Botanical name: Thuja plicata ‘Forever Goldie’
Common name: ‘Forever Goldie’ arborvitae (syn. '4Ever Goldy' arborvitae )
USDA zones: 3 to 7 (find your zone)
Water requirement: Average, well drained soil
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 15 to 20 feet tall and 3 feet wide
Benefits and tolerances: Scorch resistant in full sun; compact growth; does not shed
Seasonal interest: Year-round
When to plant: Anytime the soil is workable from fall through spring

How to use it. Young plants are fabulous in container gardens. Try combining ‘Forever Goldie’ with cool blues, white and silver for a contemporary look or go bold with bright orange, deep red and purple.

As temperatures drop, the foliage takes on an orange cast.

This color change could inspire a monochromatic scheme using the copper-colored 'Sirocco' pheasant tail grass (Stipa arundinacea ‘Sirocco’) in containers.

A stand of redtwig dogwood shrubs (Cornus sericea) planted near this golden conifer would form a beautiful winter vignette.

‘Forever Goldie’ offers a sculptural, columnar focal point in the landscape and shines like a beacon. It partners beautifully with the dusky blue smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria 'Grace') during spring and summer (see first photograph), but when the smoke bush burns crimson in fall it is truly an unforgettable partnership.

Barberries (Berberis sp), such as 'Lime Glow' (shown here), offer a great alternative; many dwarf varieties are available for smaller gardens. Note: barberries can be invasive in some areas; check to see if it's appropriate for your region before planting.

Planting notes. Dig a hole the same depth as the root ball and twice as wide. Sprinkle bone meal in the planting hole, mix in well and backfill with the native soil, amended with some compost. Keep the soil well watered during the first two years; after that, I have found, it can take drier conditions.

For container gardens use a well-drained potting mix with approximately a 20 percent organic matter component.