Description
Thuja occidentalis 'Little Giant' shrub 20-25 cm C2 | Dwarf white cedar
Little Giant arborvitae shrub is a compact, rounded and bushy evergreen conifer. Known locally as Dwarf white cedar, it is Thuja occidentalis 'Little Giant' in shrub form, rather than a tree or hedge plant. Its naturally rounded, bushy habit gives it a low, defined silhouette, while its green foliage provides an evergreen feature in the garden. This slow-growing shrub reaches an approximate mature height of 100 cm; a mature width has not been supplied. The product data describes it as hardy and low maintenance, and lists it as suitable for growing in a pot as well as for garden planting. Its compact form can be considered where a smaller evergreen shrub is wanted, without assuming that it will remain a particular width or grow to a set size within a specific period. The supplied information does not specify flowering details, foliage shape, seasonal colour changes or the form of any fruit, so these are not used to describe the plant. For more plants in the same genus, see Thuja.
Key features of Dwarf white cedar (Thuja occidentalis 'Little Giant')
- Growth and form: This shrub-form cultivar is compact, rounded and bushy, with an approximate mature height of 100 cm. Its outline makes it a distinct choice when you want a low, rounded evergreen presence. No mature width is supplied.
- Foliage and growth: The green foliage is evergreen, and the shrub is slow-growing. Product data describes it as low maintenance and winter-hardy. No flowering period, flower colour or detailed leaf shape is specified.
- Position and soil: Choose a sunny or partially shaded position. It prefers humus-rich, well-drained soil that remains slightly moist, and does not tolerate prolonged drought. Good drainage is important, while the soil should not be allowed to become persistently dry.
Uses of Little Giant arborvitae shrub in the garden
- As a specimen: The compact, rounded, bushy outline gives this Dwarf white cedar a clear shape when used as a specimen shrub. Its green evergreen foliage can provide a restrained accent in a suitable garden position.
- In borders and groups: Use the shrub in a border or group planting where its low rounded form can contribute evergreen structure. It can also be considered for a rock garden. The plant is slow-growing, but the supplied information does not give a mature width or recommended spacing.
- In a pot: The product data lists pot growing as a suitable use. Its compact shrub habit and approximate mature height of 100 cm help describe the form to expect, but do not indicate a particular container size. It can be considered alongside other suitable plants for borders or containers.
- Hardiness: The supplied hardiness range is -40°C to -18°C, corresponding to USDA zones 3–7. This gives a stated temperature range, not a guarantee of performance in every UK garden or position.
For an evergreen option in a suitable evergreen shrub planting, Little Giant arborvitae offers a compact, rounded form for a pot, border or rock garden. Its stated preference for a sunny or partially shaded position and moist, well-drained soil can help you assess whether the conditions in your garden are suitable.
