About

A slow-growing, evergreen, dwarf coniferous shrub forming a dense, globose bush of fresh green upright sprays of foliage, tinged bronze in 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
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-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)