‘4ever Goldy’ brings a luminous, sun‑kissed glow to the landscape in every season. This refined, columnar form of Thuja plicata keeps a naturally tidy silhouette—narrow, upright, and densely clothed in fine, scale‑like sprays that emerge chartreuse and mature to rich gold. Unlike many golden conifers, its color holds well through winter with minimal bronzing when planted in good light.

Durable and low‑maintenance, it thrives in a wide range of soils, accepting clay with decent drainage and performing best with consistent moisture. Use it as a bright focal point, to frame entries, or massed for a glowing, space‑saving hedge where a full‑sized screen won’t fit.

Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Thuja Plicata ‘4ever Goldy’ Gold Arborvitae

Common Name

Thuja Plicata ‘4ever Goldy’

Size & Growth

10–15 ft tall × 3–5 ft wide in ~10 years; ultimately 15–20 ft tall in time; naturally narrow, upright pyramidal habit.

Hardiness Zones

USDA 5–9 (cold‑hardy; protect from desiccating winter winds in exposed sites).

Foliage Type

Evergreen; flattened, scale‑like sprays. New growth chartreuse, maturing to bright gold; aromatic when crushed.

Bloom Time

Conifer; flowers are inconspicuous. Pollen shed in spring; small seed cones ripen late season.

Growth Rate

Moderate (about 8–12 in/yr; up to 12–18 in/yr in ideal conditions).

Light Requirements

Full sun to partial shade; best golden color with 6+ hours of direct sun.

Attracts Pollinators

Low. Wind‑pollinated; valued more for shelter/cover for birds than nectar.

Indoor Friendly

No. Outdoor landscape plant; not suited to indoor light/humidity levels.

Container Friendly

Yes, when young. Use large, deep containers (18–24 in); transplant to ground as roots fill pot.

Deer Resistant

Moderate. Less browsed than some arborvitae but may need protection in winter in high‑pressure areas.

Pet Warning

Generally regarded as non‑toxic; ingestion can cause mild GI upset—discourage chewing on foliage.

Fragrant

Yes—cedar‑like aroma when foliage is brushed or crushed.

Cut Flower

Not for flowers, but sprays make excellent long‑lasting greenery for arrangements and winter décor.

Grows Well With

Panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata), redtwig dogwood (Cornus sericea), boxwood, switchgrass (Panicum), heuchera, hosta (in part shade), and compact spirea.

How to Plant & Care

Planting Instructions

Dig a hole 2× as wide and same depth as the root ball. Gently loosen circling roots, set with trunk flare visible, backfill with native soil, water deeply, and mulch 2–3 in. Hedge spacing: 3–5 ft on center depending on density desired.

Soil Moisture

Keep evenly moist the first 1–2 years. After establishment, tolerates brief dry spells but performs best with deep, infrequent watering; avoid waterlogged soil.

Soil Type

Well‑drained loam ideal; tolerates clay if drainage is good. pH 6.0–7.5. Incorporate organic matter in poor, compacted soils; avoid saline soils.

Humidity

Average garden humidity is fine. Mulch and site selection help reduce stress from hot, dry or winter winds, especially in Zones 5–6.

Pruning Instructions

Minimal pruning needed. Lightly shear or tip‑prune after spring flush (and again mid‑summer if required). Avoid cutting back to leafless old wood. Remove dead/damaged limbs any time.

Winter Care

Water deeply before ground freezes; maintain 2–3 in mulch. Use burlap screens or wrap the first 1–3 winters in exposed sites to limit wind burn. Gently brush off heavy, wet snow loads.

Planting Depth

Set the top of the root ball level with—or up to 1 in above—surrounding grade. Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.

Fertilization

In early spring, apply a slow‑release, balanced or evergreen‑specific fertilizer per label if soil is poor; otherwise refresh mulch/compost annually. Avoid high‑nitrogen feeding late in season.

Special Care

For best gold color provide 6+ hours of sun. Maintain airflow (avoid crowding). Monitor for bagworms or spider mites; hand‑remove bags or use horticultural oil early if needed. Limit exposure to road salt spray.