Description
Thuja occidentalis 'DeGroots Spire' shrub 30-35 cm C2 | Northern white-cedar
Thuja occidentalis 'DeGroots Spire' shrub is a Northern white-cedar for a garden that needs a clear vertical feature. This shrub form has a narrow, upright, columnar outline, so it draws the eye upwards rather than suggesting a broad, spreading shape. Its green foliage stays on the plant through the year, giving it an evergreen presence in a British garden. The average mature height is around 400 cm; no mature width is specified, so allow for the plant to develop without relying on an assumed measurement. The cultivar name is 'DeGroots Spire'. This is the shrub form of the cultivar, rather than a general tree-form description. Its simple combination of green foliage and a narrow, upright habit makes it suitable where a vertical accent is wanted. It may also be considered for a narrow garden, where its columnar shape can add height to the planting. Northern white-cedar is also known as arborvitae or white cedar. For more plants in the same genus, see Thuja. The product information records fruit-bearing, but does not give details of the fruit, so no further fruit characteristics are specified.
Key features of Northern white-cedar (Thuja occidentalis 'DeGroots Spire') as a shrub
- Habit and height: This shrub form is narrow, upright and columnar, giving the garden a distinct vertical line. Its average mature height is around 400 cm. A mature width is not provided, so the outline should not be treated as a promise of a particular final size.
- Foliage: The foliage is green and evergreen, keeping its colour through the seasons. No specific leaf shape, leaf size or seasonal colour change is given in the product information.
- Position: Choose a position in sun or partial shade. The upright form can provide a vertical accent in a garden where that shape is wanted, without making an assumption about the space it will need as it matures.
- Soil: It prefers moist, humus-rich soil that drains well. Good drainage matters, while prolonged dry conditions may be a concern. Consider the soil’s moisture and drainage when deciding whether the site is suitable.
- Hardiness and weather: The product information gives a hardiness rating of USDA zones 3–7. It also notes that dry conditions or wind may cause browning of the foliage, so it should not be described as wind-resistant. It can be viewed alongside other evergreen shrubs.
Uses of Thuja occidentalis 'DeGroots Spire' shrub in the garden
- Vertical accent: Use the shrub form as a specimen where an upright feature would suit the planting. Its narrow, columnar habit creates a vertical point of interest, while the green foliage remains evergreen. No particular planting distance or mature width is specified.
- Group planting or hedge: The product information also lists group planting and hedge use. The upright outline can add a repeated vertical effect when used in these ways. It does not provide spacing, hedge dimensions or a claim about how quickly a hedge will form.
- Pot use: A pot is another stated use for this shrub. The product information does not specify a suitable pot size, so no particular container dimensions can be recommended. Its evergreen foliage and upright shape remain the key features to consider for this use.
- Hardiness: The stated hardiness is USDA zone 3–7, with a temperature range of −40°C to −17.8°C. Treat this as product information, not a guarantee of performance in every British garden or in every local site condition.
- Plant combinations: No companion plants are specified. If combining it with other plants, choose options suited to sun or partial shade and to moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Avoid assuming that plants with different site needs will thrive beside it.
With its green, evergreen foliage and narrow, upright shape, Thuja occidentalis 'DeGroots Spire' shrub offers a vertical feature for a specimen position, group planting, a hedge or a pot. Check that the chosen position and soil conditions suit the plant, and bear in mind the noted risk of browning during prolonged dryness or in windy conditions.
