Species

Thuja plicataWestern Red Cedar

4 other cultivars

treeN. America Native

4Ever Goldy Arborvitae

Thuja plicata '4Ever'

The Story

Plant Bio

Thuja plicata, or Western Redcedar, is a large, conical evergreen conifer native to the Pacific Northwest. It features aromatic, scale-like leaves in flattened sprays and is valued for its majestic stature and rot-resistant wood.

'4Ever', sold as 4Ever® Goldy, is a striking cultivar with brilliant golden-yellow foliage that intensifies in winter instead of bronzing. It maintains a tight, narrow, pyramidal habit, making it an excellent vertical accent.

Uses & Benefits:

The primary value of '4Ever Goldy' is its stunning, year-round golden color that provides a brilliant contrast to green and blue conifers. Its narrow, upright form makes it a dramatic focal point or 'exclamation point' in the garden.

Because of its tight, columnar habit, it is an excellent choice for creating a colorful screen in narrow side yards or other tight spaces where a wider tree would not fit. It requires minimal pruning to keep its shape.

Like other arborvitaes, it offers dense cover and potential nesting sites for small birds. Its improved deer resistance makes it a more reliable choice for wildlife-friendly gardens in areas with high deer populations.

SpeciesThuja plicataWestern Red Cedar

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

216 inches

Width

54 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Prefers moderate to high

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Western North America (species)

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with full sun and moist, well-drained, fertile soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at soil level.
Backfill with the excavated soil, firming it down gently.
Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch over the root zone.

Pro Tip

Plant in a location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to develop and maintain its most intense golden color.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent water, especially during the first few years and in dry spells.
Protect from harsh, drying winter winds if in an exposed location.
Mulch to keep the root zone cool and moist.
Give it space to grow to its mature size without crowding.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged soil.
Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can cause foliage burn.
Don't plant in deep shade, as the foliage will turn greenish and sparse.
Avoid excessive fertilization, which can lead to weak growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Bright golden vertical accentColorful specimen for tight spacesUnique, vibrant privacy screen

Companion Plants

Berberis thunbergii 'Crimson Pygmy'Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Chip'Picea abies 'Pumila'Heuchera 'Obsidian'Sedum 'Angelina'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

4Ever Goldy Arborvitae questions

What zones can 4Ever Goldy Arborvitae grow in?

4Ever Goldy 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 4Ever Goldy Arborvitae deer resistant?

Yes — 4Ever Goldy Arborvitae is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does 4Ever Goldy Arborvitae bloom?

4Ever Goldy Arborvitae typically blooms in late spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does 4Ever Goldy Arborvitae need full sun?

4Ever Goldy Arborvitae does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.