Sunkist Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Sunkist'
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
120 inches
Width
66 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7
Water
Medium
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
50+ years
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested, skin irritant
The Story
Plant Bio
An evergreen conifer forming a dense, broadly conical to pyramidal shrub. Its foliage consists of flattened sprays of aromatic, scale-like leaves. Valued for its striking golden-yellow foliage which intensifies in full sun. In winter, the foliage takes on attractive orange or bronze tints, providing year-round color and contrast in the landscape.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck young plants into prepared soil in spring or fall.
- Water thoroughly after planting and keep soil moist.
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape.
- Apply slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
- Monitor for pests and diseases regularly.
Pro Tip
Ensure well-drained soil and full sun for best growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Prune to shape in late winter
- Mulch annually to conserve moisture
- Fertilize in early spring
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not prune in late summer
- Never plant in poorly drained soil
- Avoid excessive fertilization
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Sunkist Arborvitae questions
What zones can Sunkist Arborvitae grow in?
Sunkist Arborvitae is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Sunkist Arborvitae deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Sunkist Arborvitae, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Sunkist Arborvitae bloom?
Sunkist Arborvitae typically blooms in early spring through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Sunkist Arborvitae need full sun?
Sunkist Arborvitae does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Thuja to compare
Green Giant Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Green Giant'
Emerald Green Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald Green'
Emerald Green Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd Emerald'
American Pillar Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'American Pillar'
Degroot's Spire Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Degroot'
Eastern Arborvitae Western Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Columbia'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Sunkist Arborvitae with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
