About
A compact, slow-growing conifer, forming a dense ball to 50cm tall and wide. Its sprays of flattened, scale-like leaves are coloured golden-yellow to yellow-green and turn an orange-yellow colour in autumn and winter.
About the genus
Thuja are fast-growing evergreen trees of narrowly conical habit, with flat sprays of tiny, aromatic, scale-like leaves and small knobbly cones
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeConifers, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Rock garden
FragranceFoliage
ToxicityHarmful if eaten, skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained soil. Protect from drying winds especially when young
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects and conifer aphid
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus and other fungal diseases, particularly thuja blight and Coryneum canker (see conifers: brown patches)