My Favorite Plant of the Week: Thuja Occidenalis 'Golden Tuffet'

My garden in winter is a mild and quiet place. The dwarf conifers take center stage whist the blooming perennials are snoozing.

I was feeling inspired by the sunshine that melted the morning fog yesterday, and decided to kick off the New Year by working in the garden. We had mild temperatures and I thought that if I got a head start on moving some plants around, they might just reward me with robust growth later in the year. 

While working in the garden, I noticed my Thuja Occidenalis 'Golden Tuffet'. It's color has truly turned a coppery - bronze on all of the outer tips.

Thuja Occidentalis 'Golden Tuffet'

I picked up this dwarf conifer, almost two years ago at Tsugawa Nursery in Woodland, Washington. True to it's dwarf nature, it is growing about 3" a year. A very manageable rate for my small, front garden space.

I enjoy the almost 'braided' look to the foliage, and feels soft, almost silky to the touch.

Here is an excellent description from a website called Evergreen Plant Nursery:

Overall Description

 

  Golden Tuffet Arborvitae is a dwarf Thuja selection that was reportedly discovered as a branch sport from T. occidentalis 'Rheingold'. Growth habit is somewhat squatty, almost puts you in mind of a mushroom in overall shape. Grows wider than taller. Foliage is very dense, and has an almost braided appearance. The tips eventually nod, or curve downward.......giving the entire mature plant the appearance of a pillow, or pincushion at times. Coloration is very light green at the base, changing over to a rich golden yellow color on the outer portions of the plant. Color display is best in locations with good sun exposure and a brief period of shade or filtered sun. Winter coloration is more of a dark bronze / gold......almost orange-ish.
  Very easy to grow - virtually maintenance free. Responds very well to trimming & pruning if necessary to maintain at different heights & widths. Uses include foreground plantings, low growing hedges, or lower brightly colored accents. A wonderful little Arborvitae variety that is quite hard to come by.

 

 

Plant Facts & Specifications

 

Mature Height: 2-3 ft

 

Mature Width:  3-4 ft.

 

Growth rate: Slow to moderate ( 3"- 6" avg per yr )

 

Hardiness Zones:  4-8 ( if unsure of your zone, please use zone finder below )

 

Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

 

Soil Preference: Average to slightly sandy - well drained

 

Foliage Color & Texture: Very soft, delicate textured foliage that has a braided, almost twisted cordlike appearance. Color is bright lime green on the interior & base, changing over to a brilliant golden yellow on the exterior. Some winter bronzing will occur in colder climates, which gives the plant a darker gold / bronze color......almost coppery or dark orange.

I was attracted to this little plant when I saw it in the spring, with bright, lime green color. The color fades through the summer and I've been rewarded with this gorgeous winter copper color.

Thuja Occidentalis 'Golden Tuffet' sits newly planted right behind the solar light in fall 2012

This is a delightful little conifer and I recommend it to anyone looking for year a small evergreen. It has been fairly maintenance free, and with it's lovely color changing quality, what more could you ask? :)

It felt wonderful to pop around the garden yesterday. I'm definitely in the mood to acquire more dwarf conifers. They provide unobtrusive structure and year round color. Perfect-o.

Visit Danger Garden for more 'favorite plants of the week' posts.

Cheers, Jenni