. Produces tiny yellow flowers in spring, followed by little berries that the birds will enjoy. Small size is perfect for growing in containers or used as groundcover.
Japanese Barberry ‘Sunsation®’ (Berberis thunbergii)

Japanese Barberry ‘Sunsation®’ (Berberis thunbergii)

‘Sunsation’ barberry produces vivid yellow foliage for great color impact all summer long. Yellow flowers and red fruit add additional interest to your landscape. This dense, slow-growing shrub requires little attention. Contrasts beautifully with evergreens. A classic favorite for landscape focal points. Best used in groups and shrub borders. Useful in small gardens where season long interest is needed.
Golden Barberry ‘Aurea’ (Berberis thunbergii)

Golden Barberry ‘Aurea’ (Berberis thunbergii)

Golden barberry’s brilliant yellow foliage provides outstanding color contrast all summer long. Yellow flowers and red fruit provide additional interest to your landscape design. This dense, slow-growing shrub requires little attention. Best used in groups and shrub borders. Useful in small gardens where season long interest is needed.
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Miscellaneous Deciduous Shrubs with Gold Leaves

There are lots of deciduous shrubs with gold leaves in interesting leaf shapes and with that added bonus of flowers. Following is a list of some of the most ornamental and easy to grow deciduous shrubs with gold foliage.

Greenstem Forsythia ‘Citrus Swizzle™’ (Forsythia viridissima)

Greenstem Forsythia ‘Citrus Swizzle™’ (Forsythia viridissima)

Forsythia ‘Citrus Swizzle’ is an excellent source of carefree, long-season color. This dwarf shrub produces a compact mound of green and gold variegated foliage. Serrated leaf edges add an extra-decorative touch. Produces small yellow flowers in spring. Foliage turns burgundy hues in autumn. This is a great selection for growing in large patio planters or used to brighten small-space gardens. Beautiful grouped or massed in a shrub border. A good choice for planting along a building foundation, walls or fences.
Smokebush ‘Golden Spirit’ (Cotinus coggygria)

Smokebush ‘Golden Spirit’ (Cotinus coggygria)

‘Golden Spirit’ is a stunning golden-leaved smokebush variety that color to a landscape on a grand scale. The foliage emerges golden-yellow, changing to golden-lime by summer. Feathery flower plumes may appear in midsummer. In autumn, the foliage turns to shades of red, orange and gold. An excellent specimen, foundation, or border plant. A good choice for planting along fences and walls. Can be planted in large patio containers if pruned annually.
Tatarian Dogwood ‘Prairie Fire’ (Cornus alba)

Tatarian Dogwood ‘Prairie Fire’ (Cornus alba)

‘Prairie Fire’ dogwood is a deciduous shrub with a vibrant combination of yellow to chartreuse green foliage held on orange-red stems. Plant this shrub among evergreens to create great color contrast year round. The foliage turns fire-red in the fall and the red stems will continue to add color in the winter garden long after the leaves drop. Beautiful when combined with evergreens in winter gardens. Useful in small gardens where season long interest is needed.
Golden Variegated Elderberry ‘Aureomarginata’ (Sambucus nigra)

Golden Variegated Elderberry ‘Aureomarginata’ (Sambucus nigra)

Golden variegated elderberry is a versatile deciduous shrub with outstanding foliage color. Like other elderberries it brings multi-season beauty to the landscape with umbrella like clusters of dainty blooms and an abundance of small berries. The blue-black berries are a good food source for birds. Dense foliage makes a great informal hedge row or privacy screen.
Variegated Weigela ‘French Lace™ Brigela’ (Weigela florida)

Variegated Weigela ‘French Lace™ Brigela’ (Weigela florida)

This unique weigela shrub was discovered as a single plant mutation of the popular ‘Bristol Ruby’ variety. It’s green and gold variegated foliage, with just a tint of red along the leaf edges, supplies vibrant, carefree color all season long. Produces ruby-red, trumpet-like flowers in the spring. Ideal for borders, hedges or as a specimen plant. Excellent for planting along fences and walls.
Common Ninebark, Atlantic Ninebark ‘Darts Gold’ (Physocarpus opulifolius)

Common Ninebark, Atlantic Ninebark ‘Darts Gold’ (Physocarpus opulifolius)

