Filters

Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'

Welcome to the enduring beauty of Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd', also known as the white cedar 'Smaragd', a distinguished cultivar cherished for its elegant, conical shape and vibrant, emerald green foliage. This esteemed conifer, which does not flower, is a splendid choice for those seeking a low-maintenance yet striking addition to their garden. Its dense growth habit and rich coloration throughout the year make the 'Smaragd' a preferred selection for creating lush, evergreen hedges that offer privacy and a touch of sophistication to any landscape.

Winter hardiness
Very winter hardy

Pruning
Once a year

Growth rate
20-40 cm per year

Visual barrier
Moderately obscuring

Position
Shade, partial shade, sun

Maintenance
Low maintenance

2+ £11.90

50+ £11.30

100+ £11.00

200+ £10.70

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
60-80

Planting distance per meter
3

10.70

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £12.70

50+ £12.05

100+ £11.75

200+ £11.45

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
80-100

Planting distance per meter
3

11.45

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £15.15

50+ £14.40

100+ £14.00

200+ £13.65

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
100-120

Planting distance per meter
2,5

13.65

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £27.65

25+ £26.30

50+ £25.60

100+ £24.90

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
120-140

Planting distance per meter
2,5

24.90

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £35.20

25+ £33.45

50+ £32.55

100+ £31.65

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
140-160

Planting distance per meter
2,5

31.65

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £46.35

25+ £44.00

50+ £42.85

100+ £41.70

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
160-180

Planting distance per meter
2

41.70

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £60.25

25+ £57.20

50+ £55.70

100+ £54.20

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
180-200

Planting distance per meter
2

54.20

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £90.40

25+ £85.90

50+ £83.65

100+ £81.35

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
200-225

Planting distance per meter
2

81.35

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'

The white cedar, known in botanical circles as Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd', is an exquisite conifer that brings year-round verdancy to any landscape. This cultivar is cherished for its vibrant green foliage and elegant, pyramidal shape. Whether planted as a stately solitary specimen or as part of a lush, living fence, the 'Smaragd' variety offers a touch of sophistication and robustness to gardens across a range of climates.

Among the Thujas, 'Smaragd' stands out for its resilience and low maintenance, making it an ideal choice for gardeners seeking beauty without the need for constant care.

Key Features

The Thuja 'Smaragd' is highly prized for its exceptional winter hardiness, withstanding temperatures as low as -40°C (USDA zone 3), making it a reliable choice for gardeners in cooler regions.
As an evergreen, the 'Smaragd' retains its lush greenery throughout the seasons, from the fresh hues of spring to the deep tones of winter.
This variety does not flower, which allows it to maintain a consistent visual density year-round, making it an excellent choice for privacy hedges.
Its moderate growth rate of 20 to 40 centimeters per year ensures that it remains manageable, while still achieving a respectable height for screening purposes.
The Thuja 'Smaragd' is versatile enough to adapt to all well-drained soil types and thrives in a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade.
While it naturally grows in a well-shaped, conical form, it only requires minimal pruning once a year to refine its silhouette.

Tips

When planting Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' as a hedge, space the root balls approximately 70-80 centimeters apart to allow for ample growth and a seamless, dense barrier.
Despite its drought resistance being low, 'Smaragd' can thrive with a regular watering schedule, especially in well-drained soil that prevents waterlogging.
To propagate your own 'Smaragd', take semi-ripe cuttings during the growing season and plant them in a nurturing soil environment for them to establish roots successfully.
For the healthiest growth, supplement the soil with a balanced fertilizer in the spring to give your Thuja 'Smaragd' a boost after the winter months.

Ideal placement of a Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'

For Thuja emerald to flourish, it is adaptable to various lighting conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and even shade. While it can tolerate a range of soil types, it is crucial to provide well-drained soils to prevent waterlogging and ensure healthy growth. This species is resilient in extreme cold, hardy to USDA zone 3, and maintains a lush green appearance throughout the seasons. Though it is not drought-resistant, with regular watering and proper site selection, this plant will thrive with minimal maintenance.

Planting a Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'

Plant Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' in a location that offers full sun to partial shade to ensure optimal growth. A well-drained soil is imperative for the health of the plant. When planting with a root ball, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and equal in depth. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill with native soil mixed with compost to encourage establishment. Water thoroughly after planting and regularly until the plant is established, as it is not drought-resistant. This species is extremely winter hardy, tolerating temperatures down to -34.5°C, making it suitable for USDA zone 3 climates.

Pruning a Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'

Pruning of Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' is typically minimal, as this species naturally grows in a dense, conical shape. One of the charms of this plant is its low maintenance, with no regular pruning required to maintain its form. However, if shaping or size reduction is necessary, it is best to prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. When trimming, always make sure to cut just above a set of needles to encourage healthy regrowth and maintain the evergreen's lush appearance.

Watering a Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'

For Thuja 'Smaragd', maintaining consistent moisture is key, especially in the first few years after planting to establish a strong root system. Although adaptable to various soil types, it is imperative to ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging. During dry spells, it's crucial to water the hedge to avoid drought stress, as it is not drought-resistant. In winter, the plant's water needs decrease, but it's important to provide supplemental water during extreme cold spells, particularly if the ground is not frozen, to protect against desiccation.

Fertilising a Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'

To ensure the robust health and vibrant green hue of Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd', also known as emerald arborvitae, fertilization should be approached with care. These plants benefit from an annual application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreens, ideally applied in early spring to coincide with the onset of active growth. The fertilizer should be distributed evenly around the base of the plant, extending to the drip line to encourage a widespread root uptake but avoiding contact with the trunk to prevent potential damage.

As Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' is a hardy species with a strong winter resilience down to -34.5°C, a correct fertilization regimen will not only promote a lush, dense foliage but also enhance the plant's ability to withstand harsh conditions within its USDA zone 3 rating.

The characteristics of a Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'

Care for Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' extends beyond the basics of watering and sunlight. The root ball should be kept moist but not saturated to encourage healthy growth. This conifer benefits greatly from mulching, which helps to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature at the roots, ensuring the plant's lush, emerald green foliage maintains its vibrant hue throughout the growing season.

0203 455 22 48

Send an e-mail
[email protected]

Personal advice from
our specialists? We are happy to help you!