Photo of Thuja occidentalis 'Rheingold' foliage by Karl Gercens III

Photo by Karl Gercens III

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Thuja occidentalis 'Rheingold'

Also Known As

  • Rheingold American Arborvitae

Plant type

shrub, conifer

size

  • H: 3'-4'
  • W: 3'-5'

planting zones

  • 4a-8b

More Options

Thuja occidentalis 'Rheingold' plant details

Thuja occidentalis 'Rheingold' is a slow-growing evergreen conifer shrub with bronze and gold foliage. Features fuzzy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Thuja occidentalis 'Rheingold'

Plant type: conifer shrub
Plant family: cupressaceae
Foliage: evergreen bronze and gold
Mature size: 3 FT - 5 FT - wide, 3 FT - 4 FT - tall
Uses: container plant, dwarf, rock garden, winter interest, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Thuja occidentalis 'Rheingold'

USDA Zones: 4a - 8b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: deer, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Gold (from coppery yellow in spring to bronzy-yellow) even in winter, this slow-growing (3-4" a year) semi-dwarf forms a broadly conical shrub. S-M
Rheingold Arborvitae is a dwarf evergreen shrub with flat, fan-shaped foliage that has a lovely burnished look in winter. Great for rock gardens, foundation plantings or a low border.
'Rheingold' Arborvitae is a dwarf selection that grows in an attractive rounded form up to three feet tall with bright golden yellow foliage. In the winter the foliage develops an unusual bronze-gold tone that lasts until the spring thaw at which point the bright yellow-gold color returns. When left alone the foliage will splay out in rows but many gardeners prune the tips back once per year to yield an intensely dense form.
Rheingold Arborvitae naturally grows into a beautiful round globe. No pruning is needed. The color is a very unique bronze-yellow-orange. Always a head-turner because of its unique color in the garden. This variety is also perfect for container or Fairy gardens.
Very dwarf globe shaped shrub with soft needles that maintain gold to burnt-orange coloring throughout the year. 3?x3? in ten years. Awards: Award of Merit & Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. Awards: Recommended by: the United States National Arboretum.

By: Fantastic Plants

Gardening facts about Thuja occidentalis 'Rheingold' plant

How to Grow Thuja occidentalis 'Rheingold'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • bronze
    • gold
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • fuzzy

See other plant types of Thuja for your garden

aka Western Red Cedar, Zebra Giant Arbor, Zebra Red Cedar, Zebrina Western Arborvitae

Plant Type

Tree, Conifer

Zones

5a-10b

Size

Height: 30'-50'

Width: 8'-20'

  • sun - dappled shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Thuja plicata 'Zebrina' form by Karl Gercens III
View Plant

aka Thuja occidentalis 'Danika', Danica Arborvitae

Plant Type

Shrub, Conifer

Zones

2a-8b

Size

Height: 1'-2'

Width: 1'-2'

  • sun - dappled shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Thuja occidentalis 'Danica' foliage by Bloom River Gardens
View Plant

Scientific Name: Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'

aka American Arborvitae, Emerald Green Arborvitae

Plant Type

Tree, Conifer

Zones

3a-8b

Size

Height: 12'-14'

Width: 3'-4'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald' by The Kinsey Family Farm
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aka Can Can Red Cedar

Plant Type

Tree, Conifer

Zones

5a-10b

Size

Height: 6'-8'

Width: 4'-5'

  • sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Thuja plicata 'Can Can' foliage by Dancing Oaks Nursery
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aka American Arborvitae, Eastern Arborvitae, Northern White Cedar

Plant Type

Tree, Conifer

Zones

2a-8b

Size

Height: 60'

Width: 15'

  • sun
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Thuja occidentalis form by Albert Jankowski
View Plant

More Options

+99 more Thuja
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