White Cedar ‘Rheingold’ (2L)

Rheingold Eastern Arborvitae Thuja occidentalis ‘Rheingold’ is a standout variety of eastern arborvitae, prized for its distinctive colouring and compact growth pattern. This slow-growing evergreen conifer develops into a medium-sized, oval shrub. The foliage displays amber-yellow tones with bronze touches, becoming a striking, deeper shade during winter months.

‘Rheingold’ stands out for its bright golden-yellow foliage throughout summer, which shifts to copper or orange tones when temperatures drop, particularly in winter. The soft, feathery foliage grows in flattened sprays.

This dwarf conifer grows steadily to around 3-5 feet in height and width over ten years. Its naturally rounded, globe-like shape makes it ideal for gardeners wanting plants that need little pruning to keep their form.

Growing Conditions
‘Rheingold’ enjoys well-drained soil like other Thuja varieties and adapts to various soil types. It performs best in full sun though tolerates partial shade. Full sun helps maintain the vibrant golden colour. Once settled, it copes with both dry and moist conditions, though waterlogged sites should be avoided.

Garden Uses
The compact size and stunning colour work brilliantly for:

1. Feature Planting: Creating focal points in smaller gardens or mixed borders.
2. Foundation Planting: Around buildings or along borders.
3. Rock Gardens: Perfect size and bright colour for these settings.
4. Hedging: Effective when planted in groups.

Care
Low maintenance overall. Regular pruning isn’t needed, though light shaping helps keep a tidy appearance if you want a more formal look.

Cold Tolerance
‘Rheingold’ handles harsh winters well, surviving temperatures down to -20C.

Common Problems
Though quite robust, ‘Rheingold’ can occasionally face issues like spider mites or leaf blight, similar to other Thuja plants. Keeping an eye on the plant and acting quickly helps tackle any problems.

🇬🇧 Grown in Lancashire. Approximately 20-30cm in a 2 litre pot.