Species

Thuja occidentalisEastern Arborvitae Northern White Cedar

25 other cultivars

shrubN. America Native

Holiday Gnome Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'Holiday Gnome'

The Story

Plant Bio

Evergreen conifer with scale-like leaves arranged in flat sprays. Foliage is aromatic when crushed. Tolerant of a range of soils but prefers moist, well-drained conditions.

A dwarf, globe-shaped cultivar with a very dense, compact habit and bright green foliage. Maintains its form with little to no pruning. Excellent for containers, rock gardens, or as a low hedge.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round greenery and a formal appearance, perfect for hedges and screens.

Acts as a windbreak and noise buffer in urban and rural landscapes.

Supports local bird populations with shelter and nesting sites.

SpeciesThuja occidentalisEastern Arborvitae Northern White Cedar

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

30 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

50+ years

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Contains thujone; toxic to pets if ingested. Can cause skin irritation.

Planting

How to Grow

Select a well-drained location with full sun exposure.
Tuck seedlings or cuttings into prepared soil, ensuring roots are covered.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil around roots.
Maintain consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.
Apply mulch around base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Prune lightly in early spring to maintain shape and remove dead branches.

Pro Tip

Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues and promote healthy growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly, especially during dry periods 🌱
Prune in early spring to shape and remove dead wood
Mulch annually to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature

Don't

Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
Don’t prune heavily in late summer or fall
Avoid planting in poorly drained soils

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Plant
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Evergreen privacy hedgeSculptural specimen in garden bedsFoundation planting

Companion Plants

Juniper Boxwood Lavender Roses Hostas

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Holiday Gnome Arborvitae questions

What zones can Holiday Gnome Arborvitae grow in?

Holiday Gnome Arborvitae is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Holiday Gnome Arborvitae deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Holiday Gnome Arborvitae, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

Does Holiday Gnome Arborvitae need full sun?

Holiday Gnome Arborvitae does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.