Oriental arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis 'Aurea Nana')

Overview

The Platycladus orientalis ‘Aurea Nana’, commonly known as Oriental arborvitae, is a highly valued dwarf evergreen for landscape structure and year-round color. This compact cultivar features charming, scale-like foliage that emerges bright golden-yellow, adding necessary brightness to shady or mixed borders. Unlike the sometimes towering species form, the ‘Aurea Nana’ remains manageable, fitting well into smaller garden footprints.

This specific variety of Oriental arborvitae offers reliable density, forming a rounded shape that resists the more columnar habit seen in older specimens. Its brilliant coloration is a key feature, ensuring visual interest throughout the season, though the golden hue may bronze slightly during harsh winter conditions. Successful culture of Platycladus orientalis ‘Aurea Nana’ relies on appropriate siting away from harsh winter winds.

As a slow-growing, low-maintenance option, the Platycladus orientalis ‘Aurea Nana’ provides excellent textural contrast against broadleaf shrubs or perennial groupings. Gardeners seeking year-round structure combined with bright, manageable size will find this cultivar an excellent addition to foundation plantings or rock gardens.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Cupressaceae
• Plant Type: Needled evergreen
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 2-5 ft
  • Spread: 2-4 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

Planting Platycladus orientalis ‘Aurea Nana’ is best achieved in spring or early fall, allowing the roots time to establish before extreme temperatures hit. The most critical cultural requirement for this Oriental arborvitae is well-drained soil; avoid areas where water pools after rain. Ensure the planting location provides fertile, medium moisture soil and ideally receives full sun, though it tolerates some light afternoon shade, which will slightly mute the golden foliage color.

Watering is straightforward for this medium-water-need plant. Provide consistent moisture, especially during establishment and throughout hot, dry summer periods. Once established, deep watering when the top few inches of soil dry out is usually sufficient. While fertilizer is often unnecessary if the soil is rich, a balanced, slow-release evergreen food applied in early spring can encourage vibrant color production throughout the growing season.

Pay close attention to siting, particularly in cooler parts of its range. The tag notes that Platycladus orientalis ‘Aurea Nana’ is reportedly less winter hardy than the species, and it strongly appreciates good air circulation. In regions susceptible to harsh winter winds, site plants in locations sheltered from frequent, drying gusts, as this is key to preventing foliage burn and branch breakage. Pruning is generally minimal as this is a dwarf cultivar, but stray branches can be lightly corrective pruned in early spring.

Landscape Uses

The compact, naturally rounded habit of the Platycladus orientalis ‘Aurea Nana’ makes it versatile in modern landscapes. Due to its manageable height (2 to 5 feet), it excels when used as a low border plant along walkways or defining the edge of a flower bed where taller evergreens would cause shadowing. It functions splendidly as an accent specimen, allowing its golden foliage to pop against dark mulch or deep green background plantings.

For homeowners needing year-round structure, this variety is excellent for foundation plantings near the home, providing consistent visual weight without blocking windows. Although it is well-suited for hedges, gardeners should anticipate a slow, dense growth rate when planning spacing. Furthermore, the container gardening potential of the Platycladus orientalis ‘Aurea Nana’ is high, making it perfect for brightening patios or entries when planted in decorative pots.

Standout Features

Noteworthy Characteristics

Platycladus orientalis, commonly called oriental thuja or oriental arborvitae, is known for its scale-like, flattened sprays of foliage that shift from yellowish-green when young to darker shades with age, often bronzing subtly in winter. The cultivar called ‘Aurea Nana’ is a compact, dwarf variety, typically reaching only about 5 feet tall, noted specifically for its golden yellow foliage sprays. This cultivar is sometimes recognized under the trade name BERCKMAN’S GOLDEN ARBORVITAE, offering excellent visual texture year-round.

Tolerances

• Branches may be broken from snow weight in winter

Potential Problems

Healthy, well-maintained plants sited in proper growing environments usually have few major problems. Watch for bagworms and spider mites. Scales, aphids, caterpillars, borers and mealybugs may appear. Branches may be broken from snow weight in winter. Promptly treat infestations by applying appropriate insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils as recommended for conifers. Reducing overhead snow load gently in winter can mitigate structural damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Oriental arborvitae suitable for?

The Platycladus orientalis ‘Aurea Nana’ is generally suitable for USDA Zones 6 through 9, though caution should be applied to ensure winter protection in Zone 6.

How large does Platycladus orientalis ‘Aurea Nana’ grow?

This dwarf variety is relatively small, typically reaching a mature height between 2 and 5 feet, with a spread ranging from 2 to 4 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Platycladus orientalis ‘Aurea Nana’ need?

For the best golden foliage color, this Oriental arborvitae requires full sun, though it can tolerate partial shade conditions.

When does Oriental arborvitae bloom?

Platycladus orientalis ‘Aurea Nana’ is classified as non-flowering; it produces cones rather than typical blossoms.

Conclusion

The Platycladus orientalis ‘Aurea Nana’ offers exceptional value through its compact size, manageable maintenance, and vibrant golden foliage that brightens the garden year-round. As a superior cultivar of the Oriental arborvitae, it serves beautifully in formal settings, mixed borders, or containers. Before planting, confirm your site falls within USDA Zones 6-9 and provides adequate shelter from harsh winter winds to ensure the long-term health of your Platycladus orientalis ‘Aurea Nana’.

Companion Planting

When selecting companions for the Platycladus orientalis ‘Aurea Nana’, focus on plants that contrast effectively with its fine texture and golden color. Darker green, broadleaf evergreens provide a superb backdrop, highlighting the ‘Aurea Nana’s’ bright sprays. Consider pairing it with low-growing Japanese maples (Acer palmatum cultivars) for textural variance or using dark purple Heuchera underneath for perennial color contrast near foundation plantings. Ensure all companions share similar needs for medium water and well-drained soil to prevent cultural conflicts.

Design Ideas

The structure of this dwarf evergreen lends itself well to formal or semi-formal design aesthetics. Use rows of Platycladus orientalis ‘Aurea Nana’ to create a low, informal hedge that defines property lines without creating a visual wall. In contemporary gardens, group odd numbers (threes or fives) together near entryways to anchor hardscaping elements. Because of its slow growth, it is an excellent choice for Japanese-style or Zen gardens where careful placement and restrained size are paramount to the overall visual harmony.