About

A dwarf, evergreen coniferous shrub, slowly growing into a rounded globular shape with a maximum height of 1.5m (5ft) and as much across. Producing dense flat sparays of yellow green foliage. Its strictly conical form is useful as an architectural focal point in a garden, as well as being a good addition to city and courtyard gardens, where ultimate size is an important consideration. Unlike many other golden leaved forms, this cultivar is able to tolerate direct summer sun without its foliage becoming scorched.

About the genus

Thuja are fast-growing evergreen trees of narrowly conical habit, with flat sprays of tiny, aromatic, scale-like leaves and small knobbly cones

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
ToxicityHarmful if eaten, skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Care notes

CultivationGrows well in any moist, but well-drained soil in full sun
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects and conifer aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus and other fungal diseases, particularly thuja blight and Coryneum canker (see conifers: brown patches)