Thuja occidentalis 'Little Gem'

'Little Gem' arborvitae is a dwarf, needled evergreen shrub in the cypress family (Cupressaceae). It is a cultivar of the American arborvitae. 

This shrub is widely adaptable to a variety of soil types and is tolerant of alkaline soil. It does not tolerate dry or exposed, windy sites. It grows well in full sun or dappled sunlight. Avoid full shade, though, or the foliage will thin out dramatically.

‘Little Gem’ arborvitae’s foliage is an attractive deep green with scale-like leaves in dense, flat sprays that hold their color well through cold winters—although they may bronze somewhat. Its shape is dense, flattened, and broadly globular. It generally matures to only about 3 feet tall and up to 6 feet wide over the first 10 years. 

The dwarf ‘Little Gem’ is ideal in lawns or small spaces. It can also be used as an accent or in a border planting. Its deep green color makes it a good choice for a winter garden.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Damage from deer browsing can be a serious problem. Leaf miners may damage leaf tips. Bagworms, mealy bugs, scales, and spider mites are occasional visitors. Canker can occasionally be a problem.

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

More information on Thuja occidentalis.