Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis Aurea' – The Golden Pyramidal Conifer for Year-Round Elegance
Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis Aurea' is a striking, upright evergreen conifer known for its narrow, pyramidal shape and vibrant golden-yellow foliage. This cultivar of the Eastern Arborvitae adds a touch of elegance and colour to any landscape, whether used as a feature plant, hedge, or screen. Its distinctive golden hue intensifies in the sun and provides a bright, year-round presence in the garden, making it a standout choice for both formal and informal planting designs.
Why Grow Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis Aurea'?
Golden Foliage – The most notable feature of 'Pyramidalis Aurea' is its brilliant golden-yellow foliage, which maintains its colour throughout the year. In winter, the golden hue takes on a slightly bronze tint, adding seasonal interest.
Upright, Pyramidal Shape – This variety has a naturally narrow, pyramidal form, making it ideal for vertical accents, privacy screens, or hedges. It creates a striking, upright presence without taking up too much horizontal space.
Year-Round Interest – The evergreen nature of 'Pyramidalis Aurea' ensures that your garden will have vibrant colour and structure all year long, providing contrast against other plants and winter landscapes.
Versatile – Whether used in formal garden designs, as hedging, or as a specimen plant, this thuja is incredibly versatile and fits a variety of garden styles and needs.
Cold Hardy – Like most Thuja varieties, 'Pyramidalis Aurea' is highly cold-hardy and can thrive in areas with harsh winters.
Height of Plant
Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis Aurea' typically grows to a height of 3–4.5 meters (10–15 feet) with a spread of 1–1.5 meters (3–5 feet), forming a slender, pyramidal shape. Its narrow profile makes it ideal for planting in tighter spaces or as a vertical accent in larger gardens.
Where to Site Your Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis Aurea'
Due to its narrow shape and golden foliage, 'Pyramidalis Aurea' is ideal for:
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Vertical accents in garden beds, walkways, or as focal points.
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Privacy hedges or screens, where it can create a stylish and elegant boundary with its compact, upright form.
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Formal gardens, where its symmetrical shape complements other structured plants like boxwoods, ornamental grasses, or topiaries.
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Container planting, adding a pop of colour and form to patios, balconies, or terraces.
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Accent plantings along paths or entryways, providing a striking contrast to flowering plants or shrubs.
How to Grow and Care for Your Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis Aurea'
Soil – Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil. It can tolerate a variety of soil types but thrives best in slightly acidic to neutral soil with good drainage to prevent root rot.
Light – Grows best in full sun to partial shade. In full sun, the golden hue of the foliage is more intense, while partial shade may result in a slightly greener tone.
Watering – Regular watering is important during the establishment phase. Once established, it is fairly drought-tolerant, though occasional watering during dry periods helps maintain its health and vibrant colour.
Maintenance:
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Pruning – 'Pyramidalis Aurea' maintains its shape well and requires minimal pruning. Light shaping can be done in early spring if needed, but it generally grows into its pyramidal form without much intervention.
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Feeding – Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring to promote healthy growth, especially if planted in poor soil.
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Mulching – A layer of mulch around the base helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the roots cool in summer.
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Pest & Disease Resistance – 'Pyramidalis Aurea' is generally resistant to most pests and diseases. However, keep an eye out for aphids, spider mites, and bagworms, which can occasionally affect conifers. Good air circulation and proper watering are key to preventing fungal diseases such as root rot.
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Cold Hardy – Hardy to -30°C, making it suitable for colder climates, even those with harsh winters and snow.
Perfect Plant Combinations
'Pyramidalis Aurea' pairs beautifully with other structured plants like boxwood, juniper, or ornamental grasses, where its golden hue adds contrast to the deeper greens and textures of these plants. It also looks stunning against the bright colours of spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils or tulips. In informal settings, it can be combined with perennials such as sedum, echinacea, or lavender to add both structure and softness to the garden.
With its vibrant golden foliage, compact pyramidal shape, and minimal care requirements, Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis Aurea' is an excellent choice for adding elegance, colour, and structure to your landscape. Whether used for hedging, specimen planting, or in formal garden designs, this conifer provides year-round beauty and interest.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
