Thuja occidentalis Rheingold (American Arborvitae)
Award-winning Thuja occidentalis ‘Rheingold’ (American Arborvitae) is a medium-sized evergreen shrub of dense, rounded habit in youth, becoming more conical as it matures. Its sprays of bronze-tinged, golden-yellow foliage turn a strong coppery color in winter. Slow-growing, this cute conifer adds year-round interest to the landscape and is perfect for mixed borders and rock gardens.
Award-winning Thuja occidentalis 'Rheingold' (American Arborvitae) is a medium-sized evergreen shrub of dense, rounded habit in youth, becoming more conical as it matures. Its sprays of bronze-tinged, golden-yellow foliage turn a strong coppery color in winter. Slow-growing, this cute conifer adds year-round interest to the landscape and is perfect for mixed borders and rock gardens. Its petite size makes it ideal for containers and small gardens too.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Grows up to 3-5 ft. tall and wide (90-150 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. Suitable for rock gardens. Performs well in wet areas of the garden and near swamps and bogs. Attractive in containers too!
- 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
- Thuja occidentalis is 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 | 3' – 5' (90cm – 150cm) |
| Spread | 3' – 5' (90cm – 150cm) |
| Spacing | 36″ – 60″ (90cm – 150cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
| Attracts | Birds |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |










