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Thuja occidentalis 'Little Gem'

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
THU-ya ock-sih-den-TAH-liss
Description

'Little Gem' is a dwarf Arborvitae cultivar that is dense, flattened, and broadly globular. It generally matures to only about 3' tall and up to 6' wide over the first 10 years. It holds its dark green color in winter although it may bronze somewhat. This plant is frequently damaged by deer.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Thuja occidentalis.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#cpp
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#cpp
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Thuja
    Species:
    occidentalis
    Family:
    Cupressaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    US
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Needled Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Dense
    Rounded
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    6-feet-12 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Needled Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Rough
    Leaf Type:
    Needles
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Glossy dark green leaves; crumpled, crowded, flat sprays held at various angles; thin, horizontal, spreading branches.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Lawn
    Small Space
    Landscape Theme:
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Border