The beautiful golden-green foliage of ‘Darts Gold’ creates exciting contrast when planted among darker shrubs or bright blooming plants. Dainty flowers in early summer are followed by decorative berries. The bark peels revealing layers of brown tones; the source of this shrubs common name, “Ninebark”. Beautiful grouped or massed in a shrub border. Excellent for planting along fences and walls.
Golden Vicary Privet (Ligustrum x vicaryi)

Golden Vicary Privet (Ligustrum x vicaryi)

Golden vicary privet is a fast growing, upright, deciduous shrub that has become a classic for home landscaping. The golden yellow foliage is accented by fragrant white flowers over a long season from summer into fall. Blue-black fruit persists throughout winter. Tolerates heavy pruning. Looks beautiful in the garden as a specimen or clipped hedge. Great for privacy screening or blocking unsightly views. Plant in groups for maximum color impact.
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Evergreen Shrubs with Gold Foliage

Golden evergreen shrubs offer great color through all the seasons and are especially impressive in winter. Enjoy the color they bring to the dull days of winter and watch them shine even when surrounded by snow.

Junipers with Gold Foliage

Junipers are a robust group of shrubs that excel in sunny, drought-prone situations. Although they grow best in fertile, well-drained soil, they can tolerate poor, infertile soil. Junipers are available in an array of sizes and shapes so you’re sure to find a variety perfectly suited to your situation.

Creeping Juniper ‘Gold Strike’ (Juniperus horizontalis)

Creeping Juniper ‘Gold Strike’ (Juniperus horizontalis)

An easy way to add a carefree, year-round source of color to any location. ‘Gold Strike’ juniper is a low, spreading mass of golden yellow foliage that is great for brightening up border edges or filling in spaces near pavement. This is a slow grower and can be pruned freely to maintain the desired size. Foliage takes on a soft orange tint in the fall. Provides dramatic color and form to autumn and winter landscapes. A good choice for mixed borders or along a fence or foundation.
Chinese Juniper ‘Gold Star®’ (Juniperus chinensis)

Chinese Juniper ‘Gold Star®’ (Juniperus chinensis)

‘Gold Star’ juniper is a terrific way to get creative with color on a large scale. The gracefully arched branches are rich green with golden new growth. Very durable for hot locations and tolerates poor soil and drought. Year-round color and a bright touch in the winter landscape. Provides dramatic color and form to autumn and winter landscapes. A good choice for mixed borders or along a fence or foundation. Best for large scale landscapes.
Chinese Juniper ‘Gold Lace’ (Juniperus chinensis)

Chinese Juniper ‘Gold Lace’ (Juniperus chinensis)

‘Gold Lace’ juniper is a beautiful, soft textured shrub that provides year-round interest and a chance to get creative with large-scale color in the landscape. The gracefully arching branches produce green foliage with golden yellow tips. A great plant for creating contrast with green-leaved shrubs or colorful flowering annuals and perennials. Makes a great focal point, background in a border, or planted along foundations and fences. Dense foliage is perfect for a screen or hedge.
Chinese Juniper ‘Gold Coast®’ (Juniperus chinensis)

Chinese Juniper ‘Gold Coast®’ (Juniperus chinensis)

‘Gold Coast’ juniper offers year-round color and a bright touch in the winter landscape. The gracefully arched branches are rich green with golden new growth. Terrific for getting creative with color on a large scale. Looks great with other gold-toned shrubs or flowers in the summer. Very durable for hot locations and tolerates poor soil and drought. Provides dramatic color and form to autumn and winter landscapes. A good choice for mixed borders or along a fence or foundation.
Juniper, Golden Pfitzer Juniper ‘Pfitzeriana Aurea’ (Juniperus chinensis)

Juniper, Golden Pfitzer Juniper ‘Pfitzeriana Aurea’ (Juniperus chinensis)

Golden pfitzer juniper is a great choice when you need a carefree, yet durable shrub that has an added bit of sparkle. The new growth emerges yellow, gradually turning green with age. Branches have a distinct arching habit that becomes more dramatic over time. Adds dramatic color and form to autumn and winter landscapes. Makes a lovely large-scale groundcover for slopes, drifted throughout a mixed border. Ideal for large scale landscape designs.
Chinese Juniper ‘Old Gold’ (Juniperus chinensis)

