Types Of Arborvitae: 19 Evergreen Varieties For Home Landscapes
Explore the best 19 arborvitae varieties to enhance privacy, elegance, and greenery in any landscape.
Image: HearthJunction Design Team
19 Popular Types of Arborvitae for Home Landscapes
Arborvitae, known for their lush evergreen foliage and adaptability, are beloved by gardeners across North America. Ranging from compact dwarfs to towering privacy screens, these coniferous evergreens from the Cypress family (Cupressaceae) provide year-round beauty, structure, and function to home landscapes. Whether you are seeking a living fence, a windbreak, or ornamental accents, this guide explores 19 of the best arborvitae varieties for every purpose and garden size.1
What is Arborvitae?
Arborvitae refers to several species in the genus Thuja, prized for their rich, feathery foliage and tidy, upright forms. Native to North America and parts of Asia, arborvitae trees and shrubs thrive in USDA growing zones 2 through 8.1 With lifespans reaching 150 years in ideal conditions, these evergreens are resilient, long-lived, and easy to maintain given well-draining soil and adequate sunlight.1
- Growth habit: Most arborvitae have a naturally pyramidal shape but can be pruned for hedges or topiary.
- Foliage: Their flat, scale-like needles create dense, green sprays.
- Functional landscape uses: Windbreaks, privacy screens, specimen trees, foundation plantings, and formal hedges.
- Care: Low-maintenance once established; tolerates diverse soils but prefers well-draining, moist environments.2
Why Choose Arborvitae for Your Landscape?
- Year-round color: Remains vibrant green throughout all seasons.
- Versatility: Works in small gardens (dwarfs) to large properties (giant forms).
- Wildlife-friendly: Provides shelter and nesting for birds.
- Low maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and care.
- Long-lived: Many varieties live for several decades or more, adding lasting value to the landscape.
19 Arborvitae Types for Home Landscapes
Below is a comprehensive look at 19 of the most popular arborvitae cultivars, including their key characteristics and landscape uses.1
1. Teddy Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Teddy’)
- Growth Zones: 2â7
- Mature Size: 2 ft tall x 1 ft wide
- Growth Habit: Dwarf, compact, globe-shaped
- Highlights: Soft, feathery foliage resembles a plush teddy bear; ideal for containers, rock gardens, and small spaces.1
2. Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’)
- Growth Zones: 3â7
- Mature Size: 12â15 ft tall x 3â4 ft wide
- Growth Habit: Tall, slender, columnar
- Highlights: One of the most popular choices for privacy hedges; maintains bright emerald-green color all year; suitable for tight spaces.3
3. Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata ‘Green Giant’)
- Growth Zones: 5â9
- Mature Size: 40â60 ft tall x 12â18 ft wide
- Growth Habit: Fast-growing, pyramidal
- Highlights: Excellent for rapid privacy screens and windbreaks; disease-resistant and adaptable to various soils.
4. Techny Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Techny’)
- Growth Zones: 3â8
- Mature Size: 10â15 ft tall x 6â8 ft wide
- Growth Habit: Broad, upright, densely branched
- Highlights: Exceptional cold tolerance; rich green color even in harsh winters; favored for hedging.
What others are reading
5. Fire Chief Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Congabe’)
- Growth Zones: 5â7
- Mature Size: 3â4 ft tall x 3â4 ft wide
- Growth Habit: Compact, rounded
- Highlights: Stunning golden foliage that turns vibrant red-orange in fall, adding seasonal color.5
6. Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Mr Bowling Ball’)
- Growth Zones: 3â8
- Mature Size: 2â3 ft tall and wide
- Growth Habit: Dwarf, globe-shaped
- Highlights: Fine-textured, bright green foliage; ideal for foundation plantings and containers.5
7. Globe Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Globosa’)
- Growth Zones: 3â7
- Mature Size: 3â4 ft tall x 3â4 ft wide
- Growth Habit: Dense, round, dwarf
- Highlights: Maintains a neat mound; excellent for geometric or formal gardens.5
8. Golden Globe Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Golden Globe’)
- Growth Zones: 4â8
- Mature Size: 4 ft tall x 4 ft wide
- Growth Habit: Globe-shaped, compact
- Highlights: Bold golden-yellow foliage; ideal for adding color contrast.
9. Brandon Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Brandon’)
- Growth Zones: 3â7
- Mature Size: 15â20 ft tall x 4â5 ft wide
- Growth Habit: Upright, narrow pyramidal
- Highlights: Dense branching for privacy; suitable for colder climates.
10. North Pole Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Art Boe’)
- Growth Zones: 3â7
- Mature Size: 10â15 ft tall x 3â5 ft wide
- Growth Habit: Narrow, upright
- Highlights: Maintains tight column; ideal for small hedgerows and narrow spaces.
11. Hetz Midget Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Hetz Midget’)
- Growth Zones: 3â8
- Mature Size: 3â4 ft tall x 4 ft wide
- Growth Habit: Dense, rounded dwarf
- Highlights: Low-maintenance and suited to small gardens, foundation beds, and containers.
