Description
Thuja occidentalis 'Piccadilly' shrub 20-25 cm C2 | Western arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Piccadilly' shrub is a compact, upright-growing Western arborvitae supplied in shrub form. Its defined shape gives this evergreen conifer a space-conscious presence, rather than the form of a tree or trained standard. Green foliage stays on the plant throughout the year, providing consistent colour and structure in the garden. The cultivar name ‘Piccadilly’ identifies this particular form; no further meaning is implied here. Its compact, upright habit makes it possible to consider the shrub for a range of garden settings, including specimen planting, group planting and a pot. It is also listed for hedging. This is a low-maintenance shrub, according to the product information, and it is described as winter hardy. Those qualities may be useful when choosing an evergreen feature for a garden, but the plant’s eventual height and width have not been supplied, so allow for those unknowns when planning its position. Flowering details and the appearance of any fruit have not been supplied either. The genus Thuja includes this cultivar, but this description focuses on ‘Piccadilly’ as a shrub. Its appeal here lies in the combination of evergreen green foliage and a compact, upright outline.
Key features of Western arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Piccadilly')
- The foliage is green and evergreen, giving the shrub a leafy appearance throughout the year. No specific foliage shape or texture is supplied, so these details are not assumed.
- Choose a position in sun or partial shade. The stated soil preference is well-drained, humus-rich soil that remains slightly moist. Good drainage is important, and prolonged drought is poorly tolerated.
- ‘Piccadilly’ has a compact, upright growth habit as a shrub. This form presents its foliage from a low, shrub-like structure rather than as a tree-form product. It can be considered among evergreen shrubs.
Uses of the Thuja occidentalis 'Piccadilly' shrub in the garden
- Use the compact, upright shrub as a specimen where an evergreen feature is wanted. Its green foliage and defined outline provide structure without relying on a tree-form product.
- The supplied uses also include hedging and group planting. In these settings, the shrub form can contribute an evergreen presence; no mature dimensions or spacing details are supplied.
- This cultivar is listed for pots as well as garden planting. Its compact, upright habit gives a container planting a clear shape, although no container size or planting instructions are provided.
- The stated hardiness is USDA zone 3, with a minimum temperature of -40°C / -34.4°C. These figures are the supplied hardiness information, not a guarantee of performance in every UK garden.
- For a planting combination, consider other evergreen or deciduous garden plants with contrasting foliage or form, or with seasonal interest. This is a general design idea rather than a claim of proven compatibility with particular plants.
With its green evergreen foliage and compact, upright silhouette, the ‘Piccadilly’ shrub can provide structure as a specimen, in a group, as a hedge plant or in a pot.
