Highlights® Arborvitae

$21.99

Strong yellow foliage develops to gold in the sun and heat
Loves full sun and well-drained soil
Naturally pyramidal-columnar form with little pruning, matures to 8–20′ high x 4′ wide
Cold hardy in USDA Zones 5-8

Pot Size

2.5 Quart 2 Gallon

Description

Imagine a shrub that brightens your garden like a golden lantern—Highlights Arborvitae does just that. This upright evergreen arborvitae tree dazzles with cheerful yellow foliage that softens to lime green in winter, adding year-round texture and light to borders, hedges, or containers. Unlike ordinary conifers, Highlights brings both easy charm and tough resilience.

Why You’ll Love Highlights Arborvitae:

Highlights Arborvitae thrives in full sun to part shade, tolerates heat and humidity, and rarely asks for more than well-drained soil and a little care. It offers vibrant color and elegant form in every season—perfect for low hedges, foundation plantings, or bright accent points throughout the landscape.

How to Care for Highlights Arborvitae:

Plant in well-drained soil and water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish strong roots. Once established, Highlights Arborvitae is relatively drought tolerant, but benefits from occasional watering during extended dry periods. Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect roots. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Prune lightly in early spring to shape, if desired—otherwise, this naturally upright beauty will hold its elegant form with minimal fuss. Hardy in USDA Zones 5–8.

Care & Use

Highlights Thuja Planting Instructions

Choose the Right Spot
Select a location that receives full sun to partial shade—at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Ensure the soil drains well, as arborvitae don’t like “wet feet.”
Prepare the Soil
Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball. Loosen the soil at the bottom and sides to help roots spread easily. You can mix in compost or soil conditioner if the native soil is heavy or clay-rich.
Place the Plant
Gently remove the plant from its container and set it in the center of the hole. The top of the root ball should sit level with the surrounding soil—not buried too deep.
Backfill and Water
Backfill the hole with the native soil, lightly pressing it down to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
Mulch and Maintain
Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk. This helps conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature. Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish strong roots.

Spacing Recommendations

For a seamless hedge or privacy screen, plant Highlights Arborvitae 3 to 4 feet apart, measuring from the center of each plant. If you're using it as a stand-alone accent or specimen shrub, allow 5 to 6 feet of space around each plant to allow it room to reach its natural mature size and shape.

Scientific Name

Thuja occidentalis ‘Janed Gold’ PP21967
Hardiness Zone

5, 6, 7, 8
Sun Exposure

Full Sun to Part Shade
Evergreen or Deciduous

Evergreen
Features

Variegated, Winter / Fall Foliage Color
Feature Color

Yellow, Green
Uses

Accent, Mass Planting, Privacy Planting
Water Needs

Medium
Bloom Season

-

Growing Zones : 5, 6, 7, and 8

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