A Proven Winners introduction. Thuja plicata or Western Red Cedar is cold hardy, maintains a nice green color in winter, and is deer resistant. The dark green, fan-shaped foliage is loose and open, however the plant grows thickly creating a dense screen. Definately a narrow columnar habit. This evergreen offers more versatility in home landscape.
Many other types of arborvitae are commonly used in landscapes; small globes and those with golden foliage. However, that is another topic for another blog at another time. Keep the soil evenly moist but not saturated. Decrease the frequency of watering as the roots become established.
Use a hose to deliver water directly to the root zone. Potted arborvitaes should be watered regularly, even during the winter months. Because evergreens don't go completely dormant in winter, they will still need moisture. Arborvitaes can suffer stress from both underwatering and overwatering.
In fall, some browning and needle drop is normal. Overwatering may also cause needle discoloration and could lead to irreversible damage caused by root rot and fungal infection. Heavy snow and ice buildup can bend and break the branches of taller arborvitaes.
Use a broom to gently brush off heavy, wet snow before it has a chance to accumulate. Some types of arborvitae, especially those that put out two or more leaders, may need to be staked to keep them upright. Storm-damaged arborvitaes can often be rejuvenated by pulling the drooping branches upright with ties and pruning off broken limbs.
See these winter care tips from the University of Illinois Extension. One reason why arborvitaes are so popular is because they are rarely troubled by insect and disease problems. However, they may succumb to needle and twig blight caused by fungal attack, especially if air circulation is inhibited by crowding plants too closely together. To control blight, prune off all affected branches and treat with a fungicide. Also watch out for bagworms, which like to feed on the foliage of arborvitaes and other evergreens.
Spider mites and stem canker can also be problems. See more deer-resistant plants. Arborvitaes are often pruned into spiral topiaries. Arborvitaes will retain their natural shape as they mature, and regular pruning usually isn't necessary. They will tolerate more frequent and heavier pruning if shaped into formal hedges and topiaries. Follow these tips for best results:.
Here are some additional tips from The Morton Arboretum on the best methods for pruning arborvitaes and other evergreens. Featuring dark green foliage in winter, this selection is also resistant to winter burn.
This tiny evergreen doesn't need any pruning to keep its tight, rounded shape. Add a splash of yellow to small gardens, containers, or perennial beds. A unique evergreen with cheerful yellow, soft foliage. It's natural pyramid shape doesn't require pruning and adds structure to the garden. Considered more deer resistant than Thuja occidenalis specimens. The neat, rounded habit and evergreen foliage add year-round structure and formality to landscapes and containers.
A nursery growing Holmstrup arborvitae in rows. The Holmstrup arborvitae grows slower than other varieties, putting on about a foot of height per year. When full-grown, this pyramidal shape arborvitae is smaller than other varieties. This more compact stature makes it a good candidate for smaller areas. Tolerates a moderate to ample amount of moisture. A privacy screen made up of American arborvitae. Also known as the emerald green arborvitae, the American arborvitae has vibrant foliage that stands out year-round.
Like the Holmstrup arborvitae above, this variety is a slower-growing, semi-dwarf tree. Unlike the Holmstrup arborvitae, this emerald green arborvitae comes from the western red cedar species rather than the eastern arborvitae. Full sun to part shade. Foliage will become less dense in full shade. The dwarf Danica arborvitae contrasts with the rocks beneath. The Danica arborvitae is a true dwarf variety. When fully grown, this tree-turned-shrub will only reach two feet off the ground.
It makes an excellent accent in gardens and grows well in pots. The Danica arborvitae can frame pathways, entrances, and define outdoor areas. This dwarf arborvitae is slow-growing.
The Techny arborvitae is named after the town of Techny, Illinois, where it was found. This arborvitae is an excellent contender for privacy hedges because it has multiple leaders, meaning the top of the tree may be more full than some other arborvitae varieties.
Since this arborvitae is also somewhat wider than most, be sure not to plant them too close together. Some specimens can reach 30 feet tall, but this is unusual. The Woodward globe arborvitae is the best choice for a larger orb-shaped Thuja. The foliage on this plant has an intriguing, lacy, layered appearance. This variety does well against the sides of houses and as a background landscaping accent.
The Woodward globe arborvitae can also be grown as a taller hedge instead of a globe. The weeping arborvitae is an unusual variety.
This type of arborvitae has drooping foliage that hangs from multiple stems. However, a closer look at the scale-like leaves reveals its heritage. Fairly tolerant of most average soil types. Likes well-draining soils. The whipcord arborvitae is a unique dwarf variety.
In some cases, this arborvitae variety can act almost as a ground cover. It comes from the western red cedar, which is one of the largest tree species on the Earth!
The foliage of the whipcord arborvitae is long, slender leaves that droop almost like the weeping arborvitae. Up to four feet tall and wide. However, some gardeners prefer to keep it much lower to the ground.
Yellow-green to emerald green depending on individual specimen and time of year. These trees are typically well-stocked at most nurseries. Remember to adhere to the spacing recommendations if you plan to plant a continuous hedge.
Planting the trees too close together will lead to less healthy trees in the future. Before you commit to arborvitae, you should consider true cedars as well!
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Submit Comment. The roots of a giant western red cedar. A Korean thuja tree. A close-up of Sichuan thuja leaves. A mature specimen of Thuja occidentalis. Two mature golden globe arborvitae. Woodward Globe Arborvitae in a park. The unusual whipcord arborvitae.
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