Brabant Arborvitae, American Arborvitae 'Brabant', Eastern White Cedar 'Brabant', Northern White Cedar 'Brabant'
Thuja occidentalis ‘Brabant’ is a versatile, fast-growing evergreen shrub, ideal for gardeners seeking a robust and dense plant for privacy, wind protection, or as a decorative element in the landscape. Its adaptability and low maintenance make it a popular choice for a variety of garden settings.
Thuja occidentalis ‘Brabant’ is a popular and hardy cultivar of the Eastern Arborvitae, widely used in landscaping for its rapid growth and dense foliage. ‘Brabant’ is characterized by its dense, bright green foliage and upright, conical growth habit. This cultivar is known for its fast-growing nature and pyramidal shape, making it a favorite for hedges and privacy screens.
Native: Thuja occidentalis is native to North America. It is predominantly found in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. This species naturally occurs in wet forests, swamps, and along lake shores, thriving in cool, moist, well-drained environments.
Plant Type and Habit: It is an evergreen conifer with a naturally pyramidal to conical shape. ‘Brabant’ is noted for its vertical growth and dense branching.
Size: ‘Brabant’ can reach about 12-15 feet in height (3.6 to 4.5 meters) and 8-10 feet in width (2.4 to 3 meters), making it a medium-sized Arborvitae ideal for various landscape uses.
Foliage: The foliage is a vibrant green, which remains lush throughout the year. The leaves are scale-like and densely packed, adding to the plant’s full appearance.
Bark: The bark is reddish-brown, relatively smooth, and becomes more textured with age.
Uses: Ideal for creating privacy screens, hedges, windbreaks, or as a specimen plant. Its fast growth rate and dense foliage make it an excellent choice for quick landscape impact.
Award: Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 3-7, it can withstand cold winters and a range of environmental conditions.
Wildlife: American arborvitae provides nesting sites for songbirds, as well as cover, especially in the winter, for deer, which both feed on the branches and use them for shelter from the cold.
Toxicity: Generally considered non-toxic to humans and animals.
Deer and Rabbit: May suffer some damage from deer and rabbits, especially in areas where these animals are prevalent.
Invasiveness: This cultivar is not considered invasive and typically stays within its planted boundaries.
Benefits: Offers rapid growth and year-round privacy, is easy to maintain, and its dense growth habit makes it suitable for a variety of landscaping needs.
Light: Thrives in full sun but can also grow well in partial shade. Full sun exposure leads to denser foliage growth. Usually appreciates some light afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Protect from drying winds, especially when young.
Soil: Adaptable to a wide range of soils but prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Tolerates clay soils.
Water: Regular watering is important, especially for young plants and in dry conditions. Avoid extreme dry soil in the fall, which can cause the evergreen foliage to dry out in winter.
Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Over-fertilization can harm the plant, so follow the recommended rates.
Pruning: Little to no pruning is required. Prune for shaping or size control in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Avoid heavy pruning.
Mulch: Provide a generous root zone mulch.
Propagation: Propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.
Pests and Diseases: Watch for bagworms, spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Leaf tips may suffer damage from leaf miners. Canker can sometimes pose a problem. Fungal diseases like root rot can occur in poorly drained soils. Good air circulation and proper planting depth help prevent these issues.
Hardiness |
3 - 7 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 7 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Conifers, Trees |
Plant Family | Cupressaceae |
Genus | Thuja |
Common names | American Arborvitae, Northern White Cedar, Arborvitae, Eastern White Cedar |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 12' - 15' (3.7m - 4.6m) |
Spread | 8' - 10' (240cm - 3m) |
Spacing | 96" - 120" (240cm - 3m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Plant of Merit |
Tolerance | Clay Soil, Wet Soil |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard |
Hardiness |
3 - 7 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 7 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Conifers, Trees |
Plant Family | Cupressaceae |
Genus | Thuja |
Common names | American Arborvitae, Northern White Cedar, Arborvitae, Eastern White Cedar |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 12' - 15' (3.7m - 4.6m) |
Spread | 8' - 10' (240cm - 3m) |
Spacing | 96" - 120" (240cm - 3m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Plant of Merit |
Tolerance | Clay Soil, Wet Soil |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard |
How many Thuja occidentalis ‘Brabant’ (American Arborvitae) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Thuja occidentalis ‘Brabant’ (American Arborvitae) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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