Also known as Arborvitae · 3.3k saves
Thuja
Thuja, the genus most gardeners know as arborvitae. We track 53 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Thuja varieties
See all 53 Thuja varieties →Search this genus →
2 species of Thuja
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Thuja in Sow
Save the Thuja you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Thuja
Whats common across all Thuja varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them.
The Thuja year
- FertilizeApril80% of varieties
Apply balanced, slow-release fertilizer as new growth begins
- PruneMarch and July78% of varieties
Lightly shear or shape in late winter/early spring; avoid cutting into old wood
- MulchApril and November68% of varieties
Maintain 2-3 inches of mulch to retain moisture and regulate temperature
- Check for PestsJune–August65% of varieties
Inspect for bagworms and spider mites, especially in hot, dry weather.
- PlantApril, May, October and November63% of varieties
Plant in early spring or early fall for best establishment
- Winter PrepNovember and December43% of varieties
Tie up branches loosely with twine to prevent snow/ice damage and splitting
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Mulch annually to conserve moisture
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Apply mulch annually to conserve moisture
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering ❌
- Don’t prune in late summer
- Don’t prune in late summer or fall
What goes wrong with Thuja
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky honeydew on foliage | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Bagworms | Webbing and defoliation | Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or remove manually |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on foliage, stippled or yellowing needles. | Spray forcefully with water to dislodge them. Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil for heavier infestations. |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on foliage | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning needles | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root Rot | Wilting, browning of foliage | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Cedar-Apple Rust | Orange spots on foliage | Remove infected leaves and apply fungicide |
Making more Thuja
Cuttings
- Select healthy semi-hardwood stems in late summer.
- Cut 4-6 inch segments and remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone and plant in moist soil.
- Keep soil moist and place in indirect sunlight.
- Roots develop in 6 weeks.
Layering
- Choose a low-growing branch in early spring.
- Wound the stem slightly and bury a section in soil.
- Secure with a pin or stone.
- Water regularly and wait for roots to form in 3-6 months.
Thuja questions
How many types of Thuja are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 53 distinct Thuja varieties. The most popular — ranked by 3.3k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Thuja grow in?
Across its varieties, Thuja covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Thuja bloom?
Most Thuja varieties bloom in spring, late spring, late summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Thuja should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.