The Story
Plant Bio
Platycladus orientalis, commonly known as the oriental arborvitae, is a slow-growing evergreen conifer native to East Asia that develops a dense, conical to broadly oval crown. The species features distinctive vertically oriented, flattened sprays of scale-like foliage and small, woody cones with hooked scales.
'Aurea Nana' is a compact, dwarf cultivar that reaches up to five feet in height with a rounded, egg-shaped habit. Its scale-like foliage emerges bright golden-yellow in spring, matures to a soft green-yellow in summer, and develops a bronze cast during the winter months.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
59"
Width
35"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Long
Native To
Asia
Toxicity
Mildly toxic if ingested
Bloom period
Spring
In flower about 3 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site in full sun with excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the root flare sits slightly above the surrounding soil level.
- Backfill with native soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
- Apply a two-inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent moisture retention against the bark.
Pro Tip
Prune only the soft, outer green growth to maintain shape; cutting back into the old, leafless brown wood inside the canopy prevents regeneration and leaves permanent bare patches.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during the first two growing seasons to establish a deep root system.
- Plant in a location sheltered from harsh, drying winter winds in colder zones.
- Ensure the soil drains rapidly to protect the roots from fungal pathogens.
Don't
- Do not prune into the bare, woody interior of the branches.
- Do not over-fertilize, as excessive nutrients cause loose, floppy growth that ruins the tight form.
- Do not plant in low-lying areas where water pools after rain.
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
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Dwarf Golden Arborvitae questions
What zones can Dwarf Golden Arborvitae grow in?
Dwarf Golden Arborvitae is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Dwarf Golden Arborvitae deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Dwarf Golden Arborvitae, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Dwarf Golden Arborvitae bloom?
Dwarf Golden 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 Dwarf Golden Arborvitae need full sun?
Dwarf Golden Arborvitae does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Dwarf Golden Arborvitae drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Dwarf Golden Arborvitae handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Dwarf Golden 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.