Thuja occidentalis Smaragd

Thuja occidentalis Emerald

White Cedar

Thuja occidentalis Smaragd A very neat conical conifer with bright green leaves all through the year.

Aromatic fresh green leaves, probably the best screening or hedging conifer.

Height slowly to 3-4m  Max Spread 80cm.

Full sun. Hardy.

Thuja occidentalis Smaragd, commonly known as emerald arborvitae or Smaragd arborvitae, is a popular evergreen tree that is widely used in landscaping and gardening. It belongs to the family Cupressaceae and is native to North America. The tree is known for its beautiful, emerald-green foliage and its tall, narrow habit, which makes it a great choice for creating privacy screens, hedges, and windbreaks.

Description

The emerald arborvitae is a slow-growing tree that typically reaches a height of 10 to 15 feet with a spread of 3 to 4 feet. It has a narrow, pyramidal shape, and its branches are densely covered with soft, scale-like foliage that is a rich, emerald-green color. The leaves are arranged in flattened sprays, with each spray consisting of 4 to 6 leaves. The bark of the tree is reddish-brown and scaly.

Growing Conditions

The emerald arborvitae is a hardy tree that is adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The tree can tolerate a range of soil pH levels, from acidic to alkaline. It is also tolerant of urban pollution, making it a great choice for city gardens.

Care and Maintenance

Once established, the emerald arborvitae is a low-maintenance tree that requires very little care. It is drought-tolerant and only needs to be watered during prolonged periods of dry weather. The tree is also resistant to most pests and diseases, making it a great choice for gardeners who want a tree that is easy to care for.

Pruning is not usually necessary for the emerald arborvitae, but it can be done to shape the tree or control its size. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. It is important to avoid pruning back into the old wood, as this can damage the tree and prevent new growth.

Uses

The emerald arborvitae is a versatile tree that can be used in a variety of landscaping applications. It is commonly used as a privacy screen or hedge, as its tall, narrow habit and dense foliage provide excellent coverage. The tree is also useful as a windbreak, as it can help to protect buildings and other structures from strong winds.

In addition to its functional uses, the emerald arborvitae is also a popular ornamental tree. Its beautiful, emerald-green foliage and pyramidal shape make it a great choice for adding structure and visual interest to a garden or landscape. The tree can be planted as a specimen tree or used in groupings to create a dramatic effect.

Varieties

There are several different cultivars of Thuja occidentalis Smaragd available, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most popular cultivars include:

• ‘Smaragd’ – This is the original cultivar of the emerald arborvitae and is known for its tall, narrow habit and dense, emerald-green foliage.
• ‘Emerald Green’ – This cultivar is similar to ‘Smaragd’ but has a slightly more open habit and lighter green foliage.
• ‘Degroot’s Spire’ – This cultivar has a narrower, more columnar habit than the other cultivars and is ideal for planting in tight spaces.
• ‘Rheingold’ – This cultivar has golden-yellow foliage that turns bronze in the winter, making it a great choice for adding color to a garden or landscape.

Conclusion

Thuja occidentalis Smaragd is a beautiful and versatile tree that is well