Species

Thuja occidentalisEastern Arborvitae Northern White Cedar

25 other cultivars

treeN. America Native

Smaragd Emerald Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd Emerald'

The Story

Plant Bio

Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd Emerald' is an evergreen conifer with dense, narrow, columnar growth and bright green foliage that maintains its color throughout the year, forming a striking vertical accent in gardens.

This cultivar is prized for its vibrant emerald-green foliage and excellent tolerance for pruning, making it ideal for formal hedges and topiary designs.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round greenery and structure, ideal for formal and modern landscapes.

Drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal watering.

Supports local bird populations with dense foliage for nesting.

SpeciesThuja occidentalisEastern Arborvitae Northern White Cedar

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

144 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Moderate, drought-tolerant once established

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

50+ years

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring – Late fall

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a sunny location with well-drained soil.
Tuck seeds or cuttings into soil, water thoroughly.
Maintain consistent moisture for 2 weeks after planting.
Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Prune lightly in late winter to shape the shrub.

Pro Tip

Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering for best results.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
Prune to maintain shape in late winter
Mulch to conserve moisture

Don't

Avoid overwatering ❌
Don’t prune in late summer
Avoid planting in poorly drained soil

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 hedgeStructure in formal gardensSculptural focal point

Companion Plants

Hostas Lavender Boxwood Junipers Daylilies

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Smaragd Emerald Arborvitae questions

What zones can Smaragd Emerald Arborvitae grow in?

Smaragd Emerald Arborvitae is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Smaragd Emerald Arborvitae deer resistant?

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

When does Smaragd Emerald Arborvitae bloom?

Smaragd Emerald Arborvitae typically blooms in late spring through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Smaragd Emerald Arborvitae need full sun?

Smaragd Emerald Arborvitae does best in full sun (6+ hours).