Thuja occidentalis 'Yellow Ribbon'

$20.00 USD

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Thuja occidentalis ‘Yellow Ribbon’ is a striking columnar evergreen prized for its vibrant golden-yellow foliage that holds its color beautifully through all seasons, including winter. Unlike many yellow-tinged conifers that fade in cold weather, 'Yellow Ribbon' maintains its rich hue even in northern climates, making it a standout in any landscape year-round.

This upright, narrow selection of Eastern Arborvitae features densely packed, soft-textured scale-like foliage, giving it a lush, feathery appearance. With a tidy, pyramidal shape and moderate growth rate, it's an excellent choice for hedging, screening, specimen planting, or formal garden accents.

Because of its narrow footprint, 'Yellow Ribbon' is ideal for smaller spaces, side yards, or areas requiring vertical interest without excessive width. Its adaptability, low maintenance, and high ornamental value make it a favorite among both homeowners and landscape designers.

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Growing Zone	Zone 3 Zone 4 Zone 5 Zone 6 Zone 7 Know Your Zone
Pet friendly	No
Mature height	10 to 15 ft.
Sunlight	Bright light to partial shade
Type of Soil	Slightly acidic to neutral
Maintenance level	Low maintenance
Water Requirement	Moderate watering (once a week)

Additional Information

Growth Rate	Moderate – Adds 8–12 inches of height per year under optimal conditions
Colorful leaves	Yes
Flowering	No
Disease resistant	Yes
Cold Tolerant	Yes
Heat Tolerant	No
Drought Tolerant	No
Deer Resistant	No
Edible	No
Wildlife Attraction	Provides winter shelter for small birds Not known to attract pollinators or browsing mammals Moderately deer resistant, but young plants may need protection in high-pressure areas
Self-pollinating	Self-pollinating
Seasonality	Evergreen – provides structure and color year-round Most vibrant yellow in spring with fresh new growth Maintains a rich, golden-green hue through fall and winter
Ideal For	Vertical accent in foundation plantings or entryways Narrow hedge or privacy screen for compact areas Specimen plant in formal gardens or mixed borders Low-maintenance evergreen for year-round color Excellent for small spaces or urban gardens due to its upright, narrow habit
Leaf Description	Soft, scale-like needles arranged in flat sprays New growth emerges bright golden-yellow in spring Foliage matures to a deep green-gold and retains color well through winter Does not bronze significantly in cold temperatures, unlike some arborvitae
Planting Instructions	Timing: Plant in early spring or fall for best root establishment Location: Choose a spot with good air circulation and drainage Hole Size: Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball Backfill: Use native soil, mixed with compost if needed Spacing: Plant 3–5 feet apart for a dense hedge or screen Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil
Pruning & Maintenance	Minimal pruning required – naturally dense and pyramidal Prune in late spring or early summer to shape or remove stray growth Avoid cutting into old wood (brown interior branches), as it may not regenerate
Water Needs	Moderate Water deeply 2–3 times per week during establishment (first year) Once established, water weekly in dry periods Tolerates short dry spells but prefers consistent moisture
Light Needs	Performs best in full sun (6+ hours/day) Tolerates partial shade, though color may be less vibrant
Harvesting	Not harvested for edible or medicinal use Foliage sprigs may be clipped in late fall or early winter for seasonal wreaths and arrangements Cut only small amounts; avoid deep cuts into woody interior
Fertilizing	Apply slow-release, balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which may encourage overly soft growth
Additional Care Tips	Apply 2–3" of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds Avoid overwatering or soggy soil—well-drained soil is key Monitor for spider mites or bagworms in dry climates Consider staking young trees in windy locations
Pollination	Type: Monoecious – produces both male and female cones Pollinated By: Wind Note: May form small, brown, non-ornamental cones (not berries)
Companion Plants	Spiraea japonica ‘Little Princess’ – Soft pink blooms contrast beautifully Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) – Drought-tolerant and aromatic Heuchera ‘Caramel’ or ‘Obsidian’ – Adds foliage color contrast at the base Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’ – Adds texture and height variation Buxus (Boxwood) – For formal design and seasonal structure