Species

Thuja occidentalisEastern Arborvitae Northern White Cedar

31 other cultivars

treeN. America Native

Dark Green Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'Nigra'

$29.95

The Story

Plant Bio

Thuja occidentalis is a cold-hardy evergreen conifer native to the wetlands and forests of northeastern and north-central North America. The species naturally develops a dense, pyramidal form composed of flattened sprays of scale-like foliage that provide valuable year-round shelter for nesting songbirds.

'Nigra' is distinguished by its deep, dark green foliage that resists the typical winter browning or bronzing common to other arborvitae cultivars. This selection maintains a tight, narrow, and upright pyramidal habit, making it highly effective for dense privacy screens and formal hedges.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a dense, dark green, upright architectural form that retains its color throughout the winter without browning.

Functions as a highly effective windbreak, noise barrier, or privacy screen due to its tight, pyramidal growth habit.

Offers excellent year-round nesting sites, thermal cover, and roosting shelter for songbirds and small mammals.

SpeciesThuja occidentalisEastern Arborvitae Northern White Cedar

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

360"

Width

120"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Mildly toxic to pets and livestock

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Garden Goods Direct

In Stock$29.95

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the root flare sits level with the surrounding soil grade.
Backfill with native soil, tamp down gently to remove air pockets, and water deeply to settle the roots.
Apply a three-inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk, to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Pro Tip

Never shear back into the bare, brown interior wood, as this plant lacks latent buds on old stems and will not regenerate. Plant in full sun to maintain maximum foliage density and prevent the lower branches from thinning out.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first two growing seasons to establish a deep root system.
Provide supplemental irrigation during prolonged dry summer spells once established.
Apply a balanced, slow-release evergreen fertilizer in early spring if growth appears sluggish.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, leafless wood, as the plant cannot regenerate from bare stems.
Avoid planting in deep shade, which causes lower branches to die back and creates gaps.
Do not plant near roadsides where heavy winter de-icing salts are applied.

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

Privacy ScreenHedgeSpecimen PlantingWindbreakFoundation Planting

Companion Plants

Pinus strobus Hydrangea arborescens Physocarpus opulifolius

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Dark Green Arborvitae questions

What zones can Dark Green Arborvitae grow in?

Dark Green 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 Dark Green Arborvitae deer resistant?

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

When does Dark Green Arborvitae bloom?

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

Does Dark Green Arborvitae need full sun?

Dark Green Arborvitae does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.