Platycladus orientalis 'Aurea Nana'
Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade in Phoenix; avoid reflected heat from west-facing walls, pavement, and rock mulch. Excessive shade reduces golden coloration.
Water: Moderate water in Phoenix. Water deeply, allowing the upper few inches of soil to dry between irrigations. Water more frequently during establishment and extreme heat; avoid constantly wet soil.
Soil: Well-drained loam or sandy loam; tolerates alkaline soil if drainage is adequate. Apply organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.
Mature size: Typically 3–5 feet tall and 2–4 feet wide; older plants may reach 6 feet or more.
Bloom: No true flowers; small pollen cones typically appear in spring, followed by inconspicuous seed cones.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen.
Growth rate: Slow, usually a few inches per year.