Lemon Burst® Arborvitae

The Lemon Burst® Arborvitae brings a fresh glow to the landscape with bright yellow foliage, a tidy pyramidal form, and dependable evergreen structure. This standout Thuja occidentalis from First Editions® offers the classic durability of an arborvitae bush with a more colorful, eye-catching presence—making it a beautiful choice for homeowners who want year-round interest without sacrificing easy care. Unlike many golden evergreens that can fade or scorch in strong light, Lemon Burst Arborvitae holds its vibrant yellow new growth beautifully in full sun. The foliage creates a warm, luminous effect in the garden, adding contrast against deep green shrubs, flowering perennials, ornamental grasses, and darker evergreens. In cooler climates, the foliage may take on attractive orange tones in winter, extending its seasonal interest even further. With a mature Lemon Burst Arborvitae size of approximately 6 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide, this yellow arborvitae is large enough to provide structure but compact enough for residential landscapes. Its naturally broad pyramidal form makes it useful as a specimen planting, foundation accent, colorful hedge, or smaller privacy screen where a full-size arborvitae may be too large. Whether used to brighten an entryway, frame a garden bed, or add golden evergreen color along a property line, Thuja Lemon Burst delivers polished structure, reliable performance, and year-round color. For gardeners looking for a distinctive lemon arborvitae that stands out in every season, Lemon Burst® is a fresh and versatile choice. Frequently Asked Questions How big does a Lemon Burst Arborvitae get? Lemon Burst Arborvitae typically reaches 6 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide at maturity. Its naturally pyramidal shape makes it large enough to add structure and screening, but compact enough for residential landscapes, foundation plantings, hedges, and specimen plantings. Do arborvitae like sun or shade? Most arborvitae grow best in full sun, and Lemon Burst Arborvitae is no exception. Plant it where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for the brightest yellow foliage and densest growth. It may tolerate light shade, but too much shade can reduce color intensity and cause the plant to become less full. What is the best fertilizer for arborvitae? The best fertilizer for arborvitae is a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs. Apply in early spring as new growth begins, following the label instructions. Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much fertilizer can stress the roots or encourage weak growth. A yearly layer of mulch can also help improve soil moisture and support healthy root development. Can Lemon Burst Arborvitae be used as a privacy screen? Yes. Lemon Burst Arborvitae can be used as a smaller privacy screen or colorful evergreen hedge. Its mature size of 6 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide makes it ideal for screening patios, defining property lines, or adding year-round structure where larger arborvitae varieties may be too big. For a full screen, space plants about 4 to 5 feet apart center to center.