Chinese Juniper ‘Old Gold’ (Juniperus chinensis)

‘Old Gold’ juniper is a slow-growing, spreading evergreen shrub with bright gold foliage. The foliage retains its yellow color throughout winter to provide brilliant color in any season. Junipers are durable plants that can tolerate heat, drought, and poor soils. A good choice for mixed borders or along a fence or foundation. Best for large scale landscapes.
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Gold Variegated Euonymus

Euonymus are another hardy group of broadleaf evergreens that offer a wide selection of foliage colors, including varieties with green and gold variegated leaves. A great source of year-round color without the fuss of flowers. Short varieties are popular for use as groundcover or edging large garden borders.

Wintercreeper ‘Sunrise’ (Euonymus fortunei)

Wintercreeper ‘Sunrise’ (Euonymus fortunei)

‘Sunrise’ wintercreeper is a vigorous, versatile selection with stunning variegated foliage. Makes an excellent contrast plant for mixed container plantings or single potted specimen. Prune occasionally to maintain form. A reliable groundcover for any location. Great for erosion control on steep banks and rough slopes. Very effective when massed in the landscape.
Wintercreeper ‘E.T. Gold’ (Euonymus fortunei)

Wintercreeper ‘E.T. Gold’ (Euonymus fortunei)

A vigorous, versatile selection with stunning variegated foliage. ‘E.T. Gold’ is the perfect choice for brightening lifeless shaded areas. Prune occasionally to maintain form. A reliable groundcover for any location. Great for erosion control on steep banks and rough slopes. Very effective when massed in the landscape.
Wintercreeper ‘Surespot’ (Euonymus fortunei)

Wintercreeper ‘Surespot’ (Euonymus fortunei)

‘Surespot’ wintercreeper is a great source of evergreen color. Foliage emerges light yellow in spring and matures to a mass of vibrant green and yellow variegated leaves. A very adaptable shrub, tolerant of sun or shade, poor soil, and polluted city conditions. A reliable groundcover for any location. Great for erosion control on steep banks and rough slopes. Commonly used to climb fences or walls.
Golden Euonymus, Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei)

Golden Euonymus, Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei)

Golden euonymus is a small evergreen shrub that forms a dense carpet of a green and gold foliage. Leaves can have a hint of pink when exposed to cold climates. Display improves with each passing year. A reliable groundcover for any location. Great for erosion control on steep banks and rough slopes. Commonly used to climb fences or walls.
Wintercreeper ‘Emerald n Gold’ (Euonymus fortunei)

Wintercreeper ‘Emerald n Gold’ (Euonymus fortunei)

‘Emerald n Gold’ is a popular shrub for adding large-scale color to a landscape. This low-maintenance evergreen forms a dense carpet of green and gold foliage. Leaves can have a hint of pink when exposed to cold climates. Display improves with each passing year. A reliable groundcover for any location. Great for erosion control on steep banks and rough slopes. Commonly used to climb fences or walls.
Golden Japanese Euonymus (Euonymus japonicus aureus)

Golden Japanese Euonymus (Euonymus japonicus aureus)

The glowing green and yellow evergreen foliage of golden Japanese euonymus is a highlight in the landscape year-round. An excellent choice for creating color contrast in shrub borders or as a backdrop for lower growing annuals and perennials. A classic favorite for landscape focal points. Provides dramatic color and form to autumn and winter landscapes. Ideal for borders, hedges or as a specimen plant.
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Golden False Cypress

Gold false cypress is a common choice for planting in large borders or foundation plantings. The vibrant color creates great contrast when planted among flowering annuals and perennials, or in the foreground of darker evergreens.  

