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Family: Arborvitae
Type: Shrub
Other Common Name: Eastern White Cedar
Golden Globe Arborvitae, scientifically known as Thuja occidentalis ‘Golden Globe’, is an ornamental evergreen shrub celebrated for its vibrant golden-yellow foliage. This dwarf variety is a popular choice for gardeners seeking a splash of color in their landscape, especially in areas where space is at a premium. Its naturally round, globe-like shape makes it an appealing addition to any garden.
Growing to about 3-4 feet in both height and width, Golden Globe Arborvitae is ideal for small garden spaces, borders, or as an accent plant. Its compact size and unique coloration make it a standout choice for adding visual interest. The shrub maintains its round form with minimal pruning and its foliage remains bright and colorful throughout the year.
Golden Globe Arborvitae thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It is adaptable to a variety of soil conditions and is relatively low-maintenance. This variety is also known for its resistance to common pests and diseases, making it a robust and attractive choice for gardeners.
Hardiness Zone: 3a-3a
Pet Friendly: Yes
Moisture Preference: Average to moist
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Growth Rate: Slow
Average Height (feet): 5
Average Spread (feet): 5
Average Life Span (years): 30
Form: Round
Foliage Color: Yellow
Leaf Fall Color: Yellow
Foliage Shape: Scale
Bark Color: Indian red
Bark Texture: Shaggy
Golden Globe Arborvitae is perfect for creating eye-catching focal points in the garden. Its golden-yellow foliage and spherical shape make it an excellent choice for adding color and structure. Plant it in groups for a bold, unified look or use it individually as a specimen plant in mixed borders.
Incorporate this arborvitae into rock gardens, foundation plantings, or alongside pathways. Its unique color and form provide year-round interest and contrast beautifully with other green plants. Golden Globe Arborvitae is also well-suited for container gardening, bringing its vibrant presence to decks, patios, and balconies.
Due to its easy-care nature, Golden Globe Arborvitae is favored in low-maintenance and formal garden designs. It pairs well with a variety of perennials and shrubs, offering a stable backdrop for more vibrant plantings.
In modern gardens, Golden Globe Arborvitae's bright foliage and neat shape complement contemporary design elements, adding a touch of natural color.
For formal gardens, this arborvitae is ideal for creating symmetrical designs and can be used effectively in hedges or as paired specimens.
In cottage gardens, Golden Globe Arborvitae adds a pop of color and structure, contrasting with the more informal and diverse plantings typical of this style.
Plant Golden Globe Arborvitae in sunny areas to maximize its vibrant foliage color. It can be used as a natural border or a standalone ornamental feature.
In spring, Golden Globe Arborvitae's foliage brightens, providing a lively contrast to the emerging greenery of other plants.
During summer, the shrub maintains its bright golden hue, adding a cheerful presence to the garden landscape.
In the fall, the foliage of Golden Globe Arborvitae retains its color, standing out against the changing autumn colors.
In winter, the arborvitae's golden foliage offers a striking contrast to the often gray and white winter landscape, bringing warmth and color to the garden.
Hakonechloa macra 'All Gold'
Fothergilla gardenii
Helictotrichon sempervirens
Golden Globe Arborvitae should be planted in a location that receives full sun to partial shade to maintain its vibrant color. Ideal for small yards, borders, and decorative containers.
This arborvitae variety thrives in full sun, which enhances its golden-yellow foliage. It can also tolerate partial shade but may have less vibrant coloring in reduced light.
Golden Globe Arborvitae prefers well-drained soil but is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils, with a preference for neutral to slightly acidic pH.
Space these plants about 3-4 feet apart to accommodate their mature size and to ensure proper air circulation, which helps maintain plant health.
The best time to plant Golden Globe Arborvitae is in the early spring or fall, allowing the shrub to establish its root system in moderate temperatures.
Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the root ball. Place the plant in the hole, fill it with soil, water thoroughly, and add mulch to help retain moisture.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, Golden Globe Arborvitae is relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during dry spells.
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage.
Minimal pruning is needed. If desired, prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape or remove any dead or damaged branches.
Apply fertilizer and prune as necessary. Begin regular watering as new growth starts.
Maintain consistent watering during dry periods. Monitor for pests or diseases and treat if necessary.
Prepare the plant for winter by reducing watering. No fertilization is needed during this period.
Golden Globe Arborvitae is hardy and does not require special winter care. A layer of mulch can provide extra insulation for the roots in colder climates.
Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Golden Mop'
Picea abies 'Nidiformis'
Juniperus chinensis 'Saybrook Gold'
Golden Globe Arborvitae has a slow to moderate growth rate, adding a few inches each year.
While no plant is completely deer-proof, Golden Globe Arborvitae is less appealing to deer than some other plants.
Yes, due to its compact size, Golden Globe Arborvitae is suitable for container gardening, provided the container is large enough and has proper drainage.
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