Description
Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' shrub 30-40 cm C2 | Emerald green arborvitae
Thuja 'Smaragd' shrub is an evergreen form of Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd', also known as Emerald Green arborvitae. This product is supplied as a shrub, not as a standard tree. Its compact, upright and narrowly conical habit gives it a clear, close-knit outline in the garden. The green foliage usually remains green through winter, so the shrub keeps its colour when many other plants have lost their leaves. It can reach a mature height of about 4 metres; no mature width is specified. The name 'Smaragd' identifies the cultivar, while the shrub form describes the plant offered here. This distinction matters when choosing a plant for a particular garden use: the upright, narrow-conical outline is the feature to consider, rather than a standard tree shape. The flowers are inconspicuous and yellow-green, and the product data also describes the plant as fruit-bearing without giving further details. Thuja 'Smaragd' may suit a hedge, a specimen position or group planting. Its evergreen foliage and defined shape make it useful where a steady green presence is wanted in the garden. To explore the wider range, see Thuja.
Key features of Emerald Green arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd') as a shrub
- This is a compact, upright and narrowly conical evergreen shrub. Its green foliage stays green through winter in most conditions. The outline gives the plant a distinct form without needing to describe it as a tree.
- Flowering is inconspicuous, with yellow-green flowers in March and April. The flowers are a small seasonal feature rather than a prominent display. No further details about their appearance are specified.
- Choose a position in sun or partial shade. These are the stated light conditions for this Thuja 'Smaragd' shrub. Consider how the upright, narrow-conical shape will sit among the other plants and features in the garden.
- For the soil, choose humus-rich, well-drained ground that remains slightly moist. Avoid prolonged drought and wet, poorly drained soil. This evergreen shrub is listed with other evergreen shrubs, but the soil conditions given here apply to this plant.
Uses for Thuja 'Smaragd' shrub in the garden
- For a hedge, the shrub’s upright, narrow-conical habit provides a clear vertical outline. Its green evergreen foliage keeps that outline present through the seasons. The product information identifies hedge planting as a suitable use.
- As a specimen, this Thuja 'Smaragd' shrub can be considered for a position where its compact, defined shape can be seen. Its evergreen green foliage adds a consistent colour to the garden, including in winter. No specific planting position or spacing is prescribed.
- Group planting is another stated use. Several shrubs can bring the same upright, narrow-conical form into a garden scheme, while the evergreen foliage maintains a green presence. The product data does not specify a planting pattern or a number of plants.
- The plant is listed as hardy to USDA zone 4, with a temperature indication of -34.4°C to -28.9°C. This hardiness information can help when comparing plants for a garden. No additional claim about performance in particular UK conditions is made.
The main garden value of this shrub is its green evergreen foliage and compact, upright, narrow-conical outline. Use it as a hedge, as a specimen or in group planting, choosing the role that best suits the shape you want in the garden.