False Cypress ‘Lemon Thread’ (Chamaecyparis pisifera)

False Cypress ‘Lemon Thread’ (Chamaecyparis pisifera)

An easy way to add year-round color to the landscape. The finely textured, yellow-tinted foliage creates a vivid contrast with green shrubs or as a backdrop for bright annual flowers. The slightly weeping growth habit has a softening effect in the landscape. Plant in full sun to encourage the best yellow color. Dense foliage makes a great informal hedge row or privacy screen. Provides dramatic color and form to autumn and winter landscapes. Best planted in groups.
Dwarf Golden False Cypress ‘Filifera Aurea Nana’ (Chamaecyparis pisifera)

Dwarf Golden False Cypress ‘Filifera Aurea Nana’ (Chamaecyparis pisifera)

Creative gardeners will love growing the dwarf golden false cypress. The golden-green foliage creates a striking contrast when situated near plants with green or burgundy leaves or colorful flowering plants. The narrow, slightly drooping foliage also adds a soft texture to the landscape. This is an evergreen shrub that provides a cheerful source of color during the dreary winter months. Dense foliage makes a great informal hedge row or privacy screen.
False Cypress ‘Golden Charm’ (Chamaecyparis pisifera filifera)

False Cypress ‘Golden Charm’ (Chamaecyparis pisifera filifera)

‘Golden Charm’ false cypress is a fabulous source of large-scale, year-round color and texture in the landscape. The vibrant yellow, thread-like foliage creates a vivid contrast with green shrubs or as a backdrop for bright annual flowers. Plant in full sun to encourage the best yellow color. Makes a magnificent accent or focal plant in a shrub border. Can be enjoyed as a specimen plant or grouped to create a massed planting. Provides dramatic color and form to autumn and winter landscapes.
False Cypress ‘Mops’ (Chamaecyparis pisifera filifera)

False Cypress ‘Mops’ (Chamaecyparis pisifera filifera)

Finely-textured, gold-tinted foliage adds year-round sparkle to the landscape. ‘Mops’ false cypress creates a vivid contrast with green shrubs or as a backdrop for bright annual flowers. Plant in full sun to encourage the best yellow color. Dense foliage makes a great informal hedge row or privacy screen. Provides dramatic color and form to autumn and winter landscapes. Very effective planted in groups.
False Cypress ‘King’s Gold’ (Chamaecyparis pisifera filifera aurea)

False Cypress ‘King’s Gold’ (Chamaecyparis pisifera filifera aurea)

‘King’s Gold’ is one of the most compact cultivars of golden false cypress, with more of a spreading habit than other varieties. The finely-textured, golden yellow foliage provides striking year-round color and texture in the landscape. Incredibly care-free. Plant in full sun for the best color. A good choice for hedging or foundations. Excellent for planting along fences and walls. Provides dramatic color and form to autumn and winter landscapes.
False Cypress ‘Filifera Aurea’ (Chamaecyparis pisifera)

False Cypress ‘Filifera Aurea’ (Chamaecyparis pisifera)

Thin, pendulous branches, with golden-yellow foliage, form undulating mounds in the landscape. The false cypress ‘Filifera Aurea’ variety is perfect for bringing soft texture and a sense of movement amongst stiffer or more broad-leaved plant companions. Full sun will give the best color.Dense foliage makes a great informal hedge row or privacy screen. Provides dramatic color and form to autumn and winter landscapes.
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Miscellaneous Evergreen Shrubs with Gold Foliage

Here are a few more options if you’re looking for evergreen shrubs with gold foliage. Any of these would be a good choice for planting with flowering perennials and annuals for maximum color impact.

Western Arborvitae, Western Red Cedar ‘Forever Goldy’ (Thuja plicata)

Western Arborvitae, Western Red Cedar ‘Forever Goldy’ (Thuja plicata)

The striking golden color of this shrub makes it stand out when its placed amongst darker green plants. ‘Forever Goldy’ is a naturally smaller shrub, it’s ideal for using in the back of small-space gardens or in large patio containers. The foliage turns a nice orange color in autumn. U.S. Plant Patent #PP19,267. Dense foliage makes a great informal hedge row or privacy screen. The perfect solution for narrow spaces. An excellent specimen, foundation, or border plant.
Pyramidal Cedar ‘Yellow Ribbon’ (Thuja occidentalis)

Pyramidal Cedar ‘Yellow Ribbon’ (Thuja occidentalis)

Beautiful evergreen shrub produces golden new growth that gradually matures to green. A wonderful source of year-round color and a great contrast plant in a shrub or flower border. Slow growth rate makes this an easy shrub to maintain in the desired size and shape. A good choice for small spaces. Dense foliage makes a great informal hedge row or privacy screen. Perfect for hedges or narrow spaces. Beautiful grouped or massed in a shrub border.
Littleleaf Boxwood ‘Golden Dream’ (Buxus microphylla)

