Species

Thuja occidentalisEastern Arborvitae Northern White Cedar

31 other cultivars

shrubN. America Native

Pancake arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'Pancake'

$36.95

The Story

Plant Bio

Thuja occidentalis, commonly known as American arborvitae, is a cold-hardy coniferous evergreen native to the moist soils of eastern and central Canada and the northern United States. In its wild form, this species grows as a conical tree, providing dense year-round cover and nesting sites for local songbirds and small mammals.

'Concesarini' is a dwarf, ultra-low selection distinguished by its flat-topped, mounding habit and fine-textured, scale-like foliage that forms dense, layered sprays. The leaves emerge deep sage-green in spring and summer before transitioning to a rich blue-green with bronze tints during the winter months.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a unique, ultra-low, flat-topped evergreen structure with fine-textured blue-green foliage.

Serves as an excellent low-maintenance groundcover or border edger that requires virtually no pruning.

Offers dense year-round nesting cover and protective shelter for small songbirds and mammals.

SpeciesThuja occidentalisEastern Arborvitae Northern White Cedar

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

35"

Width

71"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Prefers high atmospheric moisture

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Plants By Mail

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$36.95

Fast Growing Trees

In Stock$92.95

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained loamy soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with native soil, tamp down gently to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly to settle the roots.
Apply a two-inch layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, keeping the mulch clear of the main stem.

Pro Tip

Clean out dead inner needles annually to prevent moisture retention and fungal tip blight within the dense canopy. Avoid shearing hard into old, leafless brown wood, as this conifer cannot regenerate new growth from bare stems.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry spells to maintain consistent soil moisture.
Clear out accumulated dead needles from the interior of the dense mound each year.
Provide light afternoon shade if planting in hot summer climates.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained soils or areas prone to standing water.
Do not prune back into bare, leafless wood where new growth cannot regenerate.
Do not allow the plant to dry out completely, as it has low drought tolerance.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Spring Cleanup
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rock gardensFoundation plantingsLow borders and edgingMass groundcover plantings

Companion Plants

Heuchera Juniperus horizontalis Acer palmatum Picea abies

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Pancake arborvitae questions

What zones can Pancake arborvitae grow in?

Pancake 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 Pancake arborvitae deer resistant?

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

When does Pancake arborvitae bloom?

Pancake arborvitae typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Pancake arborvitae need full sun?

Pancake arborvitae does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.