Emerald Green Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'
An evergreen conifer with a dense, narrow pyramidal or conical growth habit and bright emerald-green foliage that retains its color year-round.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Water
- Moderate water needs; water deeply once a week during dry periods, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Growth
- Perennial evergreen tree with a strict pyramidal form, reaching mature heights of 10 to 15 feet and a spread of 3 to 4 feet with a slow to moderate growth rate.
Care instructions
Provide full sun to partial shade and plant in well-draining soil. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system, and apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Watering
Moderate water needs; water deeply once a week during dry periods, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Soil
Prefers rich, moist, well-draining loamy soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, though it adapts well to clay and sand.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 2 through 7
Growth habit
Perennial evergreen tree with a strict pyramidal form, reaching mature heights of 10 to 15 feet and a spread of 3 to 4 feet with a slow to moderate growth rate.
Bloom season
Non-flowering
Propagation
Propagated primarily through semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or early autumn using rooting hormone.
Common pests & issues
Prone to bagworms, spider mites, and twig blight. Prevent by ensuring good air circulation and treat with appropriate horticultural oils or fungicides if infestations occur.
Similar species
Pyramidalis Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis'), which tends to have a slightly wider and less vibrant green growth habit compared to the bright emerald hue of 'Smaragd'.