Thuja orientalis 'Golden Ball'
shrub

Golden Ball Arborvitae

Thuja orientalis 'Golden Ball'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

30 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

20+ years

Native To

China, Korea, Russia

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Thuja orientalis 'Golden Ball' is a compact, evergreen conifer with dense, bright golden-yellow foliage that forms a rounded, ball-shaped shrub, maintaining its vibrant color throughout the year. This cultivar is prized for its low-growing, spherical form and striking golden hue, making it an excellent choice for bright accents in small gardens or containers.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides year-round visual interest with its dense, golden foliage, especially striking in winter.
Practical UsesActs as a natural windbreak and privacy screen.
Ecological BenefitsSupports local bird populations with its dense foliage.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

  1. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
  2. Tuck seeds or cuttings into soil, water thoroughly.
  3. Maintain consistent moisture for 6 weeks after planting.
  4. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
  5. Prune lightly in early spring to maintain shape.
  6. Transplant in early spring or fall for best results.

Pro Tip

Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly during dry spells ๐ŸŒฑ
  • Prune to shape in early spring โœ‚๏ธ
  • Mulch to retain moisture and temperature โ„๏ธ

Don't

  • Overwater to avoid root rot โŒ
  • Ignore pruning; shape helps maintain health โŒ
  • Plant in poorly drained soil; causes disease โŒ

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Evergreen hedge with golden tintAccent plant in winter borders

Companion Plants

Juniper Boxwood Lavender Sedum ornamental grasses

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Golden Ball Arborvitae questions

What zones can Golden Ball Arborvitae grow in?

Golden Ball Arborvitae is hardy in USDA Zones 6โ€“9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Golden Ball Arborvitae deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Golden Ball Arborvitae, especially tender spring growth โ€” plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Golden Ball Arborvitae bloom?

Golden Ball Arborvitae typically blooms in spring through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone โ€” Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Golden Ball Arborvitae need full sun?

Golden Ball Arborvitae does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Golden Ball Arborvitae drought tolerant?

Yes โ€” once established (usually after the first full season), Golden Ball Arborvitae handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Golden Ball 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.

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