Thuja occidentalis ‘Sunkist’ (American Arborvitae)

Thuja occidentalis ‘Sunkist’ is a vibrant and decorative cultivar of the Eastern Arborvitae, cherished for its bright foliage and ornamental appeal.

Thuja occidentalis ‘Sunkist’: An In-depth Look

‘Sunkist’ stands out with its bright golden-yellow foliage, which maintains its color throughout the year. It has a dense, pyramidal growth habit, making it an eye-catching addition to any landscape.

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: It is an evergreen conifer with a naturally pyramidal to conical growth habit. This shrub is characterized by its upright growth and dense branching.

Size: ‘Sunkist’ typically grows to about 6-10 feet in height (1.8 to 3 meters) and 5-8 feet in width (1.5 to 2.4 meters), making it a medium-sized shrub suitable for various landscape designs.

Foliage: The foliage is a vibrant golden-yellow, especially bright in full sun. The leaves are scale-like and densely packed, giving the plant a full, textured appearance.

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

Uses: Ideal for accent plantings, hedges, foundation plantings, and as a specimen in mixed borders. Its bright color and medium size make it versatile for a range of landscape uses.

Award: Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.

Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 2-7, it can withstand cold winters and a range of environmental conditions.

Wildlife: American arborvitae provides nesting sites for songbirds, as well as cover, especially in the winter, for deer, which both feed on the branches and use them for shelter from the cold.

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: Offers year-round color and interest in the garden. Its low maintenance and medium size make it suitable for a variety of landscaping needs.

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.