Franky Boy Oriental Arborvitae

Is it a grass? Is it a tree? The amazing Franky Boy Chinese Arborvitae gives the lie to the idea that arborvitae are ‘boring’. This one is unique, with narrow, thread-like, golden foliage instead of the usual fan-shaped branches, making it look very different indeed. The open growth flutters and trembles in the slightest breeze, looking like an ornamental grass that has refused to die-back for the winter. Yes, it only grows around 4 inches a year, but it won’t be long before it is 3 feet tall, and it matures to about 5 feet, with an elegant tear-drop shape. The striking yellow foliage changes with the seasons, being bold gold in spring, a little more chartreuse during summer, and a striking orange-bronze in winter. Any time of year it will look great, and is terrific as a specimen in a rock garden, or among dwarf shrubs. Add it to your collection of dwarf evergreens, it will be right at home. Unlike regular arborvitae, it grows really well in the South, and in Texas too, enjoying heat and humidity. A fantastic plant that you can be sure your neighbors won’t have, but will wish they did.

• Striking golden, thread-like foliage
• Upright tear-drop shape 3 to 5 feet tall in time
• Winter foliage is orange-bronze
• Trembles in the breeze like an ornamental grass
• Very reliable in hot and humid parts of the country

Plant the Franky Boy Chinese Arborvitae in full sun for good foliage color. Note that it isn’t closely related to regular arborvitae or Thuja. Hardy to zone 6, it grows well in hot zones, and areas with hot, humid summers, from Texas all through the South. Plant in any well-drained soil. Once established it has good resistance to ordinary dry periods. If you have snow in winter, and for the strongest golden coloring, trim lightly once the new spring growth has matured, to keep it dense and more resistant to spreading open. A new flush of golden leaves will follow trimming. Not eaten by deer and free of pests or diseases.