American Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis (ARBORVITAE)
Planting and Growing American Arborvitae
You’ll find everything you need to know to plant and grow American arborvitae in the accompanying table’s tabs:
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- Flowers, foliage, cones, and seeds of American arborvitae
- Growing conditions for American arborvitae
- When and where to plant American arborvitae
- How to plant American arborvitae
- How to shape, prune and control growth of American arborvitae
- Watering, fertilizing, and care of American arborvitae
- Landscape uses of American arborvitae
- Pest and disease control for American arborvitae
Growing American Arborvitae
Over 50 cultivars of slow-growing, mounding or narrow, coniferous, evergreen small trees, to 60 ft. (18 m) tall, with cedarlike, deep green needles with lighter undersides, in upright fans, turning russet, yellow in winter.
Western red cedar, Thuja plicata, is a closely related tree species with similar care needs.
American Arborvitae Planting and Care Guide
Flowering and Cones
Tiny flowers in spring form 1/2‑in. (12‑mm) cones in summer.
Best Climates
U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Zones 3–8.
Soil Type and Fertility
Moist, well-drained soil. Fertility: Rich. 6.5–8.0 pH. Best in cool, humid climates.
Where and How to Plant
Full sun. Space 4–10 ft. (1.2–3 m) apart, depending on use.
Proper Care
Easy. Keep moist. Fertilize quarterly spring–autumn. Train to desired shape while young. Protect from drying wind, zones 3–5. Propagate by cuttings, grafting, seed.
About This Species
Good choice for accents, beds, containers, edgings, fencelines, hedges, screens in meadow, open, woodland gardens and landscapes. Good for bonsai, topiary. Deer and spider mite susceptible.