Forever Goldy® Arborvitae

Name: Forever Goldy® Arborvitae
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 20354
Price: 93.24 USD
Availability: InStock

Thuja plicata '4EVER'

Nature Hills Nursery

$93²⁴

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In Stock

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

#3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: For the brightest golden color, plant in full sun, which means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. While it handles partial shade, the foliage will shift toward a lime green and the growth will be less dense.
Soil: This evergreen prefers moist, well drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If you have heavy clay, plant it in a slight mound to keep the roots from sitting in water, or mix in some compost to help sandy soils hold moisture.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, check the soil daily and water whenever the top inch feels dry to the touch to ensure the root system establishes deeply. Once mature, this arborvitae is quite resilient, but inconsistent water during summer heat can lead to browning of the interior needles. Aim for deep, weekly soakings during dry spells to maintain that vibrant gold glow and prevent stress.

Pruning Tips

Since Forever Goldy® naturally maintains a tidy, pyramidal shape, you rarely need to prune unless you want to maintain a specific height. It blooms on old wood, so if you must trim, do it in early spring before the new growth starts to push out. Think of it like a light haircut to remove stray branches, which encourages thicker foliage without ruining the natural structure.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release evergreen fertilizer in early spring just as the ground thaws to fuel the season's growth. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall, as this can force tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. This "soft" growth is easily damaged by winter burn when the temperatures drop.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Look out, because Evergreens just got a makeover! Yes, the classic dark forest green of pine trees is lovely - but if you're looking for a bright pop of color that lasts all year long, then Forever Goldy® Arborvitae PP #19267 (Thuja plicata '4EVER') is exactly what you need!

Not convinced? Well, we have a list of attributes for you!

Imagine this, a landscape blanketed with beautiful white snow, speckled with dark green pines and spruce. A beautiful sight for sure but what if there were splashes of gold among them, in the middle of winter! That's exactly what Forever Goldy® Arborvitae offers with its mesmerizing golden-green needles. Never again will you have a strictly two-toned garden during the colder months!

A Southern Living® plant collection member, Forever Goldy® Arborvitae has a pleasing pyramidal shape that looks quite a bit like a Christmas tree draped in gold! Hardy throughout USDA planting zones 5-8, these bright shrubby trees grow just 12 - 18 feet tall and 3 - 5 feet wide, making them adaptable, versatile, and space-saving!

Landscape Application:

As a slower-growing narrow Arborvitae tree, Forever Goldy® Arborvitae makes a handsome hedge for the edge of your yards or as a beautiful backdrop to your perennial gardens. Plus, since it's a smaller tree, it'll work perfectly in small gardens and landscapes!

Forever Goldy® adds a year-round ever'green' accent to waterwise, full sun landscapes and decorative containers! That means modern urban lots and smaller courtyard gardens, balconies, porches, patios, and container gardens can all enjoy the gilded color that lights up every sunny situation!

When you can go big, Forever Goldy® is ready to show off big time! Create groupings and hedges that turn heads, as the bright color lights up the landscape! In existing privacy hedges and mixed shrub borders, Forever Goldy® adds that pop of color to the usual dark green evergreenery. Light up a landscaping bed with a lush backdrop of these narrow-growing plants that seem to set off everything else planted before them.

Gorgeous Yellow-Green Needles
Narrow-Growing Pyramidal Shape
Perfect For Year-Round Interest
Works Well In Small Space Gardens & Containers
Gorgeous Hedges, Groupings & Specimen Plants

#ProPlantTips for Care:

The best place to plant a Forever Goldy® Thuja is somewhere it can have lots of sun with some afternoon shade. As far as soil goes, this golden delight isn't picky at all, simply make sure it is well-drained and you won't have to worry one bit! Provide regular water for new plants but once established, this Arborvitae becomes very drought tolerant and xeric. Provide a 3-4 inch deep layer of mulch around the roots. Prune or shear after the first flush of growth in the spring if needed, but these slower-growing evergreens won’t need much in the way of maintenance.

