Thuja occidentalis Polar Gold® (American Arborvitae)

Thuja occidentalis Polar Gold® (American Arborvitae) is a noteworthy addition to any garden, offering a striking color contrast and a manageable growth habit. Its resilience and low maintenance needs make it a popular choice for gardeners looking for year-round visual interest.

Thuja occidentalis Polar Gold®: An In-depth Look

Polar Gold® is an Arborvitae cultivar prized for its bright gold foliage and upright, pyramidal habit. It stands out for its vivid coloring and dense branching.

Native: Thuja occidentalis is native to North America. It is predominantly found in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. This species naturally occurs in wet forests, swamps, and along lake shores, thriving in cool, moist, well-drained environments.

Plant Type and Habit: This is an evergreen coniferous shrub with a pyramidal shape. It’s noted for its dense, compact growth and attractive form.

Size: Polar Gold® grows to about 12-15 feet in height (3.6 to 4.5 meters) and 4-6 feet in width (1.2 to 1.8 meters), making it a medium-sized shrub suitable for various landscape uses.

Foliage: The foliage is a bright golden color, particularly vivid in new growth. The leaves are scale-like, closely arranged, giving the plant a dense appearance. Slow-growing, it maintains its lovely color year-round and is resistant to windburn.

Bark: The bark is reddish-brown, relatively smooth, and becomes more textured with age.

Uses: Polar Gold® is used for hedges, privacy screens, foundation plantings, and as a specimen plant. Its bright color makes it a popular choice for adding visual interest.

Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 3-7, it can withstand cold winters and a range of environmental conditions.

Wildlife: Provides limited shelter for small wildlife.

Toxicity: Generally considered non-toxic to humans and animals.

Deer and Rabbit: May suffer some damage from deer and rabbits, especially in areas where these animals are prevalent.

Invasiveness: This cultivar is not considered invasive and typically stays within its planted boundaries.

Benefits: The primary benefit of Polar Gold® lies in its striking golden foliage, which adds a year-round splash of color to the landscape. Its compact and upright growth habit makes it versatile for both formal and informal settings. Additionally, it’s low-maintenance and adaptable to various environmental conditions.

American Arborvitae Growing Tips

Light: Thrives in full sun but can also grow well in partial shade. Full sun exposure leads to denser foliage growth. Usually appreciates some light afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Protect from drying winds, especially when young.

Soil: Adaptable to a wide range of soils but prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Tolerates clay soils.

Water: Regular watering is important, especially for young plants and in dry conditions. Avoid extreme dry soil in the fall, which can cause the evergreen foliage to dry out in winter.

Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Over-fertilization can harm the plant, so follow the recommended rates.

Pruning: Little to no pruning is required. Prune for shaping or size control in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Avoid heavy pruning.

Mulch: Provide a generous root zone mulch.

Propagation: Propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.

Pests and Diseases: Watch for bagworms, spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Leaf tips may suffer damage from leaf miners. Canker can sometimes pose a problem. Fungal diseases like root rot can occur in poorly drained soils. Good air circulation and proper planting depth help prevent these issues.