Polar Gold® Arborvitae

About Polar Gold® Arborvitae

Polar Gold® Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'SMATO') is a showstopper in the landscape, bringing radiant golden color to your garden every single day of the year. This Proven Winners® selection of native American arborvitae naturally grows as a dense, narrow pyramid of glowing foliage that emerges bright yellow in spring and holds its cheerful hue through summer, fall, and winter. While other evergreens fade to dull bronze in cold weather, Polar Gold® keeps its vibrant golden glow even in the depths of winter.

Key Features

Year-Round Golden Beauty

The real magic of this cultivar lies in its finely textured, scale-like foliage that catches and reflects light throughout the day. New growth flushes brilliant gold, creating a stunning two-toned effect against the more mature golden-green interior foliage. The dense branching habit means every inch of this plant is packed with color, creating a solid screen of gold whether you plant it singly as a specimen or in a row for privacy.

Perfect Size for Modern Landscapes

Reaching 12 to 15 feet tall and just 4 to 6 feet wide at maturity, Polar Gold® delivers maximum impact in minimal space. This narrow pyramidal form makes it ideal for tight property lines, foundation plantings, or anywhere you need vertical interest without sacrificing precious yard space. Unlike sprawling evergreens that eventually encroach on walkways and neighboring properties, this arborvitae keeps its tidy, upright shape naturally.

Tougher Than Most Golden Evergreens

As a native North American plant hardy from zones 3 through 8, Polar Gold® handles extreme cold with ease while also tolerating the heat and humidity of warmer climates once established. The foliage shows improved resistance to windburn compared to other arborvitae cultivars, staying vibrant green and gold even through harsh winter winds. This cultivar also demonstrates better shade tolerance than typical arborvitae, making it versatile enough for spots that receive morning sun and afternoon shade.

Landscape Uses

Landscape Versatility

Use Polar Gold® to create a luminous hedge or privacy screen that brings color to the landscape year-round. Plant it as a striking golden accent among darker evergreens to create dramatic contrast, or position it as a foundation plant where its glow will brighten entryways and walkways. The narrow form also works beautifully in perennial borders, adding structure and winter interest long after herbaceous plants have gone dormant. For a formal look, plant specimens in pairs to frame doorways or define garden rooms.

Wildlife Value

While deer may occasionally browse arborvitae, Polar Gold® provides important shelter for birds and small mammals throughout winter. The dense branching offers protection from predators and harsh weather, while the fragrant foliage adds aromatic interest to the garden. Native butterflies and moths also utilize the foliage as a host plant.

This cultivar brings the reliability of native American arborvitae together with the eye-catching appeal of golden foliage. Whether your landscape needs a narrow privacy screen, a foundation accent, or a specimen plant that works hard through all four seasons, Polar Gold® delivers vibrant color and easy-care performance in one space-saving package.

Explore More from Nature Hills

The Polar Gold® Arborvitae joins our collection of reliable evergreen shrubs and low maintenance plants, making it an excellent choice for year-round structure in your landscape. This compact variety works well in foundation plantings or as part of a privacy screen alongside other shrubs, and you can learn more about effective screening strategies in our guide to Best Privacy Trees and Shrubs to Plant This Spring. For ongoing care tips, check out our article on Timing for Pruning Flowering Shrubs to keep your arborvitae looking its best.