Calocedrus decurrens 'Berrima Gold'

The California incense cedar is hardy to well below zero Fahrenheit. When we lived in Pennsylvania, we had a specimen that did not even go off color at -20^oF (-29^oC).

When I visited Australia in 1990, I observed a golden plant of this species growing in a small arboretum. My Australian friend pointed out that it had been available "down under" for a number of years.

I imported two plants about 1990 and first offered it for sale about 1995.

It does not look as nice in a container as it does in the ground, where it develops into a dense, conical bush with bright yellow foliage that does not burn in the full sun. It grows about 6" (15cm) per year. In the winter the yellow sprays of foliage take on an orange edging, giving seasonal color variation.

I propagate this cultivar by grafting onto the species.

I am not sure how much cold this cultivar can withstand, since I lived in the Northwest when I started to grow it.