Thuja Occidentalis Rheingold White Cedar

Thuja Occidentalis Rheingold is an evergreen oval-shaped cedar with yellow-gold foliage. This conifer is a good space filler or privacy screen in medium to large gardens.

White cedars are native to North America but Rheingold is a sport of Ellwangeriana Aurea and was found in Germany in the 1900s. It’s been popular ever since for its coppery foliage and slow growth habit. Rheingold’s foliage is fan-shaped and so finely patterned it’s almost scaly. Foliage emerges orange in spring before maturing to golden yellow over the summer months. Many consider winter Thuja Occidentalis Rheingold finest month as its foliage matures to coppery gold on the larger branches.

This is a very popular choice of evergreen and one that always performs well.

Height and Spread of Thuja Occidentalis Rheingold
Thuja Occidentalis Rheingold is smaller and slower growing than other types of white cedar. It will reach a maximum height of 1.5 metres by 0.5 - 1 metre in spread.

How Hardy is Thuja Occidentalis Rheingold
This is a tough and hardy evergreen that easily withstand sub-zero temperatures of the UK in exposed or sheltered spots if its roots are well-drained. It enjoys full sun and is rarely bothered by pests.

How To Use Thuja Occidentalis Rheingold
White Cedar Rheingold is a popular choice for rockeries and heather gardens with a yellow theme, and it lifts an overly green foliage garden. This is also a good choice for privacy screens, blocking out traffic, and providing shelter in wildlife gardens.  

How to Care For Thuja Occidentalis Rheingold
Very little care is required for this white cedar. It prefers a spot in full sun and well-drained soil of any type or pH including chalky. It can cope with exposed sites. No pruning is required as it naturally grows ovoid-shaped, but you can trim back new growth in winter.
Water well until established and apply a thick layer of mulch in early spring to trap moisture and proved nutrients for the growing season.