Amber Gold Arborvitae

Glowing golden evergreen beauty - the Amber Gold Arborvitae PP#22,296 (Thuja occidentalis 'Jantar') is a radiant, golden-leaved cultivar of the classic American Arborvitae, prized for its luminous yellow-orange foliage and narrow, upright form. This eye-catching evergreen remains vibrant year-round and adds a touch of warm contrast to garden spaces, hedgerows, and container plantings.

A slow-growing conifer, it reaches maturity with grace, requiring very little maintenance along the way. It's a showstopper for four-season interest, especially in winter when its coppery-gold tones intensify! No cones, berries, or messy fruit—just feathery, fine-textured branches packed in a tidy, upright habit.

With a naturally columnar shape, Amber Gold forms a compact, vertical accent that maxes out around 12–15 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide. Its flat, scale-like needles shimmer in the sunlight, offering a soft texture and rich color that doesn’t fade or burn in full sun. Unlike some golden conifers that can bleach or bronze, this Arborvitae keeps its warm hues even in cold climates.

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Key Features

• Brilliant golden-yellow foliage with orange undertones
• Narrow, columnar form – perfect for tight spaces
• Evergreen color and texture all year long
• No cones, berries, or mess!
• Coppery gold winter tone
• Cold-hardy and low-maintenance
• Excellent for screens, hedges, or as a specimen
• Resistant to deer and urban pollution

Landscaping Uses

Native to the northern U.S. and Canada, Thuja occidentalis has been cultivated for centuries, valued by Native American tribes for its medicinal and ceremonial uses. Use this vertical evergreen accent to bring brightness and structure to the landscape. A garden favorite for structure, narrow privacy, and golden highlights, this golden gem is a modern spin on a timeless tree.

• Perfect as a glowing privacy hedge or screen
• Adds vertical interest to foundation plantings
• Colorful backdrop to landscape beds
• Beautiful golden accent in mixed conifer gardens and mixed shrub borders
• Excellent specimen for winter gardens
• Container focal point for entryways or patios

Care and Maintenance

An easy-to-grow evergreen conifer with year-round color, Amber Gold Arborvitae is easy to grow and tough as nails. It thrives in a variety of conditions with very little fuss. Amber Gold is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8 and offers all the rugged reliability of the species: cold hardy, tolerant of urban pollution, and adaptable to a range of soils.

• Planting Time: Best in early spring or fall
• Sun Needs: Full sun to light shade (best color in full sun)
• Soil Needs: Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates clay, loam, and sandy soils. Avoid wet or soggy sites
• Moisture Needs: Moderate; water to establish, then tolerates light drought
• Mulch: 3–4 inches of bark mulch or arborist chips around the base to conserve moisture and insulate roots
• Fertilization Needs: Annual balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring
• Arborvitae Pruning Info: Rarely needs pruning; lightly shape or shear in early spring if desired
• Special Needs/Perks/Growing Tips and Tricks for Success:
• Deer-resistant
• Pollution and urban condition-tolerant
• Cold hardy to -30°F
• Low maintenance and excellent structural plant

Golden Opportunity For Evergreen Enthusiasts!

The Amber Gold Arborvitae is your golden ticket to year-round beauty, structure, and warmth in the garden. Whether you need a vertical accent or a dazzling screen, this vibrant evergreen will light up your landscape with little effort. Its reliable color, compact habit, and hardy nature make it a must-have for gardeners looking to brighten their outdoor spaces!

Buy now and Nature Hills Nursery will ship it to your doorstep at the perfect planting time for your growing zone!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Amber Gold Arborvitae need full sun?
Yes, it develops the brightest color in full sun but will tolerate light shade.

Is Amber Gold Arborvitae deer-resistant?
Yes, like most Arborvitae cultivars, it's considered resistant to deer browsing.

Can I plant Amber Gold in a container?
Absolutely. Its slow growth and upright form make it a great choice for large pots.

How fast does Amber Gold Arborvitae grow?
It's a slow grower, averaging about 6–9 inches of new growth per year.

Will Amber Gold Arborvitae keep its color in winter?
Yes, in fact, the foliage can deepen to a more amber-orange tone during colder months.

Does Amber Gold produce cones or fruit?
It may produce small, inconspicuous cones, but it is primarily grown for its foliage.

What's the difference between Amber Gold and other golden Arborvitaes?
Unlike some golden types that fade or bronze, Amber Gold keeps its bright tone and has better winter color retention in cold climates.

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