Fairy Lights Arborvitae

Fairy Lights Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Fairy Lights')

Fairy Lights Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Fairy Lights') is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its glowing golden foliage and soft, thread-like texture. Also known as Fairy Lights White Cedar, this cultivar adds brightness and warmth to gardens, borders, and small spaces while maintaining a tidy, easy-care form.

Distinctive Features

This semi-upright, fine-textured variety grows 3 to 5 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet wide with a loosely pyramidal habit. The foliage emerges in chartreuse tones and matures to a rich golden yellow that glows in sunlight, shifting to soft bronze hues in winter. Its delicate, feathery sprays create a luminous effect that contrasts beautifully with darker conifers or broadleaf plants.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Type: Moist, well-drained loam or sandy soil
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
• Water Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8

Ideal Uses

• Rock Gardens: Adds glowing color and fine texture to small garden spaces
• Foundation Plantings: Provides soft contrast in structured beds or borders
• Mixed Shrub Borders: Pairs beautifully with dark evergreens or flowering shrubs
• Containers: Creates a bright accent on patios, courtyards, or entryways
• Cottage or Woodland Gardens: Introduces color without overpowering surrounding plants

Low Maintenance Care

Fairy Lights Arborvitae is easy to maintain, needing only occasional attention to keep its color and shape vibrant.

• Watering: Water during dry spells to support healthy foliage
• Mulching: Apply mulch to conserve moisture and protect roots
• Pruning: Prune lightly only to remove damaged or stray branches
• Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced evergreen fertilizer in spring
• Sunlight: Plant in full sun for the brightest golden coloration

Why Choose Fairy Lights Arborvitae?

Fairy Lights Arborvitae brings luminous color, soft texture, and dependable structure to compact garden spaces.

• Year-Round Color: Golden foliage shines through all seasons
• Compact Size: Ideal for small gardens, borders, and containers
• Textural Interest: Fine, thread-like foliage adds softness to plantings
• Low Maintenance: Easy-care nature suits both novice and experienced gardeners
• Design Versatility: Works beautifully as a focal point or complementary accent

For a cheerful, golden evergreen that brightens even the smallest garden spaces, Fairy Lights Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Fairy Lights') is an excellent choice.