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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.

Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis' trees with lush green foliage standing 1.5 metres tall in a plant nursery ready for sale.

Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis'

Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis' is an elegant conifer that grows with a narrow and dense, pyramidal shape. The foliage is dark green, sometimes tinged bronze in winter, and produced with a somewhat layered effect to give the plant an interesting texture. It grows to 4 m in height and 1.5 m in width, and can be trimmed as necessary.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Conifers
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 75 cm
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Screening
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern
Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' hedge with bright green foliage.

Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' (Green Cedar)

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Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd', commonly known as the Green or Emerald Cedar, grows with a narrow, dense, and columnar habit. The foliage is rich green, sometimes tinged bronze in winter, and produced with a somewhat layered effect to give the plant an interesting texture. It typically grows to 7 m in height and 2.5 m in width in full sun.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Conifers
Height: 3.50 m
Spread: 75 cm
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Screening
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Modern
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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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

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

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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' 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' with fantastic yellow foliage growing over a wall.
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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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-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...

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Arenaria 'Aurea'

Arenaria 'Aurea' is a variety of the commonly known, Sandwort or Moss Sandwort, and is a colourful and low growing plant which is often used as a...

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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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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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Juniperus communis 'Depressa Aurea'

Juniperus communis 'Depressa Aurea' is a low growing evergreen conifer with spreading branches and bright golden foliage. It is an excellent choice...

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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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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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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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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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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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Grevillea juniperus 'Aurea'

Grevillea juniperus 'Aurea' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its fine needle like foliage, bright flowers, and reliable year round structure...

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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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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...

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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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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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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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Grevillea victoriae 'Aurea' red flowers and olive-green foliage.
Grevillea victoriae 'Aurea'

Grevillea victoriae 'Aurea' is a hardy evergreen shrub featuring soft yellow to golden flowers and attractive foliage. It brings year round colour to...

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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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A Lonicera nitida 'Aurea' plant growing in a mixed planting.
Lonicera nitida 'Aurea'

Lonicera nitida 'Aurea' is a vibrant golden form of box honeysuckle valued for its bright foliage and compact, tidy growth. This versatile shrub adds...

OUT OF STOCK
Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis'

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

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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.

Corokia 'Bronze King' and Stromanthe 'Triostar' are popular for a reason, but it’s plants like Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' (Catmint), Fraxinus griffithii, and Magnolia denudata 'Gere' that create a truly unique garden.
–The Plant Company

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