Thuja plicata '4ever' is a upright, broadly conical selection of western arborvitae (western red-cedar) with mostly fastigiate branching holding bold plates of rich, creamy yellow foliage with orange overtones. The color is very durable throughout the seasons, only becoming more orange in winter in colder parts of the world. After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 6 feet (2 m) tall and 4 feet (1.3 m) wide, an annual growth rate of 6 to 8 inches (15 - 20 cm).
This cultivar originated as a seedling selected in the early 2000s by Andreas J.M. Luijten of Boomkwekerij Dries Luijten BV, Steensel, The Netherlands. In 2006, it was awarded U.S. Plant Patent #19267. Note that Forever Goldy„¢ is the most commonly seen trade name, although Goldy„¢ is the actually recorded trade name in the patent.
