Description

Suggested Uses

• Foundation Plantings
• Formal Borders & Edging
• Rock & Alpine Gardens
• Entryway & Patio Containers
• Low Hedges or Parterre
• Mixed Shrub Beds
• Four-Season Structure
• Mass Plantings

Plant Details

• Botanical NameThuja Occ. Little Giant Globe Shape (Thuja occidentalis ‘Little Giant’)
• Common NameThuja Occ. Little Giant; Little Giant Arborvitae
• Size & GrowthTypically 3–4 ft tall and wide in 10 years; may slowly reach 4–5 ft. Naturally rounded, dense habit with fine texture.
• Hardiness ZonesUSDA Zones 3–7 (cold-hardy; performs best in cooler-summer regions).
• Foliage TypeEvergreen; scale-like sprays, rich green, slight bronzing possible in winter exposure.
• Bloom TimeNon-flowering ornamental; inconspicuous pollen/seed cones in spring.
• Growth RateSlow; about 2–4 inches of new growth per year under average conditions.
• Light RequirementsFull sun to part shade; 6+ hours sun ideal. In hot summers, provide light afternoon shade to reduce scorch.
• Attracts PollinatorsNo — wind-pollinated conifer; not a pollinator magnet.
• Indoor FriendlyNot suited for indoor culture; requires outdoor conditions and seasonal light cycles.
• Container FriendlyYes — excellent in large containers with drainage; repot or root-prune every 3–4 years.
• Deer ResistantNo — deer commonly browse arborvitae. Protect with fencing or repellents in deer-prone areas.
• Pet WarningFoliage contains aromatic oils (thujone); may cause GI upset if chewed. Supervise pets and avoid ingestion.
• FragrantSubtle resinous aroma when foliage is brushed or crushed; not a showy floral fragrance.
• Cut FlowerNot a cut flower; foliage can be used as long-lasting greenery in arrangements and wreaths.
• Grows Well WithGrows Well With Dwarf conifers (Juniperus ‘Blue Star’, Picea ‘Little Gem’), blue fescue, dwarf panicle hydrangeas, boxwood, heaths/heathers, compact spirea.

Care Tips

• Planting InstructionsDig a hole 2× the width of the root ball and the same depth. Loosen sides, set plant so root flare is at/just above grade, backfill with native soil, water thoroughly, and apply 2–3 in mulch (keep 2 in away from trunk).
• Soil MoistureKeep evenly moist, especially the first 1–2 growing seasons. Avoid chronic drought and waterlogged conditions.
• Soil TypeWell-drained loam, sandy loam, or amended clay; pH slightly acidic to neutral (approx. 6.0–7.5). Avoid high road salt exposure.
• HumidityAverage outdoor humidity. In exposed sites, protect from drying winds to reduce winter burn.
• Pruning InstructionsMinimal pruning needed. Lightly shear in late spring or early summer to maintain the globe. Do not cut into old brown wood; remove dead/broken twigs as needed.
• Winter CareDeeply water before ground freeze; maintain 2–3 in mulch. In windy or south-facing exposures, consider burlap windbreaks. Gently brush off heavy snow to prevent splaying.
• Planting DepthSet the top of the root ball level with surrounding soil; keep the trunk flare visible. Never bury the stem or mound soil over the crown.
• FertilizationIn early spring, apply a balanced, slow-release evergreen/conifer fertilizer per label. Alternatively, top-dress with compost. Avoid high-nitrogen feed after midsummer.
• Special CareSpace plants to allow airflow; water at the base to limit foliar disease. In deer areas, protect seasonally. For containers, ensure drainage holes and provide winter pot insulation in very cold climates.