Thuja occidentalis ‘Pyramidalis Aurea’

Botanical Name: Thuja occidentalis ‘Pyramidalis Aurea’
Mature Height: 3-4m
Mature Spread: 1-1.5m
Growth Rate: Moderate
Foliage Colour: Golden-yellow to bright green
Hardiness: Fully hardy to -25°C
Soil: Moist, well-drained, tolerates most soil types
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Evergreen: Yes

Like a golden sentinel standing guard in the garden, Thuja Pyramidalis Aurea brings architectural elegance and year-round luminosity to Irish landscapes with its naturally perfect pyramidal form and stunning golden foliage. This magnificent conifer transforms throughout the seasons, displaying brilliant golden-yellow new growth in spring that gradually mellows to rich green, creating a beautiful tapestry of colour that catches and holds the light in the most enchanting way.

The dense, scale-like foliage forms naturally neat, upright columns that require no pruning to maintain their elegant shape, making this the perfect choice for gardeners seeking formal structure without the maintenance demands. Each branch layers gracefully upon the next, creating a living sculpture that adds instant maturity and sophistication to any planting scheme.

Perfectly suited to Ireland’s climate, this hardy beauty thrives in our changeable weather conditions and tolerates both urban pollution and coastal exposure with remarkable resilience. Whether planted as a striking specimen tree, used to create formal avenues, or incorporated into mixed borders for vertical interest, Thuja Pyramidalis Aurea brings that coveted sense of timeless elegance that transforms ordinary gardens into extraordinary landscapes.

Planting: Choose a position in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-draining soil. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth. Plant at the same level as it was in the container. Water thoroughly after planting and apply a 5cm layer of organic mulch, keeping it clear of the trunk.

Care & Maintenance: Water regularly during the first two growing seasons to establish a strong root system. Once established, relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from watering during extended dry periods. Feed with a balanced evergreen fertiliser in early spring to enhance golden foliage colour.

Pruning: Rarely requires pruning due to its naturally perfect shape. If necessary, light trimming can be done in late spring, but avoid cutting into old wood as it may not regenerate. Remove any dead or damaged branches as needed.

Companion Planting: Stunning as a backdrop for colourful perennials and shrubs. Pairs beautifully with purple or blue flowering plants like lavender or catmint for striking colour contrasts. Excellent alongside other architectural evergreens for formal garden schemes or mixed with deciduous shrubs for seasonal interest.

Seasonal Interest: Spring showcases brilliant golden new growth, summer maintains rich colour variation, autumn brings subtle bronze tints to older foliage, and winter provides essential evergreen structure and golden highlights in the dormant garden.