Folio № 6 of 36

Emerald Green Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'

EvergreenConiferFull sun

Columnar arborvitae cultivar with fine scale foliage; slow growing; useful for vertical forms.

Zone 8b notesAvoid repotting in wet winter
Emerald Green Arborvitae botanical plate
Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'Plate VI · Mossy Spot Herbarium

The year, as this species lives it

Thirteen phases. Touch any arc — the wheel remembers what each season asks.

Late DormancyEarly SpringMid SpringLate SpringEarly SummerMid SummerLate SummerEarly FallMid FallLate FallEarly WinterMid WinterLate Winterthe yearOF A EMERALD GREEN ARBORVITAE

Mid Summer · Jul 1 – Aug 10 · happening now

A quiet season — observe, water thoughtfully, and let it be.

click another arc to travel the year →

All thirteen phases, side by side →

The care sheet

The constants — what stays true in every season.

Placement

Full sun

Needs full sun to maintain compact form.

Watering

Moderate

Water regularly but avoid soggy conditions.

Feeding

Balanced

Light feeding supports compact growth.

Pruning

Maintenance throughout growing season; structural in spring

Trim candles and strong verticals to maintain shape.

Wiring

Spring or Autumn

Branches brittle; wire early in development.

Repotting

Every 3-5 years

Use free-draining soil; compacted roots dislike wet feet.

Propagation

Cuttings or seed

Cuttings in late summer root slowly but reliably.

Winter

Can bronze slightly; shelter from wind to prevent desiccation.

Summer

Avoid drought stress; keep evenly moist.

← Previous folioBlue Atlas Cedarfolio 6 of 36 · back to the libraryNext folio →Bearberry Cotoneaster

Paths onward

CollectionThe GardenEvery bench, by species or by rank.The yearFull seasonal calendarEmerald Green Arborvitae’s thirteen phases, side by side.TodayThe AlmanacMid Summer is underway — see what the garden asks now.
Mossy Spot · PNW · Zone 8bgrow slowly
Mossy Spot❧The Species Library❧Emerald Green Arborvitae
64° Partly cloudy · Mid Summer
Sign in