Oriental arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis 'Collen's Gold')

Overview

Platycladus orientalis ‘Collen’s Gold’ is a highly desirable, compact cultivar prized for its narrow, columnar growth habit, making it an excellent choice for constrained garden spaces. Commonly known as Oriental arborvitae, this needled evergreen provides year-round color contrast with its striking yellow-orange scale-like foliage. The cultivar slowly develops its defined shape, offering lasting architectural interest without the sprawling nature of some larger relatives.

The appeal of Platycladus orientalis ‘Collen’s Gold’ lies in its relatively small stature and consistent color display, which brightens shaded corners during the winter months when foliage bronzes. As a member of the Cupressaceae family, it offers reliable evergreen texture, valued for vertical accents in formal or contemporary landscape designs.

Gardeners appreciate this Oriental arborvitae for its moderate growth rate and ability to maintain a tidy, upright silhouette, minimizing the need for constant shearing. Ensure proper siting to promote good air circulation, which helps maintain the health of the dense foliage mass of Platycladus orientalis ‘Collen’s Gold’.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Cupressaceae
• Plant Type: Needled evergreen
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 5-10 ft
  • Spread: 2-3 ft
• Bloom Time: Non-flowering
• Bloom Description: Non-flowering
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

The best time to plant Platycladus orientalis ‘Collen’s Gold’ is typically in spring after the danger of hard frost has passed, or in early fall to allow root establishment before winter dormancy. Locate plants where they receive plenty of sunlight but can tolerate some light afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. This Oriental arborvitae requires fertile, medium-moisture, well-drained soils to thrive. Good air circulation is highly recommended for long-term plant health.

Watering should be regular, especially during establishment and periods of hot, dry weather, as Platycladus orientalis ‘Collen’s Gold’ demands medium water input. Avoid overly saturated soils which can lead to root issues. While fertilization is generally not mandatory once established, a spring application of balanced evergreen fertilizer can encourage vibrant color. Minimal pruning is usually required, focusing only on removing dead or crossing interior branches to maintain air flow.

Gardeners in the northern limits of USDA Zone 5 should exercise caution, as plants may not always be reliably winter hardy across the entire zone range. Site locations sheltered from strong winter winds, referencing St. Louis practice, to prevent potential desiccation or snow damage to the brittle branch structure. Protect plants during their first few winters if planted late in the season.

Landscape Uses

Platycladus orientalis ‘Collen’s Gold’ excels as a standout vertical accent, perfectly sized for narrow spaces where height is desired but width is limited. Its compact, columnar structure makes it an ideal candidate for framing doorways or flanking entryways where symmetry is desired. Furthermore, this Oriental arborvitae can be utilized effectively in rock gardens, adding critical year-round green (or gold/orange) structure among stones and lower-growing perennials.

Due to its relatively modest spread, it integrates well into foundation plantings, providing softened vertical relief against structure walls without obscuring architectural details. Consider planting several Platycladus orientalis ‘Collen’s Gold’ in repeating patterns along a path to establish strong linear rhythm. Pair the gold tones with deep green or blue-foliaged companions, such as dwarf spruces or blue fescues, to maximize seasonal texture contrast.

Standout Features

Noteworthy Characteristics

Platycladus orientalis, commonly known as oriental thuja or oriental arborvitae, often grows as a large shrub or a dense, conical tree, though cultivars like ‘Collen’s Gold’ are significantly more compact. The foliage features attractive scale-like leaves in flattened sprays that shift from yellowish-green when young to darker green with age, potentially bronzing in winter. This cultivar maintains a notably narrow upright form, slowly reaching 6-8 feet over a decade, prized for its dense structure and oval cones.

Tolerances

• Appreciates good air circulation

Potential Problems

When sited correctly, healthy Platycladus orientalis ‘Collen’s Gold’ generally avoids severe issues. However, gardeners should remain vigilant for common pests such as bagworms and spider mites, especially when the plant is under stress from drought. Other potential insect activity includes scales, aphids, caterpillars, borers, and mealybugs; regular scouting helps catch infestations early. A physical consideration is the potential for branches to break under heavy snow load, so it is wise to gently brush off significant accumulations during winter storms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Oriental arborvitae suitable for?

Platycladus orientalis ‘Collen’s Gold’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9, though extra protection from harsh winter winds is advised in Zone 5.

How large does Platycladus orientalis ‘Collen’s Gold’ grow?

This cultivar matures slowly, typically reaching heights between 5 and 10 feet with a narrow spread of 2 to 3 feet.

What sun exposure does Oriental arborvitae need?

This plant performs best with full sun exposure but demonstrates good tolerance for part shade conditions.

When does Platycladus orientalis ‘Collen’s Gold’ bloom?

This ornamental conifer is non-flowering, meaning it does not produce traditional flowers or showy blooms, relying instead on its evergreen foliage for aesthetic appeal.

Conclusion

Platycladus orientalis ‘Collen’s Gold’ offers exceptional vertical structure and year-round golden-tinged interest, making it a standout option for limited planting locations. This particular Oriental arborvitae cultivar provides a refined, narrow form that enhances any landscape composition. Ensure you choose a site that respects its need for well-drained soil and moderate moisture, and check that your location falls within USDA Zones 5-9 before planting out your Platycladus orientalis ‘Collen’s Gold’.

Companion Planting

When integrating Platycladus orientalis ‘Collen’s Gold’ into a mixed border, choosing companions that contrast its upright habit and fine texture is key. Consider utilizing low-growing, mounding hostas with deep blue or variegated foliage to create a strong visual base beneath the golden sprays. Taller, deciduous shrubs with contrasting leaf shapes, such as Japanese maples (Acer palmatum cultivars), can be placed slightly behind the Oriental arborvitae to frame it effectively during the growing season.

For color contrast, drift drifts of low-spreading sedums or creeping thyme around the base of the conifer where they can tolerate the slight shadow cast by the columnar form. Ensure companions share the medium water requirements of the Platycladus orientalis ‘Collen’s Gold’ to streamline irrigation needs across the planting area.

Design Ideas

The inherent upright nature of Platycladus orientalis ‘Collen’s Gold’ lends itself perfectly to contemporary and formal landscape designs where repetition and clean lines are valued. Use pairs of these evergreens to flank an architectural feature, such as a garden door or a water feature, defining the entrance point. In small urban gardens, a single specimen can act as a focal point, drawing the eye upwards and creating vertical dynamism in a confined space.

For a low-maintenance screen where width is prohibited, plant several Platycladus orientalis ‘Collen’s Gold’ along a property line, allowing their narrow profiles to merge over time into a soft, golden-hued boundary marker. Their slow growth rate means they will maintain their intended shape far longer than many faster-growing screening plants.