Plant Primer: Yellow Ribbon arborvitae

Yellow Ribbon arborvitae

Light: Full sun to partial shade

Height: 10 feet

Spread: 4 feet

USDA Hardiness Zone: 3

Origin: North American selection

Central Ohio winters can be so dark, but Yellow Ribbon arborvitae (also known as Thuja occidentalis "Yellow Ribbon") can be a bright spot.

The small leaves (scales) overlap, giving this shrub a texture similar to fish skin.

New foliage emerges a brilliant yellow, and will stay this color as it ages throughout that season. In the dark of winter, it turns slightly more golden.

Overall, the foliage is a 50-50 mix of dark green and bright yellow, with more yellow coloring where it gets the most sunshine.

The Yellow Ribbon arborvitae is an upright evergreen, making it a worthy choice for screening an unsightly garden area or as a colorful specimen in the garden border.

This arborvitae keeps a distinct pyramidal shape with no maintenance and keeps its branches to the ground.

See the Yellow Ribbon arborvitae during a winter walk through the Crane Ornamental Grass and Conifer Collection at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

— Barbara Arnold

Franklin Park Conservatory