Thuja occidentalis 'Columbia'
tree

Eastern Arborvitae Western Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'Columbia'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

120 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

50+ years

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Thuja occidentalis 'Columbia' is an evergreen conifer with dense, upright, columnar growth and bright green foliage that retains its color throughout the year, forming a striking vertical feature in gardens. This cultivar is distinguished by its vibrant, golden-yellow new growth that gradually matures to a rich green, creating a dynamic contrast and visual interest in landscape designs.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides dense evergreen foliage perfect for privacy screens and windbreaks.
Practical UsesLow-maintenance shrub that tolerates drought and poor soils.
Ecological BenefitsSupports local bird populations by providing shelter.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a sunny location with well-drained soil.
  2. Tuck young plants into prepared planting holes, keeping roots moist.
  3. Water thoroughly after planting and regularly during dry spells.
  4. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  5. Prune lightly in early spring to maintain shape.
  6. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer.

Pro Tip

Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot and maintain healthy growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
  • Prune to shape in early spring
  • Apply mulch annually to retain moisture

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
  • Don’t prune in late summer to prevent stress
  • Refrain from fertilizing during drought conditions

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Privacy hedge with lush green backdropFoundation planting with year-round interestWindbreak in garden borders

Companion Plants

Japanese Maple Hostas Boxwood Lavender Daylilies

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Eastern Arborvitae Western Arborvitae questions

What zones can Eastern Arborvitae Western Arborvitae grow in?

Eastern Arborvitae Western Arborvitae is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. 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 Western Arborvitae deer resistant?

Yes β€” Eastern Arborvitae Western Arborvitae is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Eastern Arborvitae Western Arborvitae bloom?

Eastern Arborvitae Western Arborvitae typically blooms in early spring through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone β€” Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Eastern Arborvitae Western Arborvitae need full sun?

Eastern Arborvitae Western Arborvitae does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Keep exploring

Grow Eastern Arborvitae Western 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.

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