Franky Boy Chinese Arborvitae
Thuja orientalis 'Franky Boy'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
78 inches
Width
42 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low to medium
Humidity
Adaptable
Lifespan
Long-lived shrub
Native To
China, Korea (species)
Toxicity
Mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities.
The Story
Plant Bio
Chinese Arborvitae are evergreen conifers known for their scale-like leaves arranged in flattened, vertical sprays. They are typically very heat and drought tolerant. 'Franky Boy' is a highly unusual cultivar with fine, thread-like, chartreuse-to-gold foliage on a shaggy, pyramidal form. It has an airy, almost weeping texture that sets it apart from all other arborvitae.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a site that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
- Ensure the soil is very well-drained.
- Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the root ball.
- Set the plant in the hole, keeping the root flare at soil level.
- Backfill with soil and water thoroughly to settle.
- Water regularly for the first year until established.
Pro Tip
Provide full sun for the best golden color; in too much shade, the foliage will turn green and the plant may become sparse.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide excellent drainage.
- Plant in full sun for best color.
- Protect from heavy snow loads that can splay the branches.
- Water deeply but infrequently once established.
Don't
- Don't plant in wet or heavy clay soils.
- Don't plant in a shady location.
- Don't prune heavily, as it can ruin the natural form.
- Don't allow it to dry out completely during establishment.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Franky Boy Chinese Arborvitae questions
What zones can Franky Boy Chinese Arborvitae grow in?
Franky Boy Chinese Arborvitae is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Franky Boy Chinese Arborvitae deer resistant?
Yes — Franky Boy Chinese Arborvitae is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Franky Boy Chinese Arborvitae bloom?
Franky Boy Chinese 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 Franky Boy Chinese Arborvitae need full sun?
Franky Boy Chinese Arborvitae does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Franky Boy Chinese Arborvitae drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Franky Boy Chinese Arborvitae handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Thuja to compare
Green Giant Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Green Giant'
Emerald Green Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald Green'
Emerald Green Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd Emerald'
American Pillar Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'American Pillar'
Degroot's Spire Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Degroot'
Eastern Arborvitae Western Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Columbia'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Franky Boy Chinese 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.