12. Spring Grove Arborvitae (Thuja plicata ‘Spring Grove’)
- Growth Zones: 5â8
- Mature Size: 40â50 ft tall x 12â18 ft wide
- Growth Habit: Large, majestic pyramidal
- Highlights: Vigorous and robust, excellent for windbreaks and large landscapes.
13. Danica Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Danica’)
- Growth Zones: 3â8
- Mature Size: 1â2 ft tall x 2 ft wide
- Growth Habit: Extremely dwarf, dense globe
- Highlights: Perfect for edging, containers, and rock gardens.
14. Holmstrup Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Holmstrup’)
- Growth Zones: 3â7
- Mature Size: 5â8 ft tall x 3â4 ft wide
- Growth Habit: Semi-dwarf, dense, upright
- Highlights: Slow-growing, perfect for small hedges and foundation plantings.
15. Pyramidal Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Pyramidalis’)
- Growth Zones: 3â7
- Mature Size: 15â20 ft tall x 4 ft wide
- Growth Habit: Tall, slim pyramid
- Highlights: Strikingly formal, ideal for framing entrances and paths.
16. Degroot’s Spire Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Degroot’s Spire’)
- Growth Zones: 3â7
- Mature Size: 10â20 ft tall x 3â5 ft wide
- Growth Habit: Narrow, spiral-forming tips
- Highlights: Unique twisted foliage; adds vertical accent to landscapes.
17. Rheingold Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Rheingold’)
- Growth Zones: 2â8
- Mature Size: 3â5 ft tall x 3â5 ft wide
- Growth Habit: Compact globe
- Highlights: Coppery-gold spring growth matures to a yellow-green; stunning in mixed borders.
18. Siberian Arborvitae (Microbiota decussata)
- Growth Zones: 2â7
- Mature Size: 1â2 ft tall x 5 ft wide
- Growth Habit: Low, spreading
- Highlights: Not a Thuja but closely related; hardy groundcover, excellent for erosion control.
19. Korean Arborvitae (Thuja koraiensis)
- Growth Zones: 6â8
- Mature Size: 10â20 ft tall x 4â6 ft wide
- Growth Habit: Upright, loose
- Highlights: Soft, bluish-green foliage; unique among arborvitae for its color and texture.5
Choosing the Right Arborvitae for Your Landscape
When selecting an arborvitae, consider these key factors:
- Space available: Dwarf and globe types (e.g., Teddy, Mr. Bowling Ball) suit small spaces; giants (e.g., Green Giant, Spring Grove) are best for large properties.
- Desired function: Need a living fence or windbreak? Choose tall, fast-growing types. Want accent or container plants? Pick compact, ornamental forms.
- Climate and soil: Some types are more cold-hardy or drought-tolerantâcheck your USDA zone and soil conditions before planting.
- Sunlight needs: Most prefer full sun to part shade for optimal growth and color.
Arborvitae Care Tips
- Soil: Well-drained, moist, slightly acidic to neutral soils are best.
- Watering: Young plants need regular watering; established arborvitae tolerate moderate drought but appreciate occasional deep soakings.
- Pruning: Minimal; shape hedges in late spring or early summer if desired.
- Feeding: Fertilize annually with balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
- Mulching: Maintain a 2â3 inch mulch layer to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Comparison Table: Dwarf vs. Full-Size Arborvitae
| Variety | Height | Width | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teddy, Mr. Bowling Ball, Danica | 1â3 ft | 1â3 ft | Containers, borders, rock gardens |
| Emerald Green, Techny, North Pole | 10â20 ft | 3â8 ft | Privacy screens, hedges |
| Green Giant, Spring Grove | 40â60 ft | 12â18 ft | Windbreaks, large landscapes |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the fastest-growing arborvitae?
A: Green Giant Arborvitae is among the fastest-growing, adding up to 3 feet per year under optimal conditions.
Q: How far apart should I plant arborvitae for a privacy hedge?
A: Space plants 3â5 feet apart for dwarf or medium types and 5â8 feet apart for full-sized varieties.
Q: Do deer eat arborvitae?
A: Most arborvitae, especially Thuja occidentalis, are highly attractive to deer. Consider protective fencing or use less palatable species in areas with high deer pressure.
Q: Can I grow arborvitae in a pot?
A: Yes, many dwarf varieties thrive in large containers, making them perfect for patios and balconies.
Q: How long do arborvitae trees live?
A: Depending on the variety and conditions, arborvitae can live 25â150 years.
Conclusion
With so many beautiful and functional arborvitae varieties, there is a perfect option for every landscape. Whether you are seeking to build a living fence, soften hardscapes, or add a splash of year-round color, these versatile evergreens are a wise investment for gardeners of all skill levels. Assess your space, design goals, and climate to find the best arborvitae types for your homeâand enjoy the enduring beauty and privacy they provide.
References
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Srija Burman
