Thuja Plicata Forever Goldy #3

We’d like to introduce you to the cure for the common evergreen: the ‘Forever Goldy’ Arborvitae. Most arborvitaes are strictly utilitarian -- they are just green walls meant to hide your neighbor’s shed. But ‘Forever Goldy’ is a centerpiece. It features soft, feathery foliage that is a bright, electric yellow-gold. And the name isn't false advertising -- it stays that way. It doesn’t fade in the summer heat, and it doesn't turn that ugly bronze color in January. It is sunny yellow gold 365 days a year.

If you’ve struggled with plants dying on you during a hot Piedmont Triad summer, you need to switch to this plant. ‘Forever Goldy’ is a Thuja plicata (Western Red Cedar). Why does that matter? Plicata varieties are generally much more heat and humidity-tolerant than the standard arborvitae sold at big-box stores. It handles our heavy clay and our muggy Augusts without skipping a beat.

Why We Recommend It:

• Not Deer Candy: We have to be careful here—hungry deer will taste almost anything—but ‘Forever Goldy’ is known to be much more deer-resistant than the standard arborvitae. Its foliage has a distinct scent that deer tend to dislike, making it a safer bet for those of you living near the woods in King or Pilot Mountain.

• The Perfect Privacy Size: The famous ‘Green Giant’ Arborvitae is great, but it gets massive (like, 40 feet tall). ‘Forever Goldy’ is much more polite. It tops out around 10 to 12 feet, making it perfect for screening a patio or blocking a view without blocking the sun for your entire yard.

• Winter Cheerful: In Winter, most landscapes look dreary. This plant looks like it’s glowing. The winter color actually deepens to a rich orange-gold rather than fading. It pairs beautifully with the dark green of hollies or boxwoods.

Best Used For:

• Privacy screens (plant them 3-4 feet apart).

• Vertical accents on the corners of the house.

• Flanking a driveway or entryway.

• A bright focal point in a mixed border.

The Specs:

• Growth Rate: Moderate (faster than boxwoods, slower than Green Giants).

• Mature Size: Upright; 10–12 ft tall x 3–3.5 ft wide.

• Sun/Soil: Full Sun is required for that bright gold color. It appreciates moist, well-drained soil (mulch heavily to keep roots cool!).

Ready to Learn More? Check out the full technical details on the NC State Extension Plant Toolbox, or come talk with us at Mitchell’s Nursery!