Emerald Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'
Height: 12 feet
Spread: 4 feet
Sunlight:
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.