Littleleaf Boxwood ‘Golden Dream’ (Buxus microphylla)

‘Golden Dream’ is an attractive boxwood selection with a naturally rounded shape and gold-edged foliage. The dense foliage is very decorative in the landscape. Evergreen shrub provides color throughout the year. A classic favorite for landscape focal points. Looks beautiful in the garden as a specimen or clipped hedge. Excellent for planting along fences and walls.
Yucca, Adam’s Needle ‘Golden Sword’ (Yucca filamentosa)

Yucca, Adam’s Needle ‘Golden Sword’ (Yucca filamentosa)

A durable choice for hot, dry locations. Sword-like green leaves with yellow centers arise from a central crown. Spikes of white, bell-shaped flowers are an added bonus. Excellent for use in difficult spots where nothing else can survive. An excellent specimen, foundation, or border plant. Creates a pivotal accent point in any garden.
Dwarf Globe Arborvitae ‘Golden Globe’ (Thuja occidentalis)

Dwarf Globe Arborvitae ‘Golden Globe’ (Thuja occidentalis)

A reliable evergreen shrub with a compact, rounded form. This sport of the popular ‘Woodwardii’ variety produces golden-yellow foliage. The leaves will turn a darker bronze color in winter. Ideal for accent plantings and foundations. Beautiful when massed in a shrub border. Useful in small gardens where season long interest is needed.
Yellow Globe Cedar (Thuja occidentalis)

Yellow Globe Cedar (Thuja occidentalis)

“Yellow globe” cedar is another common name for the ‘Golden Globe’ Arborvitae variety. This is a golden form of cedar with the same soft, feathery foliage as standard species but with a lovely compact, rounded form. This shrub can be pruned to maintain the desired size and it’s a great addition to the background of mixed borders where the color brings depth and light into the design. Perfect for hedges, narrow spaces, and small gardens.
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Tropical Shrubs with Gold Leaves

These heat-loving shrubs with golden leaves can be used for year-round color in regions with mild, frost-free winters. In regions with freezing winters, tropical shrubs are appropriate for growing in containers for the summer and then can be brought inside before the first frosts to hold the shrubs over for the winter.

Croton Outdoors (Codiaeum variegatum)

Croton Outdoors (Codiaeum variegatum)

Easy-to-grow croton offers bold color on a grand scale. This is a gorgeous “designer-quality” plant prized for its foliage. Leaves are produced in random blends of red, green and gold shades. Crotons produce small clusters of tiny white flowers but the blooms aren’t very ornamental. Croton is excellent for planting along fences and walls. Can be grown in a container or in the garden. Native to tropical Pacific regions and Asia.
Japanese Aucuba, Japanese Laurel ‘Variegata’ (Aucuba japonica)

Japanese Aucuba, Japanese Laurel ‘Variegata’ (Aucuba japonica)

This is sometimes called the Gold Dust Plant because the dark green leaves are handsomely flecked with yellow spots. Japanese Aucuba is a low maintenance shrub that does not require much pruning since it naturally keeps a tidy, rounded shape. Introduced to the United States from Japan in the 1780s, this is a classic choice for brightening shaded areas.
Gold Duranta, Sky Flower ‘Aurea’ (Duranta erecta)

Gold Duranta, Sky Flower ‘Aurea’ (Duranta erecta)

A great way to add vibrant color all season long! Gold sky flower’s bright yellow-green foliage is perfect for creating a dramatic contrast with dark foliage plants or colorful blooming annuals. Duranta has excellent heat and drought tolerance. Incredibly beautiful and virtually carefree! Perfect for planting around patios, foundations or among border plantings. Beautiful when planted in large patio containers. Grow as a small tree in frost-free climates.
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More Ways to Add Yellow to Your Garden Designs

Yellow foliage and flowers add a lot of sparkle to a space. but If you love yellow but yellow shrubs are a bigger concentration of color than you want, or if you’re dealing with a small space that might be overwhelmed by a large, gold shrub, then annual and perennial flowers are the perfect solution. Get ideas for adding more color to your landscape with our list of 70 Cheerful Plants with Yellow Flowers.

A pink and white Victorian house with a colorful cottage garden featuring large clumps of yellow black-eyed susan flowers.

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