Wilma arose as a witch's broom on its parent cultivar Goldcrest — one of those fortunate accidents of horticulture where a genetic aberration produces something more useful than the original. Where Goldcrest can eventually reach considerable height, Wilma settles at around 6 feet, maintaining a narrow, upright column of bright yellow foliage that carries the same lemony fragrance when touched. It is well suited to zones 7 through 10 and thrives in sandy, well-drained soils without demanding much attention.

The key caution with Wilma is soil fertility: plant it lean, not rich. Fast growth in overenriched soil produces lush, soft stems that are easily damaged by wind and more prone to disease. Container growing works well as long as watering is consistent. Prune only in spring if needed, and sparingly — this is a plant that rewards a light hand. Wilma is sometimes sold as a florist plant and looks polished on a doorstep or in a winter pot, but it is a garden tree at heart and deserves to be treated as one.