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shrub

Emerald Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'

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Emerald Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd') at Bachman's Landscaping

Emerald Arborvitae

Emerald Arborvitae

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Emerald Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd') at Bachman's Landscaping

Emerald Arborvitae

Emerald Arborvitae

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  12 feet

Spread:  4 feet

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  5

Other Names:  American Arborvitae Eastern White Cedar

Description:

The ubiquitous tall hedge evergreen always seen planted in rows, this is a narrow, upright accent evergreen, dense foliage held in vertical sprays remains bright green year round; hardy and adaptable, takes pruning well, protect from winter sun

Ornamental Features

Emerald Arborvitae is a dwarf conifer which is primarily valued in the landscape or garden for its rigidly columnar form. It has emerald green evergreen foliage. The scale-like sprays of foliage remain emerald green throughout the winter.

Landscape Attributes

Emerald Arborvitae is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a narrowly upright and columnar growth habit. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a high maintenance shrub that will require regular care and upkeep. When pruning is necessary, it is recommended to only trim back the new growth of the current season, other than to remove any dieback. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Emerald Arborvitae is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Vertical Accent
  • Mass Planting
  • Hedges/Screening
  • General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Emerald Arborvitae will grow to be about 12 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selection of a native North American species.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Articulation  Massing  Screening  Garden 
Applications
Plant Form  Winter Value 
Ornamental Features