Eastern Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Sting'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
120 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7
Water
Moderate, drought tolerant once established
Humidity
Prefers moderate humidity
Lifespan
50+ years
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Thuja occidentalis 'Sting' is a compact, evergreen conifer with dense, scale-like foliage forming a narrow, upright column. It features a vibrant green color that remains consistent year-round. This cultivar is particularly valued for its slow growth and tidy, columnar form, making it ideal for small gardens, hedge screens, and architectural landscape accents.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a sunny location with well-drained soil.
- Tuck seeds or cuttings into the soil, 6 weeks before last frost.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil.
- Mulch around the base to conserve 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 to prevent root rot, especially in wet climates.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Prune to maintain shape in late winter
- Apply mulch annually to retain moisture
Don't
- Overwater to avoid root rot ❌
- Heavy pruning in late summer ❌
- Plant in shady areas ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
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
Eastern Arborvitae questions
What zones can Eastern Arborvitae grow in?
Eastern 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 Eastern Arborvitae deer resistant?
Yes — Eastern Arborvitae is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Eastern Arborvitae bloom?
Eastern Arborvitae typically blooms in late fall through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Eastern Arborvitae need full sun?
Eastern Arborvitae does best in full sun (6+ hours).
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
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Eastern 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.
