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