Lemon Burst Arborvitae (3 Gal)

Bring a little sunshine to your garden with Lemon Burst® Arborvitae. Its bright yellow new growth and naturally full, conical shape add year-round color and timeless charm to foundation beds, garden borders, and welcoming entryways.

Developed by Dr. John Ruter at the University of Georgia, this evergreen offers resistance to Passalora/Cercospora needle blight. Its golden new growth holds its color in full sun, with warm orange tones appearing during winter in cooler climates.

Plant Details

● Botanical name: Thuja occidentalis ‘RutThu3’

● Container size: 3 gallon

● Mature size: 6–8 feet tall × 4–5 feet wide

● Light: Full sun; at least 6 hours daily

● Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–8

● Bloom: Grown for evergreen foliage rather than showy flowers

● Garden uses: Foundation planting, borders, evergreen hedges, and specimen accents

Planting & Care

Plant in moist, well-drained soil. Water deeply and regularly while roots establish, then during dry periods. Add mulch to help retain moisture, keeping it away from the trunk. Minimal pruning is needed; lightly shape within green growth and avoid cutting into bare, older wood. Apply an evergreen fertilizer in spring according to label directions.

Companion Plants

Pair with purple-flowering salvia, white-flowering perennials, and dark-green shrubs for a lovely contrast of color and texture.

A cheerful evergreen for a garden that feels as welcoming as home.