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. 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

Arborvitae is one of the most versatile, easy-to-grow evergreens suited to cold northern landscapes. Perfect as specimen plants, hedges, foundation plantings, and windbreaks, these attractive shrubs require hardly any maintenance while contributing beautifully to our landscapes.