Overview
Thuja occidentalis 'Pincushion' is a narrowly conical conifers in the genus Thuja, part of the Cupressaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Thuja occidentalis 'Pincushion' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include hedges, screening and specimen planting.
About
Thuja occidentalis 'Pincushion' is a cultivar of Thuja, a genus of rapidly growing evergreen conifer trees known for their narrow conical shape and flat sprays of small, aromatic, scale-like foliage. This cultivar maintains the characteristic evergreen habit and thrives in full sun, preferring fertile, well-drained loam soil with neutral pH and consistent moisture. Suitable for hedges, screening, or specimen planting, 'Pincushion' is hardy in the UK (H7) and can be grown in both exposed and sheltered locations facing south, east, or west. It is best propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings and is of interest during spring and summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Thuja
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Thuja occidentalis 'Pincushion' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conifers, Trees
- Habit
- Narrowly conical
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Hedges, Screening, Specimen planting
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Thuja occidentalis 'Pincushion'
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Scale insects, Conifer aphid
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus, Thuja blight, Coryneum canker
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Thuja occidentalis 'Pincushion'?
Thuja occidentalis 'Pincushion' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Thuja occidentalis 'Pincushion' need?
Thuja occidentalis 'Pincushion' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Thuja occidentalis 'Pincushion' hardy in the UK?
Thuja occidentalis 'Pincushion' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Thuja occidentalis 'Pincushion'?
Semi-hardwood cuttings.
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'