North Pole Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'North Pole'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
144 inches
Width
48 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
50+ years
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested, skin irritant
The Story
Plant Bio
A conical, evergreen tree native to eastern North America, commonly known as American arborvitae or white cedar. It features scale-like leaves in flat sprays and is widely used in landscaping for hedges and screens. A cultivar selected for its exceptionally narrow, columnar habit and tight, upright growth. It maintains its rich green foliage color well through winter, making it an excellent choice for vertical accents, formal screens, or container plantings in tight spaces.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck a few inches of compost into planting site for rich soil
- Dig a hole twice as wide as root ball and same depth
- Place plant in hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Water regularly during first growing season, about once a week
- Prune lightly to maintain shape in late winter
Pro Tip
Ensure excellent drainage and avoid heavy clay soils for best growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry periods 🌱
- Prune to maintain shape in late winter
- Mulch annually to conserve moisture
Don't
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t fertilize late in the season to prevent new growth that could be damaged by frost
- Refrain from heavy pruning during the growing season
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
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
North Pole Arborvitae questions
What zones can North Pole Arborvitae grow in?
North Pole 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 North Pole Arborvitae deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse North Pole Arborvitae, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does North Pole Arborvitae bloom?
North Pole Arborvitae typically blooms in early spring through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does North Pole Arborvitae need full sun?
North Pole Arborvitae does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Thuja to compare
Green Giant Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Green Giant'
Emerald Green Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald Green'
Emerald Green Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd Emerald'
American Pillar Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'American Pillar'
Degroot's Spire Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Degroot'
Eastern Arborvitae Western Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Columbia'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow North Pole Arborvitae with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
