Photo of Platycladus orientalis 'Franky Boy' foliage by Conifer Kingdom

Photo by Conifer Kingdom

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Buy Platycladus orientalis 'Franky Boy'

Also Known As

  • Thuja orientalis 'Franky Boy'
  • Franky Boy Golden Thread Leaf Chinese Arborvitae

Plant type

shrub, conifer

size

  • H: 6'-8'
  • W: 3'-5'

planting zones

  • 5a-10a

6-9” | $26

Shipping based on order size & destination

Fewer than 20 at Bloom River Gardens

18-24” | $126

Shipping based on order size & destination

Fewer than 20 at Bloom River Gardens

3 1/2 inch pot | $16

Ships USPS, based on weight/location

Fewer than 20 at Secret Garden Growers

#7, 18-24" | $214.99

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Fewer than 20 at Conifer Kingdom

More Options

Platycladus orientalis 'Franky Boy' plant details

Platycladus orientalis 'Franky Boy' is a moderate-growing, slow-growing evergreen conifer shrub with bronze and gold foliage. Flowers are not showy, but nurture a healthy ecosystem as wildlife habitat. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - occasional water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Platycladus orientalis 'Franky Boy'

Plant type: conifer shrub
Plant family: cupressaceae
Foliage: evergreen bronze and gold
Mature size: 3 FT - 5 FT - wide, 6 FT - 8 FT - tall
Uses: border plant, container plant, dwarf, winter interest, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Platycladus orientalis 'Franky Boy'

USDA Zones: 5a - 10a
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - occasional
Resistant to: heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

(AKA PLATYCLADUS) Fine, golden, threadlike foliage forms a teardrop shaped, slow growing, evergreen shrub 3-4’ high & 2-3’ wide in 10 years. Takes on a beautiful orange bronze tint for winter. It is recommended that one third of previous year’s growth be sheared annually to maintain a tight n tidy appearance. Well-drained soil, sun (part shade in hot summer areas), appreciates regular water. Container specimen, garden jewel.
A phenomenal new introduction with stringy light green and golden foliage that brightens to orange-butterscotch in the winter. New growth cascades over old, creating a fountain of foliage strings. Makes a fantastic small shrub which can be aggressively pr
Franky Boy' looks more like an evergreen clump of grass than an actual conifer with its long, branchless stems that emerge from the base. Despite how thin and long the branches are, this plant maintains an upright habit with a tall, narrow form. During the growing season the plant takes on a light lemon-yellow hue before turning back to light green in the middle of summer.
Dwarf, upright, broad conifer with golden, thread-like foliage throughout the spring and summer. Colder temperatures change the foliage to an attractive bronze-orange color, warming up the winter garden. Growth Rate slow
A dwarf Arborvitae with a broad upright form. Pretty foliage is thread-like and golden. Wonderful in winter when 'Franky Boy' turns to bronze-orange.
Thuja orientalis 'Franky Boy' - A golden, thread-leaf variety of Chinese Arborvitae. Plant makes an upright tear drop type of plant. All leaves are golden and just a strand. Very nice plant grafted on a standard. Grows 4-6 inches a year. Should be pruned for better shape and tightness.

Gardening facts about Platycladus orientalis 'Franky Boy' plant

How to Grow Platycladus orientalis 'Franky Boy'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - occasional
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • bronze
    • gold
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
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