Species

Thuja occidentalisEastern Arborvitae Northern White Cedar

31 other cultivars

shrubN. America Native

Highlights Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'Highlights'

$21.99

The Story

Plant Bio

Thuja occidentalis, commonly known as eastern arborvitae, is a cold-hardy evergreen conifer native to the moist forests of eastern and central North America. The species naturally develops a conical to pyramidal crown of dense, scale-like foliage sprays that emit a pleasant, sweet aroma when crushed.

'Janed Gold' is a narrow, upright cultivar distinguished by its tight, columnar habit and vibrant, sun-stable foliage. The scale-like leaves emerge bright chartreuse-yellow in spring, deepen to a rich golden-yellow in summer, and retain their bright color through winter without bronzing.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round architectural structure and striking golden-yellow color that persists through winter.

Serves as a narrow, low-maintenance privacy screen or hedge suitable for tight suburban spaces.

Offers dense, evergreen nesting sites and winter thermal cover for songbirds and small mammals.

SpeciesThuja occidentalisEastern Arborvitae Northern White Cedar

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

240"

Width

48"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Plants By Mail

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$21.99

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the soil is loose.
Set the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball sits level with or slightly above the surrounding soil.
Backfill with native soil, tamp down gently to remove air pockets, and water deeply to settle.

Pro Tip

Trim only the soft, green current-season growth when shaping; cutting back into the bare, brown interior wood prevents regeneration and leaves permanent dead spots.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first two growing seasons to establish a deep, resilient root system.
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and cool the roots.
Protect young plants from deer browsing using physical fencing or organic repellents.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained, soggy soils where standing water can trigger root rot.
Never shear deeply into old, leafless wood, as the plant cannot regenerate foliage from bare stems.
Avoid planting in exposed, windy sites where dry winter winds can cause foliage desiccation.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

HedgePrivacy ScreenSpecimen/Focal PointFoundation Planting

Companion Plants

Physocarpus opulifolius Hydrangea paniculata Coreopsis verticillata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Highlights Arborvitae questions

What zones can Highlights Arborvitae grow in?

Highlights Arborvitae is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Highlights Arborvitae deer resistant?

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

When does Highlights Arborvitae bloom?

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

Does Highlights Arborvitae need full sun?

Highlights Arborvitae does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.