Thuja occidentalis ‘Rheingold’ (30/12/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun
Flowering period: Spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 2.5m
Eventual Spread: 1.5m
Hardiness: 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Family: Cupressaceae
Thuja occidentalis ‘Rheingold’ is a slow growing evergreen coniferous shrub or small tree with a spreading habit. Its yellow green leaves are scale like, up to 5mm long, forms flat sprays, are borne on growing lead shoots and smell of pineapple when crushed. Its leaves may become bronzed during the winter months. Its flowers are monoecious and insignificant. Its fruit are cones, up to 15mm long, 5mm broad and initially green/ yellow become brown autumn.
Thuja occidentalis ‘Rheingold’ Leaf (30/12/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
The species Thuja occidentalis, commonly known as White Cedar, Atlantic White Cedar or Arborvitae, is native to the north east United States and south east of Canada. In its native habitat it grows in wet forests and other locations where completion from other trees is low.
The etymological root of the binomial name Thuja is derived from the Greek thuo meaning ‘to sacrifice’, in reference to the wood being burned with animal sacrifices by the ancient Greek to add a pleasing aroma to the fire. Occidentalis
The landscape architect may find Thuja occidentalis ‘Rheingold’ useful as a slow growing evergreen plant with an architectural habit. It may also be used as a hedging species.
Ecologically, Thuja occidentalis ‘Rheingold’ is of little wildlife value in the UK.
Thuja occidentalis ‘Rheingold’ Seed (30/12/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
The Royal Horticultural Society has given Thuja occidentalis ‘Rheingold’ their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
Thuja occidentalis ‘Rheingold’ prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Thuja occidentalis ‘Rheingold’ requires little maintenance. If being maintained as a hedge it should be trimmed once a year in early August.