Thuja plicata ‘Forever Goldy’ is a striking evergreen known for its bright golden foliage that holds its color year-round. With a naturally upright, pyramidal growth habit, it typically grows 12–15 feet tall and 3–5 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for privacy screens, accent plantings, and colorful hedges. Unlike many golden evergreens that fade, Forever Goldy maintains its vibrant color through all seasons, adding warmth and contrast to the landscape. It performs best in full sun with well-drained soil and requires minimal maintenance once established, making it a dependable and eye-catching addition to residential or commercial landscapes.
More About Thuja plicata ‘Forever Goldy'
- Hardy, evergreen tree
- Moderate to fast growth rate
- Foliage is a bright golden
- Low maintenance
- Privacy screen, border, accent tree, foundation planting, backdrop for flowering shrubs and perennials
Growing and Maintenance Tips
Planting: Plant in full sun to partial shade. At least 6 hours of sun per day will produce the densest growth. Prefers well-drained soil. Arborvitae do not like standing water, so avoid low areas where water collects. If soil is heavy clay, loosen the soil around the planting hole to improve drainage. Dig a hole 2–3 times wider than the root ball but no deeper than the root ball height. The top of the root ball should sit slightly above the surrounding soil to prevent settling and root rot. Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the base to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk. In windy areas, winter burn can occur. Keeping plants well-watered in fall and using mulch helps protect roots through winter.
Watering: For the first month after planting, water your tree every other day with a generous soak with the hose at the base of the tree. For the next 6 months, water the same way once a week unless it is dry and hot.
Fertilizing: Feed your arborvitae at the beginning of each spring with a balanced, slow release fertilizer.
Pruning: If your tree has space to maintain its naturally elegant pyramid shape, no pruning is necessary. However, if you are growing them closely together as a hedge, you can shear them annually after the last frost.
Height: 12-15 Feet
Spread: 3-5 Feet
Spacing: 4-5 (for privacy fence)
Hardiness Zone: 3-8
Thuja occidentalis 'Nigra' Characteristics
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Exposure: Full Sun
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Critter Resistance: moderate deer resistant, young plants are most vulnerable
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Soil Moisture: Average Water
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Attributes: Specimen, Drought Tolerant, Mass Planting, Cold Tolerant, Great Foliage, Low Maintenance
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Foliage Color: Golden
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Habit: Upright pyramidal
