Thuja occidentalis Polar Gold® (American Arborvitae)

Thuja occidentalis Polar Gold® (American Arborvitae) is an elegant, evergreen shrub of narrow upright columnar habit with sprays of dense, finely textured foliage that emerges a cheerful glowing gold color. Slow-growing, it maintains its lovely color year-round and is resistant to windburn. Forming a majestic exclamation point in the landscape, it is cold weather resistant and represents a valuable, hardy alternative to cypress. Excellent for use in hedgerows and borders.

Thuja occidentalis Polar Gold® (American Arborvitae) is an elegant, evergreen shrub of narrow upright columnar habit with sprays of dense, finely textured foliage that emerges a cheerful glowing gold color. Slow-growing, it maintains its lovely color year-round and is resistant to windburn. Forming a majestic exclamation point in the landscape, it is cold weather resistant and represents a valuable, hardy alternative to cypress. Excellent for use in hedgerows and borders.

  • Grows up to 12-15 ft. tall (360-450 cm) and 4-6 ft. wide (120-180 cm).
  • A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in average, moist, well-drained soils. Usually appreciates some light afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Bear in mind that foliage density loosens up in too much shade. Tolerates a wide range of soils. Thrives in humid weather with regular rainfalls. Intolerant of dry conditions. Protect from drying winds especially when young.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant or for shrub borders, hedges, and screens, as foundation plants
  • No serious insect or disease problems. May be affected by spider mites, bagworms, or coryneum canker.
  • Low maintenance, American arborvitae tolerates shearing well for a more tailored column. Prune in early spring before the onset of new growth. Provide a generous root zone mulch
  • Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
  • Native to Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, North-Central United States, Central United States, Canada

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 7

Heat Zones 1
– 7

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3, H1, H2
Plant Type Conifers, Shrubs
Plant Family Thuja
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 12'
– 15'
(3.6m
– 4.5m)
Spread 4'
– 6'
(120cm
– 180cm)
Spacing 48″
– 72″
(120cm
– 180cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Ponds and Streams
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden