Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd', Arborvitae 'Emerald Green', False White Cedar

Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd,' commonly known as Arborvitae 'Emerald Green' or False White Cedar, is a popular evergreen shrub prized for its upright, narrow, and pyramidal shape and lush, bright green foliage that maintains its color year-round. This low-maintenance and cold-hardy tree is ideal for creating privacy screens, hedges, and windbreaks and offers an elegant structure to landscapes of all sizes.

Description

The Emerald Green Arborvitae is known for its dense, soft foliage, which grows in a rich emerald-green color that stays vibrant even during the winter months. Its tightly packed, scale-like leaves give it a lush texture, making it visually appealing in both formal and informal garden settings. It typically grows to a height of 10 to 15 feet with a spread of 3 to 4 feet, making it a good choice for narrow spaces or as a vertical accent in a mixed border.

This arborvitae has a naturally compact, conical shape that requires little pruning to maintain. Its vertical growth habit also makes it a favorite for small gardens or areas where width is limited, as it takes up minimal horizontal space while providing substantial height.

Growth and Care

Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' is hardy in USDA zones 2 to 7, which means it can withstand cold winters and even severe weather conditions, making it a reliable choice in a wide range of climates. It thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade, although its foliage will be densest and most vibrant with ample sunlight.

This shrub prefers well-drained, moist soil but is adaptable to various soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils, as long as they are not waterlogged. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant, though regular watering during dry spells will keep it looking its best.

Emerald Green Arborvitae is relatively low-maintenance, requiring only occasional pruning to remove any dead or damaged branches. It benefits from a layer of mulch around its base to help retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Benefits

Planting Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' offers several advantages:

1. Year-Round Color and Structure: With its rich emerald-green foliage that doesn’t fade in winter, this plant provides consistent color and visual interest throughout the year.
2. Compact, Narrow Growth Habit: Its narrow, upright form makes it ideal for privacy screens or hedges in smaller spaces, as it grows tall but stays compact in width.
3. Low Maintenance: Requiring minimal pruning and care, Emerald Green Arborvitae is easy to maintain, making it suitable for both experienced and novice gardeners.
4. Cold-Hardy and Adaptable: This plant is highly tolerant of cold temperatures and harsh weather, and it adapts well to various soil types, ensuring it can thrive in a wide range of environments.
5. Drought Tolerant: Once established, this shrub can tolerate dry periods, which makes it a good option for areas that experience seasonal drought.
6. Privacy and Sound Barrier: When planted in rows, Emerald Green Arborvitae creates a dense privacy screen that also acts as a windbreak and sound barrier, providing a peaceful, sheltered environment in your garden.

Why Plant Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' (Emerald Green Arborvitae)?

Emerald Green Arborvitae is an excellent choice for homeowners and landscapers seeking a low-maintenance, evergreen solution for privacy and visual structure. Its vibrant foliage and natural pyramid shape make it perfect for creating a privacy hedge, windbreak, or sound barrier. This plant is ideal for small gardens, as its narrow width allows it to be planted close to fences, walkways, or property lines without taking up excessive space.

The year-round color and cold hardiness of Emerald Green Arborvitae also make it a valuable addition to landscapes in colder climates where other evergreens might struggle. Its resilience, easy care, and attractive form make it a popular choice for gardens of all sizes, and its moderate growth rate ensures that it establishes quickly without requiring constant pruning.

For anyone looking to add structure, color, and privacy to their outdoor space, Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' offers a durable, beautiful, and practical solution. Whether used in formal landscaping, as a solitary accent, or as part of a mixed border, this versatile arborvitae is a classic choice for creating a lush, green backdrop in any landscape.