thuja arborvitae

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

Thuja arborvitae is a popular evergreen conifer, beloved in New Zealand gardens for its versatility, hardiness, and elegant appearance. This lush, vibrant plant—often simply called arborvitae—offers gardeners a reliable option for privacy hedges, windbreaks, and formal landscape designs. Whether you’re looking for a classic, upright screening plant or an attractive specimen for your outdoor space, thuja arborvitae is an excellent choice for creating year-round interest.

Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' hedge with bright green foliage.

Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' (Green Cedar)

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Thuja 'Smaragd', commonly known as the Green or Emerald Cedar, grows with a narrow, dense, and columnar habit. The foliage is rich green, sometimes tinged bronze in winter, and produced with a somewhat layered effect to give the plant an interesting texture. It typically grows to 7 m in height and 2.5 m in width in full sun.

Buy Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' (Green Cedar)

From $17.95

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Conifers

Height: 7.00 m

Spread: 2.50 m

Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy

Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Screening

Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Modern

Thuja plicata 'Green Giant' trees standing 5 m tall as a lush, green screen.

Thuja 'Green Giant'

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Thuja 'Green Giant' is a smaller variety of Cedar and bears sprays of glossy, dark green foliage held on slender stems. The result is a tree with a somewhat layered appearance as it grows to 12 m tall and 3 m wide.

Buy Thuja 'Green Giant'

From $16.95

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Conifers

Height: 12.00 m

Spread: 3.00 m

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Screening, Specimen

Garden styles: Architectural, Coastal, Formal, Japanese, Modern

Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' (Green Cedar)

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Thuja, or related Categories - Conifer Shrubs, and Conifer Trees.

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What is Thuja Arborvitae?

Thuja arborvitae refers to a group of evergreen conifers in the cypress family, prized for their dense, emerald-green foliage and graceful, pyramidal shape. Plants in this group, such as Thuja occidentalis, are native to North America but adapt beautifully to New Zealand conditions. They thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer well-draining, fertile soils. Their tidy, columnar habit means they rarely need shaping, making them a low-maintenance favourite for both experienced gardeners and beginners.

Popular Varieties of Thuja Arborvitae

There are several cultivars of thuja arborvitae to suit different garden situations and aesthetic priorities. Some of the most sought-after varieties include:

Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' (Green Cedar): Known for its rich, bright green colour and narrow, upright growth, this variety is perfect for hedges and formal screens.
Thuja occidentalis Holmstrup: A compact selection with densely packed foliage, ideal for smaller gardens or borders.
Thuja occidentalis Caespitosa: Valued for its compact, bushy habit, offering a unique look among thuja arborvitae choices.
Thuja plicata Old Gold (Thuja Old Gold): This variety adds a touch of golden foliage for those who want a splash of year-round colour in their landscape.

Uses for Thuja Arborvitae

Thuja arborvitae shines as a hedging plant, providing privacy and shelter while enhancing the aesthetic of any garden. Plant several in a row for a lush, living fence that stays green all year. Their strong structure also makes them useful as windbreaks in open or exposed areas. Alternatively, use individual plants as feature specimens near patios, driveways, or entryways. These conifers are also well-suited to topiary work or foundation plantings for a modern, structured look.

How to Grow and Care for Thuja Arborvitae

One of the major draws of thuja arborvitae is its resilience. Plant in a sunny or partially shaded position in moist, well-drained soil for best results. An annual feed in spring, coupled with mulch to retain soil moisture, will keep your arbourvitaes looking their best. Water young plants regularly until established, especially during dry spells. Once mature, thuja arborvitae is relatively drought-tolerant and only requires the occasional trim to maintain shape.

Find the Perfect Thuja Arborvitae for Your Garden

Our nursery stocks a robust selection of thuja arborvitae varieties suitable for a range of New Zealand gardens. Whether you want the stately beauty of Thuja occidentalis, the sculptural qualities of Thuja occidentalis Holmstrup, or the golden hues of Thuja plicata Old Gold (Thuja Old Gold), you’ll find a thuja arborvitae that’s right for your space and your style.

Plant a thuja arborvitae and enjoy years of privacy, beauty, and ease in your outdoor oasis.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.