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thuja occidentalis aurea

Discover the unique beauty and versatile uses of Thuja occidentalis aurea, a golden-hued evergreen conifer cherished by gardeners across New Zealand. This variety of northern white cedar is prized for its soft, feathery foliage that shimmers with a warm yellow tint, brightening up both small gardens and spacious landscapes. Thuja occidentalis aurea not only adds all-season interest to your garden, but it also grows in a neat, pyramidal form that makes it ideal for hedging, screening, and ornamental plantings.

Podocarpus totara 'Aurea' tree with yellow foliage.

Podocarpus totara 'Aurea' (Golden Tōtara)

5 from 1 customers

Podocarpus totara Aurea, commonly known as Golden Totara, features golden foliage composed of short, needle-like leaves held densely. It typically grows to 10 m in height and 3 m in width, and can be trimmed as necessary.

From $30.29

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native
Thuja plicata 'Green Giant' trees standing 5 m tall as a lush, green screen.

Thuja 'Green Giant'

5 from 1 customers

Thuja 'Green Giant' is a smaller variety of Cedar and bears sprays of glossy, dark green foliage held on slender stems. The result is a tree with a somewhat layered appearance as it grows to 12 m tall and 3 m wide.

From $16.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Conifers
Height: 12.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Coastal, Formal, Japanese, Modern
thuja-occidentalis-rheingold-
Thuja occidentalis 'Rheingold'

Thuja occidentalis 'Rheingold' is a compact evergreen conifer admired for its soft golden foliage that develops warm bronze tones during cooler...

Thuja plicata 'Green Giant' trees standing 5 m tall as a lush, green screen.
Thuja 'Green Giant'

Thuja 'Green Giant' is a smaller variety of Cedar and bears sprays of glossy, dark green foliage held on slender stems. The result is a tree with a...

From$16.95
Podocarpus totara 'Aurea' tree with yellow foliage.
Podocarpus totara 'Aurea' (Golden Tōtara)

Podocarpus totara Aurea, commonly known as Golden Totara, features golden foliage composed of short, needle-like leaves held densely. It typically...

From$30.29
A young Thuja plicata (Western Red Cedar) tree in a forest standing four metres tall.
Thuja plicata

Thuja plicata, commonly known as the Western Red Cedar, is a conifer that grows into an attractive and large tree. It grows with a dense, conical...

From$17.95
thuja-old-gold-
Thuja plicata 'Old Gold'

Thuja plicata 'Old Gold' is a striking evergreen conifer valued for its rich golden foliage and dense growth habit. The vibrant colour provides year...

Grevillea prostrata 'Aurea' yellow flower.
Grevillea prostrata Aurea

Grevillea 'Prostrata Aurea' is a low growing evergreen shrub admired for its finely divided foliage and masses of golden yellow spider flowers that...

From$28.91
Thuja occidentalis (White Pine) green foliage.
Thuja occidentalis

Thuja occidentalis, commonly known as White Cedar or Eastern Arborvitae, is a hardy, evergreen conifer valued for its dense, pyramidal form and soft...

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thuja-orientalis-aurea-nana-
Thuja orientalis Aurea Nana

Thuja orientalis 'Aurea Nana' is a compact evergreen conifer admired for its dense golden foliage and naturally rounded growth habit. This attractive...

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thymus-citriodorus-aurea-
Thymus citriodorus 'Aurea' (Citrus Thyme)

Thymus citriodorus 'Aurea' is a beautiful golden leaved form of Lemon Thyme valued for its fragrant foliage, culinary uses, and ornamental appeal...

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Thuja occidentalis 'Caespitosa' plant.
Thuja occidentalis Caespitosa

Thuja occidentalis 'Caespitosa' is a compact evergreen conifer valued for its dense foliage, naturally rounded form, and tidy growth habit. This...

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juniperus-depressa-aurea-
Juniperus communis Depressa Aurea (Yellow Juniper)

Juniperus communis Depressa Aurea, commonly known as the Yellow Juniper, is a colourful conifer with fantastic texture, colour, and form. It features...

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Taxus baccata 'Fastigiata Aurea' tree.
Taxus baccata fastigiata 'Aurea'

Taxus baccata fastigiata 'Aurea' is a striking upright evergreen conifer admired for its narrow columnar shape and golden yellow foliage. This...

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Thuja occidentalis 'Holmstrup' trees with dark green foliage.
Thuja occidentalis Holmstrup

Thuja occidentalis 'Holmstrup', commonly known as Eastern Arborvitae, has foliage that is rich green and produced with a layered effect that provides...

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arenaria-caespitosa-aurea--1
Arenaria Aurea

Arenaria Aurea is a variety of the commonly known, Sandwort or Moss Sandwort, forms a cushion of yellow-green leaves that will quickly fill in the...

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Stunning Metrosideros excelsa 'Aurea' yellow flowers amidst olive-green foliage.
Metrosideros excelsa 'Aurea'

Metrosideros excelsa ‘Aurea’ (Yellow Pohutukawa) is a rare and eye catching New Zealand native valued for its unusual golden yellow flowers and...

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Salix tortuosa aurea specimen tree.
Salix Tortuosa Aurea

Salix tortuosa ‘Aurea’ (Golden Corkscrew Willow) is a highly ornamental tree prized for its twisting branches and warm golden tones. Its curled stems...

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Alstroemeria aurea yellow flowers.
Alstroemeria aurea (Peruvian Lily)

Alstroemeria aurea is a hardy, clump-forming perennial that produces masses of golden-orange blooms through summer. Known for its naturalised...

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fraxinus-excelsior-aurea-pendula-2
Fraxinus excelsior aurea pendula

Fraxinus excelsior 'Aurea Pendula' is an elegant deciduous weeping ash tree prized for its cascading branches, golden young stems, and attractive...

