Species

Thuja occidentalisEastern Arborvitae Northern White Cedar

25 other cultivars

shrubN. America Native

Yellow Ribbon Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'Yellow Ribbon'

The Story

Plant Bio

Thuja occidentalis 'Yellow Ribbon' is a compact, dense evergreen conifer with fine, feathery golden-yellow foliage that retains its color throughout the year, forming a narrow, upright column.

This cultivar is prized for its vibrant yellow foliage and its ability to provide striking vertical accents in garden borders or as a specimen plant year-round.

Uses & Benefits:

Bright yellow foliage adds visual interest all year.

Drought tolerant once established makes low-maintenance landscaping easier.

Provides cover and nesting sites for birds.

SpeciesThuja occidentalisEastern Arborvitae Northern White Cedar

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

120 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Moderate once established

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

20+ years

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Foliage is toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring – Late fall

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a sunny location with well-drained soil.
Tuck seeds or cuttings into prepared soil in early spring.
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged during establishment.
Mist cuttings regularly to promote rooting, about 6 weeks.
Apply mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape.

Pro Tip

Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
Prune to shape in late winter
Mulch to conserve soil moisture
Monitor for pests and treat early

Don't

Avoid overwatering ❌
Don’t prune in late summer
Don’t plant in poorly drained soil
Refrain from fertilizing excessively

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Pest Check
Plant
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Evergreen hedge with bright yellow foliageAccent plant in sunny borders

Companion Plants

Hostas Daylilies Lavender SedumRussian Sage

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Yellow Ribbon Arborvitae questions

What zones can Yellow Ribbon Arborvitae grow in?

Yellow Ribbon 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 Yellow Ribbon Arborvitae deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Yellow Ribbon Arborvitae, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Yellow Ribbon Arborvitae bloom?

Yellow Ribbon Arborvitae typically blooms in late spring through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Yellow Ribbon Arborvitae need full sun?

Yellow Ribbon Arborvitae does best in full sun (6+ hours).