Little Giant Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Little Giant'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
48 inches
Width
48 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
50+ years
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Mildly toxic if ingested; foliage may cause skin irritation.
The Story
Plant Bio
Dwarf evergreen with a compact, rounded habit, ideal for smaller landscapes. This cultivar is a slow-growing selection of Thuja occidentalis, making it perfect for low-maintenance gardens.
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 for planting.
- Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
- Tuck roots into the hole, fill with soil, and water thoroughly.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots.
- Prune lightly in early spring to maintain shape and remove dead branches.
Pro Tip
Use acidic to neutral soil and provide consistent moisture for optimal growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Prune to maintain shape in early spring
- Mulch annually to conserve moisture
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don't prune in late fall to avoid stressing the plant
- Avoid planting in poorly drained soils
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| 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
Little Giant Arborvitae questions
What zones can Little Giant Arborvitae grow in?
Little Giant 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 Little Giant Arborvitae deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Little Giant Arborvitae, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
Does Little Giant Arborvitae need full sun?
Little Giant 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
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Grow Little Giant 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.
