Description
Thuja occidentalis 'Brabant' shrub 20-30 cm C1 | Brabant arborvitae
The Brabant arborvitae shrub is an evergreen conifer with a distinct shrub habit. Its botanical name is Thuja occidentalis 'Brabant'. Supplied as a shrub, it grows upright with dense branching and a conical outline, rather than as a tree-form specimen. Its green foliage stays on the plant throughout the year, giving UK gardens lasting green structure. This cultivar is fast-growing and can tolerate pruning. Its average mature height is 500 cm, or about 5 m; this is an average, not a guaranteed final size. No mature width is specified. The flowers are not a main ornamental feature, so the plant is valued chiefly for its evergreen foliage and clear form. It can be used for hedging, as a specimen or in group planting. For a wider choice of plants in this form, explore Thuja.
Key features of Brabant arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Brabant') as a shrub
- This product is a densely branched, upright, conical evergreen shrub. Its bushy outline gives it a distinct shrub form, rather than the appearance of a tree-form specimen.
- The foliage is green and evergreen, providing colour and structure through the year. No specific leaf shape or foliage texture is stated.
- Choose a position in full sun or partial shade. These are the supplied light conditions for the shrub.
- It prefers fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Free drainage is especially important in the UK’s often wet conditions; avoid prolonged waterlogging.
- The shrub grows quickly and tolerates pruning. Its flowers are listed as yellow-green and brown, appearing in March and April, but flowering is not identified as a key ornamental feature. See more coniferous shrubs.
Uses of the Brabant arborvitae shrub in the garden
- Use this shrub for hedging, where its dense branching and conical growth contribute a clear evergreen outline. Its fast growth is a relevant feature when choosing it for this role.
- As a specimen, the upright, conical habit gives the shrub a defined form within the garden. Its green evergreen foliage continues to provide structure throughout the year.
- Group planting is another stated use. Repeated shrubs can provide a consistent green presence without relying on flowers for their main ornamental effect.
- The supplied hardiness is down to -40°C (USDA zone 3). This rating does not remove the need to consider local site and soil conditions, especially the importance of good drainage.
- The shrub can be combined with other garden planting. No specific companion plants or plant groups are listed, so choose companions to suit your own garden design.
With its evergreen foliage and densely branched, conical shrub form, Brabant arborvitae offers year-round green structure for hedging, specimen planting or groups.
