Overview
Thuja occidentalis 'Little Champion' is a columnar upright conifers in the genus Thuja, part of the Cupressaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Thuja occidentalis 'Little Champion' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include architectural.
About
Thuja occidentalis 'Little Champion' is a cultivar of Thuja, a genus of rapidly growing evergreen coniferous trees known for their narrow conical shape and flat sprays of small, aromatic, scale-like foliage. This cultivar has a columnar upright habit and retains its evergreen foliage throughout the year. It is hardy to UK zone H6 and thrives in full sun or partial shade, tolerating a range of soil types and pH levels, provided the soil is well-drained. 'Little Champion' is suitable for architectural planting and is best grown in well-drained soil with staking for young plants. Propagation is by semi-ripe cuttings or seed.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Thuja
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Thuja occidentalis 'Little Champion' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conifers, Trees
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Architectural
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Thuja occidentalis 'Little Champion'
- Propagation
- Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer; propagate by seed in late winter in containers in a cold frame
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to scale insects and conifer aphid
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to diseases including honey fungus, Phytophthora root rot and thuja blight. See conifers: brown patches for further advice
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Thuja occidentalis 'Little Champion'?
Thuja occidentalis 'Little Champion' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Thuja occidentalis 'Little Champion' need?
Thuja occidentalis 'Little Champion' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Thuja occidentalis 'Little Champion' hardy in the UK?
Thuja occidentalis 'Little Champion' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Thuja occidentalis 'Little Champion'?
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer; propagate by seed in late winter in containers in a cold frame.
More in the Thuja genus
- Thuja 'Green Giant'
- Thuja koraiensisKorean arborvitae
- Thuja occidentalis 'Barabits Gold'
- Thuja occidentalis 'Bateman Broom'
- Thuja occidentalis 'Beaufort' (v)
- Thuja occidentalis 'Boothii'
- Thuja occidentalis 'Buchananii'
- Thuja occidentalis 'Caespitosa'