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Cuphea hyssopifolia 'Aurea' plant.
Cuphea hyssopifolia aurea

Cuphea hyssopifolia aurea is a compact, evergreen shrub grown for its lush foliage, compact form, and interesting flowers. The lime-yellow foliage is...

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berberis-aurea-
Berberis Aurea Nana (Japanese Barberry)

Berberis 'Aurea Nana' is a compact deciduous shrub prized for its brilliant golden yellow foliage that provides outstanding colour throughout the...

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Cupressus macrocarpa aurea yellow foliage.
Cupressus macrocarpa 'Aurea'

Cupressus macrocarpa 'Aurea' is a striking evergreen conifer prized for its vibrant golden foliage and naturally dense growth. It provides year round...

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Taxus baccata Dovastonii Aurea tree.
Taxus baccata Dovastonii Aurea

Taxus baccata 'Dovastonii Aurea' is a distinctive evergreen conifer admired for its graceful weeping branches and striking golden green foliage. This...

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fraxinus-excelsior-aurea-
Fraxinus excelsior aurea

Fraxinus excelsior 'Aurea' (Golden Ash Tree) is a striking deciduous tree admired for its bright golden yellow young stems, fresh green foliage that...

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Sagina subulata aurea plant.
Sagina subulata Aurea (Scotch Moss)

Sagina subulata 'Aurea' is a charming evergreen groundcover valued for its vibrant golden foliage and dense moss like appearance. The fine textured...

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Thuja occidentalis 'Rosedalis' plant with green and yellow foliage.
Thuja orientalis 'Rosedalis'

Thuja orientalis 'Rosedalis' is a compact evergreen conifer admired for its dense foliage and attractive bronze rose colouring during cooler months...

OUT OF STOCK
grevillea-juniperus-aurea-
Grevillea juniperus aurea (Grevillea juniperina)

Grevillea juniperus aurea is a low growing, dense shrub featuring lovely clusters of yellow flowers. These are borne at the ends of branches that...

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Cryptomeria japonica 'Elegans Aurea' yellow foliage.
Cryptomeria japonica 'Elegans Aurea'

Cryptomeria japonica 'Elegans Aurea' is an elegant evergreen conifer admired for its soft feathery golden foliage and graceful growth habit. The...

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Thuja orientalis 'Blue Cone' shrubs with green foliage in pots.
Thuja orientalis 'Blue Cone'

Thuja 'Blue Cone' is a dwarf conifer that features dense and erect sprays of green foliage. It gets its name from the blue cones produced during...

OUT OF STOCK
Cedrus deodara aurea tree with yellow foliage.
Cedrus deodara 'Aurea' (Himalayan Cedar)

Cedrus deodara 'Aurea' is a magnificent evergreen conifer prized for its graceful pyramidal form and striking golden yellow new foliage that matures...

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pinus-aurea-3
Pinus radiata 'Aurea'

Pinus radiata 'Aurea' is an attractive evergreen conifer grown for its bright golden foliage and strong upright growth habit. This striking Pine Tree...

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Podocarpus totara 'Aurea' (Golden Tōtara)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Grevillea, Podocarpus, and Thuja, or related Categories - Conifer Shrubs, Conifer Trees, and Groundcover Plants.

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Stunning Features of Thuja occidentalis aurea

Thuja occidentalis aurea is sought after for its year-round colour and manageable size. Its golden foliage provides a radiant contrast to the lush greens and darker evergreens frequently found in Kiwi gardens. This slow-growing conifer typically matures to a height of 2-3 metres, making it well-suited to borders, foundation plantings, or as a specimen shrub. The soft, aromatic foliage of Thuja occidentalis aurea maintains its yellow glow through all seasons, occasionally deepening to a rich gold-orange in winter, adding stunning winter interest.

Ideal Growing Conditions in New Zealand

Thriving in a range of soil types, Thuja occidentalis aurea performs best in moist, well-drained ground, whether your garden has full sun or partial shade. Its robust yet compact growth habit means it can flourish in urban settings, rural landscapes, or even large containers. Hardy to cold winters and tolerant of wind once established, this conifer is a reliable choice for New Zealand’s varied climates. For the healthiest plants and brightest foliage, provide regular water during prolonged dry spells, and apply a layer of mulch to retain soil moisture.

Uses and Companions in the Garden

Thuja occidentalis aurea is a fantastic choice for formal hedges, mixed borders, or as a vibrant accent in perennial beds. Its dense, evergreen structure provides privacy, windbreaks, and reliable structure in the landscape, while the golden tones pair beautifully with darker conifers or flowering shrubs. If you’re considering a mixed conifer planting for year-round interest, explore related varieties such as Thuja occidentalis Caespitosa for a compact look, or the classic Thuja occidentalis for a versatile green backdrop.

For those seeking contrasting shapes and colours, Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' (Green Cedar) offers a lush green, columnar accent, while Thuja occidentalis 'Rheingold' displays soft, golden-orange tones. For a miniature alternative, Thuja orientalis Aurea Nana brings compact, golden charm to rockeries or patio pots.

Planting and Care Tips

When planting Thuja occidentalis aurea, space young plants approximately 1 metre apart for hedges or group plantings. Dig a generous hole and mix in organic matter to enrich the soil. Water regularly after planting to encourage deep, healthy roots. Light pruning in late spring helps maintain your desired form and size.

Bring long-lasting structure and golden colour to your outdoor space with Thuja occidentalis aurea—the perfect choice for New Zealand gardens, whether modern or classic. Explore our full conifer range to complement your golden specimen and create a garden that shines in every season.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

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