Description
Thuja occidentalis 'Tiny Tim' shrub 20-30 cm C1 | Western arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Tiny Tim' shrub is a compact, rounded form of Western arborvitae, the UK common name for Thuja occidentalis. The cultivar name is ‘Tiny Tim’, and this product is supplied as a shrub rather than another form of the species. Its contained, rounded outline gives it a low silhouette, with an average mature height of 60 cm. The foliage is green and evergreen, so the shrub retains its foliage through the year. This makes its compact shape and green colour the main features to consider when choosing a small conifer for a garden. It is also described as low-maintenance. The plant belongs to the Thuja genus. Its shrub form is suited to uses where a contained evergreen feature is wanted, including a pot, a border or a rock garden. No mature width is specified, so allow for the plant’s eventual spread to be assessed from the information supplied with the product rather than assuming a particular size. The description also provides no details of flowering or other seasonal colour, so its stated ornamental appeal is its evergreen green foliage and compact, rounded growth habit.
Key features of Western arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Tiny Tim') as a shrub
- This is an evergreen conifer shrub with green foliage. Its foliage remains evergreen, while no more specific foliage shape or texture is stated. The compact, rounded outline is a defining feature of this shrub form.
- Choose a position in sun or partial shade. Both aspects are suitable, giving you options when considering where its rounded form will work in a UK garden. No more specific aspect preference is provided.
- The soil should be moist, humus-rich and well drained. Good drainage matters: the shrub does not tolerate waterlogged soil or prolonged drought. These requirements are useful to bear in mind when considering a border, rock garden or pot.
- At an average mature height of 60 cm, this is a small, contained shrub rather than a tall feature. Its green evergreen foliage and rounded silhouette can provide a steady visual presence. It is listed among conifer shrubs, and no growth rate is specified.
Uses of the Thuja occidentalis 'Tiny Tim' shrub in the garden
- Use this compact shrub in a border where a low, rounded evergreen feature is wanted. Its average mature height is 60 cm, so the stated size gives a useful guide to its height at maturity. No mature width is supplied.
- A rock garden is another stated use for this shrub form. Its contained silhouette makes it possible to include it as a small evergreen feature. The suitability of a particular site will depend on providing the moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil it requires.
- The shrub is also suitable for a pot. Its compact, rounded form gives it a clear outline as a container feature, while its green foliage remains evergreen. Keep in mind its stated need for moist, well-drained soil and its intolerance of prolonged drought or waterlogged conditions.
- It can be grown as a specimen, where its individual rounded outline can be seen. The stated hardiness is -34°C to -29°C (USDA zone 4). This is the supplied hardiness range; it does not mean that every UK garden has the same growing conditions.
With green evergreen foliage and a compact, rounded shrub form, ‘Tiny Tim’ offers a small feature for a pot, border or rock garden, or a specimen position. Its average mature height of 60 cm helps you judge the scale of that role, while its soil and aspect needs provide practical points to consider when choosing a site.
