Rushmore Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Rushmore'
Height: 18 feet
Spread: 5 feet
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: 3
Other Names: American Arborvitae, Eastern White Cedar
Description:
A sturdy and hardy upright evergreen shrub that is very tight and compact; has excellent resistance to winterburn; foliage is consistantly green all year long; makes an excellent hedge plant, will tolerate some pruning
Ornamental Features
Rushmore Arborvitae is a dwarf conifer which is primarily valued in the landscape for its distinctively pyramidal habit of growth. It has dark green evergreen foliage. The scale-like sprays of foliage remain dark green throughout the winter.
Landscape Attributes
Rushmore Arborvitae is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a distinctive and refined pyramidal form. 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.
Rushmore Arborvitae is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Vertical Accent
- Mass Planting
- Hedges/Screening
- General Garden Use
Planting & Growing
Rushmore Arborvitae will grow to be about 18 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 5 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 50 years or more.
This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. 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.
