Gold Tip Arborvitae is a popular evergreen shrub known for its unique visual appeal and year-round interest. This conifer offers vibrant color and a structured form, making it a versatile and relatively easy-care addition to many landscapes.
Characteristics of Gold Tip Arborvitae
Gold Tip Arborvitae exhibits a broadly pyramidal or upright, conical growth habit, reaching 8 to 15 feet tall with a 3 to 6-foot spread. Its foliage is medium to dark green with distinctive golden-yellow tips. This golden color is vivid on new growth, intensifies with sun exposure, and remains vibrant year-round. Densely packed, scale-like leaves provide a lush texture, complemented by reddish-brown bark that gains texture with age.
Planting and Growing Conditions
Gold Tip Arborvitae thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to maximize its golden foliage color. While it tolerates partial shade, excessive shade leads to sparser growth and less vibrant coloration.
It prefers moist, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-8.0). Good drainage is important; consistently wet conditions cause root rot. When planting, dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball, ensuring the top is level with or slightly above the soil surface. After placing, backfill halfway, water thoroughly to settle soil and remove air pockets, then complete backfilling.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Consistent watering is important, especially during the first growing season, to establish a deep root system. Established plants need consistently moist, not soggy, soil and may require deep watering during dry spells. Wilting or browning foliage indicates thirst.
Fertilization supports healthy growth; apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring. Spread fertilizer to the drip line, avoiding the trunk, and water thoroughly for absorption. While Gold Tip Arborvitae naturally maintains a pyramidal shape, light pruning in late winter or early spring can shape the plant or control its size. Avoid heavy pruning into older, bare wood, as new growth may not emerge.
Landscaping Applications
Gold Tip Arborvitae’s distinctive golden-tipped foliage and upright form make it versatile for landscaping. Its dense, pyramidal habit creates effective privacy screens and hedges. As a specimen plant, its vibrant color provides a focal point in garden beds or mixed borders. It is also suitable for foundation plantings, adding year-round color and structure near buildings. Its moderate size and striking appearance allow its use in smaller gardens or as an accent in larger designs, enhancing the landscape even in winter by maintaining color through cooler months.
Common Issues and Solutions
Gold Tip Arborvitae can face issues from pests like spider mites and bagworms. Spider mites feed on foliage, causing yellow stippling and fine webbing, especially in dry conditions. Hosing the plant with a strong water stream helps manage spider mites. Bagworms are caterpillars that create cone-shaped bags from plant debris, defoliating branches. Manual removal of bags before larvae hatch is effective.
Environmental stresses also affect Gold Tip Arborvitae. Winter burn, where foliage turns yellow-brown, can occur in exposed sites due to desiccation from cold, dry winds. Ensuring adequate soil moisture, especially in late fall, helps prevent winter burn. Overwatering or poorly drained soil leads to root rot, causing yellowing foliage and decline. Proper site selection with good drainage and monitoring soil moisture are important preventative measures.