Thuja plicata 'Rogersii' (Rogersii Arborvitae)

Michael's Opinion

Thuja plicata ‘Rogersii’ is a dwarf conifer of the parent plant Thuja plicata ‘Aurea’. This much smaller version grows no more than 5 cm a year up to 120 cm in total. It is most popularly used for year-round colour interest. In full sun, the foliage develops a strong gold colour and in winter turns bronze.

Botanical Information

FamilyCupressaceae
GenusThuja
Speciesplicata
Cultivar'Rogersii'
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (evergreen)
ReferencesOuden, P. Den., and B. K. Boom. Manual of Cultivated Conifers Hardy in the Cold- and Warm-Temperature Zone. The Hague: n.p.,1965. Print. Bloom, Adrian, and Richard Bloom. Gardening with Conifers. Willowdale, Ont.: Firefly, 2002. Print.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone6b - 7a
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone6
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH6
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-21 - (-15)
Temperature (°F)-5 - 5
Height120 cm
Spread90 cm
GrowthSlow

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionIt has pale green and deeply golden foliage turning bronze in winter.
ID CharacteristicUsually no larger than 90 ⨉ 120 cm, foliage is golden yellow at the tips and yellow-green in the shrub interior, with bronze autumnl colour.
ShapeRounded.
LandscapeCreates a nice colour contrast in rock gardens. Can be used 'en masse' or as a low hedge.
CultivationPrefers full sun or partial shade and moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 4 or higher. Tolerant of any soil but prefers sandy loam. Pruning should not be necessary but if required, cut only new growth.
PestsNo serious pests or diseases of note. Scale may be a problem.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Bark/Stem DescriptionShaggy, red-brown. Usually hidden behind foliage.
Leaf DescriptionDense, scale-like, developing a stronger gold colour with more sunlight. Interior foliage is more yellow-green. Bronze autumn colour.
Flower DescriptionInsignificant.
Texture DescriptionSoft, fine.

Photographs