Thuja orientalis Pyramidalis Aurea

Thuja orientalis Pyramidalis 'Aurea' is interesting for its narrow and regular pyramid shape, its moderate growth, and its evergreen foliage that changes colour: light yellow to golden in spring and autumn, greener in summer, and takes on lovely shades of orange to copper in winter, bringing a beautiful warm hue to the garden at a time when flowers are rare. With a medium size, this conifer fits well in gardens of all sizes. It can be planted as a specimen, in a border, or as a hedge.

Thuja orientalis is an evergreen conifer from the cypress family native to China, but naturally occurring from Iran to Japan. In the wild, it reaches a height of 12 to 20 metres (39 to 66 feet), adopting a beautiful pyramidal habit, spreading branches, and ascending branches that start from the base of the trunk. Its foliage, which persists in winter, has a pleasant scent. It is a perfectly hardy species, well adapted to temperate climates and fairly poor, even dry soils. As it tolerates pruning well, this conifer is often used as a hedge. Its fragrant wood is used for construction work and as incense in Buddhist temples.

The 'Pyramidalis Aurea' variety stands out with its reduced size, narrower habit, and beautiful foliage coloration. Its growth is slow, so it will not exceed 5 to 6 metres (16 to 20 feet) in height and 2 metres (7 feet) in width at maturity, after many years. This conifer reveals aromatic foliage when crushed, consisting of flattened twigs arranged in planes and covered with tiny scale-like leaves measuring 3 mm (0.1in) in length. The leaves overlap each other, giving the twigs a flat appearance. They change colour throughout the year. The cones, green and then grey-brown at maturity, measuring 1.5 to 2.5 cm (1in), are formed by 4 or 5 scales.

The Oriental Thuja 'Pyramidalis Aurea' will find its place as a specimen in a small garden, in a large border, or planted in a group of three near an entrance. It goes well with more disorderly shrubs, large stones, geometric lines of pools or buildings, and masonry structures. It can be associated with complementary grasses or dwarf conifers with a prostrate habit (Juniperus horizontalis Blue Chip), or globose shape (Picea abies Little Gem). The beautiful graphic qualities of conifers naturally stand out in a contemporary garden that prefers the aesthetics of silhouettes and textures over the whimsy of flowers. These plants, with their reassuring permanence, provide lasting structure to a border, mark pathways, border terraces, easily replacing the strong presence of trimmed boxwood or holly. The key is to play with volumes and colours.