Plant of Merit

Published 3:26 pm Tuesday, January 27, 2015

What: Thuja

Also known as “Forever Goldy,” this fast-growing evergold arborvitae shrub and its chartreuse color adds brightness to the garden on a gray maritime day. Its branches turn red in the fall while the shrub changes to a warm orange color. It can tolerate strong winds, temperatures to minus-30 degrees and extreme heat. It is a good solution where a privacy screen is needed as it grows approximately 5 feet per year. “Forever Goldy” is a plant with many attributes and can solve a number of gardening challenges.

Sun or shade: Best coloration is achieved in full sun.

Size: Typically grows to 12- to 15-feet tall and 3- to 4-feet wide.

See it: At the Snohomish County Master Gardeners Demonstration Garden at McCollum Park, 600 128th St. SE, Everett.

Source: Sandra Schumacher, special to The Herald