Rheingold Arborvitae

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

4-5 Feet

Mature Spread

3-4 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 8

Like the trees to which it is related, Rheingold Arborvitae is an evergreen conifer. But this dwarf shrub (Thuja occidentalis ‘Rheingold’) grows to only about 3 to 5 feet tall once mature. Its height, shape, and year-round color make it an ideal plant for creating low hedges or borders in the landscape; you can even shear the shrub to shape a hedge. Why have a fence when you can have a lush green (and copper!) natural hedge instead? Birds would agree that they prefer this arborvitae for its dense growth.

The unique size and conical growth of Rheingold Arborvitae also lend themselves to planting singly in a rock garden or a large container. Use one for year-round privacy or to hide an air conditioning unit, for example. The shrub is hardy in zones 4 through 8, so it can take pretty cold winter temperatures but survive in summer in hot zones. Easy to grow and displaying soft textured foliage that turns a yellow-orange color, this is a sun-loving garden star.

Rheingold Arborvitae Care

Plant your arborvitae in a spot with full sun or where it gets only partial shade (minimum of 4 to 6 hours of sun a day). It can grow in a range of soil types, with a pH range of 6 to 8, and that drains well. It will fare better with some protection from strong, prevailing winds. 

Water the plant weekly, and even more often in its first growing season or in times of high heat or drought. Try not to let it dry out completely, but don’t let it sit in soggy soil. Fertilize the shrub in early spring to boost its seasonal growth, using a slow-release organic fertilizer. Prune arborvitae shrubs in fall or early winter, not in summer, and only if needed to remove damaged branches or shape a hedge or border. 

Rheingold Arborvitae Spacing

Place Rheingold Arborvitae about 3 to 4 feet apart to give it room to grow slowly to its mature size. For hedges and borders, plant them closer to 3 feet apart.

SKU:

1231000541-pc