Thuja orientalis 'Aurea Nana' (Dwarf Golden Oriental Cedar)


Michael's Opinion

Thuja orentalis 'Aurea Nana' better known as the Dwarf Golden Oriental Cedar. It is a bright yellowy-green coloured evergreen that will lighten up your garden throughout the warm seasons, turning a slight brownish colour in the winter. This specimen thrives in a well-drained loam or sandy soil in full sun. Since it is a very slow growing plant it will take 20-70 plus years for it to reach its short maximum height of around 5-6 metres. It has a thin scale foliage that, from a distance makes the shrub look very puffy and almost as if it has hairs. The Dwarf Golden Oriental Cedar is subject to Bagworm and spider mites as well as other pests. This species may also be prone to canker, so keeping a good eye on it is a good idea to make sure it stays healthy. Although the plant requires a good well-drained soil to grow in, it can still do well in a low maintenance gravel or rock garden. This specimen is a great choice for gardeners who want to spice up their style when planting evergreens, its glowing yellowy-green colour and egg shaped form will surely catch a bystanders attention.

Botanical Information

FamilyCupressaceae
GenusThuja
Speciesorientalis
Cultivar'Aurea Nana'
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (evergreen)
ReferencesDirr, M. (1998). Manual of woody landscape plants: Their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses. Champaign, IL: Stipes Pub. Vermeulen, N. (1997). Encyclopaedia of trees and shrubs. Lisse, The Netherlands: Rebo Productions.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone6 - 9
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone5b - 11a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-20
Temperature (°F)-5
Height1 m
Spread1 m
GrowthSlow

Description and Growing Information

ShapeSmall, rounded and spreading.
PropagationSemi-hardwood cuttings and division.
CultivationFull sun. Moist and well-drained soil with a pH of acidic, alkaline and neutral. Prefers chalk, clay, sand and loam.
PestsCanker may be a problem. Bagworms and spider mites, scale, aphids, caterpillars, borers and mealybugs can occur.
Bark/Stem DescriptionStems and branches are small.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionThe buds are very inconspicuous and not easily seen.
Leaf DescriptionDense and flattened sprays of foliage.
Fruit DescriptionOval female cones that are 1 - 2 cm long may appear.
Colour DescriptionFoliage is a yellowish-green and may bronze in winter. The bark is a reddish-brown colour.
Texture DescriptionMedium texture.

Photographs