Full Sun Plants
Need Well-Drained Soil
Moderate to Low Moisture Needs
Prune If Needed In Spring
Heat, Cold & Drought Tolerant

Gold is the new green as far as gardens go! No more must we stick to the same old evergreen colors if we want winter interest. Forever Goldy® Arborvitae is here to accent the dark green with golden yellow-green to create a breathtaking landscape no matter the season. Order one, or a few, for your yard today!

Botanical Name

Thuja plicata '4EVER'
Class
- Pinopsida
Species

plicata
Cultivar

4EVER
Growing Zones

5-8
Height

12-18 ft
Width

3-5 ft
Sunlight
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color
- White
- Green
Leaf Color
- Yellow
- Green
- Gold
Fall Color

Golden-Green Evergreen
Bloom Period

Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 5-8

Find Your Growing Zone!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature size of Forever Goldy Arborvitae (height and width)?

Forever Goldy® Arborvitae reaches 12-18 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide at maturity. As a slower-growing variety, it takes several years to reach full size. This compact growth habit makes it ideal for smaller spaces and hedge applications where you need controlled screening.

How far apart should Forever Goldy Arborvitae be planted for a hedge or fence?

Plant Forever Goldy Arborvitae 2-3 feet apart for a dense hedge, given their mature width of 3-5 feet. This spacing works well in zones 5-8 where they thrive. For a more open screen, space them 4-5 feet apart and let them fill in naturally over time.

Does Forever Goldy Arborvitae maintain its golden color year-round, including winter?

Forever Goldy® Arborvitae keeps its stunning golden-green needle color throughout winter, creating bright splashes of gold against snow and darker evergreens. This reliable year-round color performance makes it exceptional among evergreens in zones 5-8. Plant where it gets full sun to maximize the golden hue intensity.

What are the sunlight requirements for Forever Goldy Arborvitae?

Forever Goldy® Arborvitae thrives in full sun conditions. This golden-needled evergreen needs bright sunlight to maintain its vibrant color year-round. Plant it in your sunniest location for best golden foliage development.

How often should I water a newly planted Forever Goldy Arborvitae?

Water newly planted Forever Goldy Arborvitae deeply twice weekly for the first growing season. These hardy zone 5-8 trees need consistent moisture to establish their root system. Reduce frequency once established, as they become quite drought tolerant. Shop Nature Hills for healthy specimens that establish quickly.

When and how should I fertilize Forever Goldy Arborvitae?

Fertilize Forever Goldy® Arborvitae in early spring with a balanced evergreen fertilizer. Since it's a slower-growing variety, avoid over-fertilizing which can reduce the golden coloration. Apply fertilizer around the drip line and water thoroughly.

Is Forever Goldy Arborvitae deer resistant?

Forever Goldy® Arborvitae offers moderate deer resistance, though hungry deer may still browse during harsh winters. Like most arborvitae varieties, the foliage isn't a preferred food source but isn't completely deer-proof. For added protection in high-deer areas, consider companion plantings with strongly scented herbs or install temporary barriers during establishment.

How fast does Forever Goldy Arborvitae grow?

Forever Goldy Arborvitae is a slower-growing variety that reaches 12-18 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide at maturity. This compact growth habit makes it perfect for smaller spaces and easier to maintain than faster-growing arborvitae. Plan for steady, manageable growth in zones 5-8.

Can Forever Goldy Arborvitae be grown in containers?

Yes, Forever Goldy Arborvitae grows excellently in containers due to its compact 12-18 feet tall by 3-5 feet wide mature size. It thrives in zones 5-8 and adds year-round golden color to patios, balconies, and courtyard gardens. Use a large container with good drainage for best results.

How do I plant Forever Goldy Arborvitae for best results?

Plant Forever Goldy Arborvitae in full sun with well-draining soil in zones 5-8. Space plants 3-5 feet apart for hedging, allowing room for their narrow 3-5 foot mature width. Water regularly the first year to establish roots.