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How to Grow Alaskan Gold Cedar

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Alaskan Gold Cedar

Thuja plicata 'Aurea'

tree

Alaskan Gold Cedar is a coniferous evergreen tree with bright golden-yellow foliage that becomes more intense in cooler weather. It's a cultivar of Western red cedar prized for its ornamental color, pyramidal form, and aromatic foliage. This tree serves as an excellent screening or accent plant in residential landscapes.

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Example Alaskan Gold Cedar timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Alaskan Gold Cedar

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Alaskan Gold Cedar

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Alaskan Gold Cedar dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun to partial shade, 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best color
💧
Water: Moderate moisture requirements; water regularly during establishment (first 2 years), then drought-tolerant once established. Prefers consistent moisture but not waterlogged conditions. Reduce watering in winter.
📏
Spacing: 36 inches
📅
Days to maturity:
🌱
Planting depth: Plant with root ball at soil level; do not bury the trunk collar

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil
pH: 5.5-7.0
Amendments:
Peat moss or compost for moisture retention Perlite or sand for improved drainage Bark mulch to maintain consistent moisture

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 5b-9a, with best color development in cooler zones (5-7)

5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

First 12 months

Young tree with compact pyramidal form and bright golden foliage; typically 2-3 feet tall at purchase

Water deeply 2-3 times weekly; establish consistent moisture; avoid transplanting stress; apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base

2

Early Growth

Year 2-3

Rapid vertical growth phase with developing branching structure; tree becomes fuller and more defined

Continue regular watering; light pruning to shape if needed; monitor for pests; maintain mulch layer

3

Maturation

Year 4-10

Tree reaches near-mature height with dense foliage; golden color fully develops, especially in winter months

Reduce watering frequency as drought tolerance increases; prune only for shape or disease removal; monitor for spider mites in dry conditions

4

Full Maturity

Year 10+

Established ornamental tree with dense pyramidal form, 25-40 feet tall; vibrant golden foliage year-round

Minimal watering needed except during extended drought; prune to maintain desired shape; remove dead branches; monitor overall health

Companion Planting

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Plant with:

Juniperus scopulorum (Rocky Mountain Juniper) Pinus mugo (Mugo Pine) Chamaecyparis obtusa (Hinoki Cypress) Ilex aquifolium (English Holly) Pieris japonica Rhododendron spp. Heuchera (Coral Bells) Hosta

Avoid planting near:

Juglans nigra (Black Walnut) Eucalyptus spp. Dense shade trees that compete for moisture and light

Common Pests

  • Spray with horticultural oil or neem oil in spring and fall; increase humidity; avoid over-watering stress

  • Hand-pick bags in fall/winter; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in late spring when larvae emerge

  • Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; prune out infected branches; apply fungicide if severe

  • Ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogging; improve soil aeration; replace soil in affected areas if necessary

Uses

🏠

Aromatic Cut Foliage

Household

The fragrant foliage makes excellent fresh or dried arrangements, wreaths, and garlands with a pleasant cedar-like scent. Branches retain their aromatic qualities for weeks when properly dried. [source]

🦋

Wildlife Habitat

Wildlife

Provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and small mammals; dense branching structure offers protection from predators and weather. [source]

🎨

Ornamental Screening

Craft

Excellent for creating living windbreaks, privacy screens, and visual accents in landscape design. The golden color provides year-round interest in garden designs. [source]

🏠

Landscape Focal Point

Household

The bright golden-yellow foliage serves as a stunning accent plant in mixed borders, foundation plantings, and specimen landscapes, especially valuable in winter when other plants are dormant. [source]

Harvest Tips

Not applicable for ornamental tree; however, foliage can be harvested for fresh arrangements or dried crafts throughout the year. Cut branches just above lateral buds for best appearance and regrowth.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Alaskan Gold Cedar's golden color is most vibrant in cool climates and intensifies during winter months, sometimes turning a deeper orange-gold.
  • 🌱 Western red cedar (Thuja plicata) has been used for thousands of years by Pacific Northwest Native peoples for building materials, canoes, and clothing due to its naturally rot-resistant wood.
  • 🌱 The tree's aromatic foliage repels certain pests naturally and has been traditionally used in pest deterrent applications.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade pH Transplant
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