Sunshine Arborvitae
Thuja plicatum ‘Sunshine’
Plant Details
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 5a-8b Find Your Zone
Shrub Type: Evergreen Conifer
Height at Maturity: 35-45′
Width at Maturity: 12-15′
Suggested Spacing: 10′ apart for solid hedges; 18’+ apart for space between plants
Growth Habit / Form: Upright Pyramidal
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: None
Flower Size: NA
Flowering Period: NA
Flower Type: NA
Fragrant Flowers: NA
Foliage Color: Golden Yellow taking on Orange tinting during winter
Fragrant Foliage: Yes
Sun Needs: Full Sun or Mostly Sun, Morning Sun with Dappled or Afternoon Shade, Morning Shade with Evening Sun
Water Needs: Average
Soil Type: Clay (Amend heavy clay to ensure good drainage), Loam, Sand (Amend quick-draining soil to retain moisture), Silt
Soil Moisture / Drainage: Moist But Well Drained
Soil pH: 5.0-8.0 (Acid to Alkaline)
Maintenance / Care: Low
Attracts: Birds, Visual Attention
Resistances: Deer – more info, Disease, Insect
Description
Growing in a tall pyramidal form much like the ever-popular Green Giant Arborvitae, but with golden foliage, the ‘Sunshine’ Arborvitae might reach 35 to 45 feet tall and up to 15 feet wide at the base when all grow grown up. The bright golden foliage retains its color throughout the year sometimes developing some orange tinting during the winter months. Another difference is growth rate. Sunshine Arborvitae grows at about half the rate as does Evergreen Giant. Excellent as an evergreen specimen, in groupings, or in privacy screen plantings to block an unwanted view.
Landscape & Garden Uses
Growing naturally in an pyramidal shape 35 to 45 feet tall and about 12 to 15 feet wide, Sunshine Arborvitae is ideal for use in privacy screen plantings to block unwanted views, dampen sound, and to buffer wind. It can also be useful as a stand alone specimen or to frame corners of tall buildings or other structures. It also grows well in pots and other containers where it serves as a unique centerpiece with foliage that contrasts nicely with flowers and other plants. A fine addition to conifer gardens and rock gardens.
Suggested Spacing: 10 feet apart for solid hedges; 18 feet or more apart for space between plants
Growing Preferences
Arborvitae are very easy to grow and care for. They are adaptable to many soil types including red clay and like full sun to part shade. They prefer a moist but well-drained soil. They don’t like an overly dry site. As with so many other ornamental plants, constantly soggy or wet soil can be problematic. Maintenance is minimal with very little if any pruning ever required.
Helpful Articles
Click on a link below to find helpful advice from our experts on how to plant and care for Arborvitae shrubs.
How To Plant & Care For Arborvitae Trees
Privacy Screen Design & Planting Tips & Ideas
Plant Long & Prosper!
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