Description
Thuja occidentalis 'Great Star' shrub 30-40 cm C2 | Western arborvitae 'Great Star'
The western arborvitae shrub is Western arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Great Star'), an evergreen conifer with green foliage. This particular shrub has a compact, upright growth habit, giving it a defined outline throughout the year. Its form makes it distinct from other forms of Western arborvitae and suitable for several garden uses, including specimen planting, groups, hedging and containers. The product data describes it as low maintenance, offering an evergreen structure without a need for elaborate care claims. No mature height or width is specified, so its eventual size should not be assumed from this description. The name 'Great Star' is the cultivar name. For more plants in the same genus, explore Thuja.
Key features of Western arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Great Star') as a shrub
- This is a compact, upright-growing evergreen shrub. Its green foliage gives it a defined outline that remains in the garden through the year. No precise growth rate or mature dimensions are supplied.
- Choose a position in sun or partial shade. The soil should be well drained, humus-rich and lightly moist. Good drainage is particularly important in the UK, where winters can be wet.
- The soil should not become waterlogged, and prolonged drought is not suitable. This hardy conifer shrub is described as low maintenance, but its hardiness does not remove the need for reliably well-drained ground. Find more options among conifers.
Uses of the western arborvitae shrub in the garden
- Use this compact, upright shrub as a specimen to add a clear evergreen feature. It can also be planted in a group, where its green foliage and defined outline contribute to a consistent garden structure.
- The supplied uses also include hedging and growing in a pot. These options make it possible to consider the shrub for different garden settings, without assuming a particular planting distance or container size.
- It is hardy to -34.4°C to -28.9°C, within USDA zone 3. This stated hardiness should be considered alongside its need for well-drained soil, especially in wet winter conditions.
- For planting combinations, choose other plants suited to similar light and soil conditions. No specific companion plants are supplied, so a particular pairing cannot be recommended here.
The green evergreen foliage and compact, upright shrub outline provide year-round structure. Consider it for specimen, group, hedge or pot use where its stated growing conditions can be met.
