Cypress
Rheingold
Thuja occidentalis
A slow-growing cultivar of American Arborvitae prized for its warm golden-amber foliage, which deepens to coppery bronze tones in cooler months. 'Rheingold' forms a dense, conical to rounded shape with soft, feathery juvenile-type foliage, offering rich color contrast in the evergreen landscape.
Growing Specifications
- Height
- 3-5 feet over many years, eventually reaching taller with age
- Spread
- 3-4 feet, dense and rounded
- Watering
- Moderate; prefers well-draining soil with consistent moisture, especially while establishing
- Light
- Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Heat Tolerance
- Moderate; benefits from afternoon shade and consistent moisture in hot Texas summers
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Soil Requirement
- Adaptable, well-draining soil; tolerates a range of soil types
North Texas Micro-climate Notes
Benefits from afternoon shade and consistent moisture in North Texas to preserve its golden foliage color and prevent summer bronzing from excessive heat stress.
Care Instructions
Plant in well-draining soil with some afternoon shade in hot climates. Water consistently during establishment and dry spells. Minimal pruning required beyond removing dead or damaged growth.
Landscape Usage
Well suited as a golden-foliage accent in mixed borders, foundation plantings, or rock gardens where its warm color can contrast with darker evergreens.
Fun Fact
'Rheingold' retains the soft, feathery foliage typical of juvenile arborvitae growth into maturity, rather than transitioning to the flatter, scale-like foliage seen in most mature conifers.
