Description

Suggested Uses

Large patio containers (pair by an entry) Narrow hedge or privacy screen Full sun to part shade sites Mixed borders with grasses and flowering perennials Cold-climate landscapes (wind-protected)

Plant Details

• Botanical NameThuja Northern Spire
• Common NameThuja Northern Spire
• Size & GrowthNarrow spire; typically 12–18 ft tall and 3–4 ft wide in maturity (can reach 15–20 ft tall, 4–5 ft wide over time); 12–18 in of annual growth under good conditions.
• Hardiness ZonesUSDA Zones 3–7 (very cold-hardy; protect from drying winter winds in exposed sites).
• Foliage TypeEvergreen; dense, scale-like sprays of rich green foliage that holds color well through winter.
• Bloom TimeNot grown for flowers; inconspicuous spring bloom with small cones forming late summer into fall.
• Growth RateModerate to fast with consistent moisture and sunlight.
• Light RequirementsFull sun to part shade; 6+ hours of direct sun promotes densest habit.
• Attracts PollinatorsNot notable for pollinators; provides shelter and cover for birds and beneficial wildlife.
• Indoor FriendlyNo—best grown outdoors; not suitable as a long-term houseplant.
• Container FriendlyYes—thrives in large containers (20+ in wide) with consistent watering; up-pot as it grows or plant out after several years.
• Deer ResistantNo—deer commonly browse arborvitae; protect with fencing or repellents in high-pressure areas.
• Pet WarningMildly toxic if ingested; sap may irritate skin. Keep pets from chewing foliage.
• FragrantSubtly aromatic resinous foliage when rubbed or pruned.
• Cut FlowerGood for cut evergreen greens in winter arrangements and wreaths; long-lasting in cool conditions.
• Grows Well WithGrows Well With Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata), Boxwood, Catmint (Nepeta), Daylily (Hemerocallis), Coneflower (Echinacea), Coral Bells (Heuchera), and ornamental grasses (Panicum, Pennisetum).

Note: Attribute ranges reflect typical performance for columnar arborvitae in average garden conditions.

Care Tips

• Planting InstructionsDig a hole 2× as wide as the root ball and the same depth. Loosen roots, set the crown level with or slightly above the surrounding soil, backfill with native soil, water thoroughly, and mulch 2–3 in deep (keep mulch 2–3 in away from the trunk).
• Soil MoisturePrefers evenly moist soil—do not allow prolonged drought or waterlogging. Water deeply and regularly the first 1–2 growing seasons to establish roots.
• Soil TypeBest in loam or amended clay-loam with good drainage; tolerates a range of soils. pH slightly acidic to neutral (approx. 6.0–7.5).
• HumidityAverage outdoor humidity is sufficient. In windy, exposed sites, provide a windbreak to reduce winter burn and desiccation.
• Pruning InstructionsMinimal pruning needed. If shaping, lightly shear in late winter or very early spring. Avoid cutting back into old brown wood without green foliage, as regrowth is limited from bare stems.
• Winter CareWater deeply before ground freeze; maintain 2–3 in mulch. In Zone 3–4 or windy spots, consider burlap wrapping the first winters to reduce sunscald and windburn; gently tie the plant to prevent snow splaying.
• Planting DepthSet with the root flare at or just above grade. Do not bury the stem. Tease apart any circling container roots at planting.
• FertilizationFeed in early spring with a balanced, slow‑release fertilizer for evergreens (e.g., 10‑10‑10) per label rates, or top-dress with compost. Avoid late-summer fertilization in cold climates.
• Special CareSpace 2.5–3.5 ft apart for a quick privacy screen. Protect from deer browsing with fencing/repellents. Monitor for bagworms and spider mites in hot, dry weather; ensure steady moisture to reduce stress.