The ‘Sunkist’ variety is a broad-pyramidal type that exhibits foliage that is lemon yellow in the spring and then intensifies to an orange-yellow in the winter. It normally reaches maturity at 6–10 feet tall and 5-8 feet broad. It is known as Thuja occidentalis.
Sunkist Arborvitae is a spectacular evergreen shrub for residential landscaping, since it keeps a dense, compact pyramidal structure without pruning, with bright golden leaves throughout the year, and is a superb color accent; it is resilient and adaptable, preferring ample sun and protection from drying winds; it grows best in full sun and tolerates dry winds.
The Sunkist Arborvitae is a dense evergreen shrub with many stems that grow in a pyramid shape. It stands out amongst other landscape plants in the garden because of its beautiful texture.
This is a high-maintenance shrub that requires constant care and maintenance. When necessary, cut only the most recent season’s growth and get rid of any dieback.
Sunkist Arborvitae Growth Rate
At maturity, Sunkist Arborvitae is expected to reach a height of 10 feet. It is good for planting underneath power lines because it likes to fill out directly to the ground, negating the need for facer plants in front. It grows slowly and possesses a lifespan of roughly 30 years under optimal conditions.
This shrub does well in conditions ranging from full sun to light shade. It tends to grow in ordinary to wet circumstances and is not allowed to dry out. It does not exhibit any preferences regarding the pH of the soil or the type of soil. It survives in metropolitan areas with minor pollution, but it does best when planted in a protected spot. To prevent the roots from freezing in the winter, a thick layer of mulch is mostly applied around the base of the plant in areas where the temperature drops significantly.
Sunkist Arborvitae Care
When transplanting a Thuja into the garden, the most important consideration is proper irrigation. Depending on the size and age of the plant, different amounts of water are required. You should water these trees every other day for at least a few minutes on each root ball because we sell them as mature plants with fairly large root balls. After completely soaking the Thuja root balls, it is recommended to add liquid fertilizer to promote new development.
Sunkist Arborvitae Problems
Browning is the most common problem gardeners experience with Thuja. If the leaf of the new plant changes from green to dull brown, there is a problem. The core cause of problems is frequently a lack of water for the root system.
To fix the problem, it is advised to water the plant more frequently and remove any leaves that are brown or yellow by performing some pruning. No matter the conditions, Thuja experiences some natural browning, but pruning and fertilization aid in the production of new leaves each year.
Utilize mulch to safeguard the roots and maintain ideal moisture levels to prevent drying of Thuja throughout the winter when watering is not required.
Sunkist Arborvitae Diseases
This plant is commonly harmed by deer. Bagworms, cankerworms, leaf blight, and leaf miners are some of the pests that mostly attack this plant. The main issues it faces are bark insects, canker diseases, and inadequate water management. Arborvitae is subject to root rot because of poor drainage, saturated soil, and warm weather. Root rot illnesses are also encouraged when hedge plants are planted too deeply or when the soil is compacted or pure clay.
